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Fancy swapping your usual city soundtrack for something a little more northern? POY Festival is back again – this time going bigger (and dare we say more heavenly) as they take two days of live music, DJ sets, vinyl hunting, workshops, activities and lots of good music vibes to Chiang Mai this November 14-15.
Undoubtedly the city's biggest vinyl and music festival, the event brings together an eclectic mix of performers, record collectors and creative communities for a weekend dedicated to all things musical.
This year, POY Festival is moving to a new home at Kad Dara Dhevi, where traditional Lanna architecture and northern Thai cultural heritage provide a rather spectacular backdrop for two days of musical discovery.
But POY Festival isn't just about catching your favourite acts. Stumble across a band you've never heard of, discover a new genre or simply spend an afternoon swapping musical recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.
This year's theme, 'Sound Spirit Space', celebrates the connections between music, people and places. Building on Chiang Mai's thriving independent music scene and vinyl-collecting culture, the festival brings artists, DJs, collectors and listeners of all generations together to share their passion for sound.
And there's plenty to get your ears around. Leading this year's live line-up is Thai luk thung star Hai Apaporn Nakhon Sawan, joined by alternative rock favourites Flure, indie icon Ornaree, Little Fox, Gene Mahasmut, reggae heavyweights Srirajah Rockers, HARIGUEM ZABOY, MURRPH and Chiang Mai's very own JOINJOY.
See the full artist line-up on Instagram
Beyond the main stage, the Galae Recordings DJ Stage promises a journey through different sounds and styles, with selectors spinning everything from familiar favourites to more adventurous discoveries. Vinyl lovers, meanwhile, can get their fingers dusty at the Artist Village x Tempo.wav zone, where record shops and collectors will be on hand for browsing, buying and a little crate-digging conversation.
There's plenty happening away from the speakers, too. Alongside performances at the Main Stage and Amphitheatre, festivalgoers can explore a Wine & Karaoke zone, unwind with a massage, have their fortunes told or even roll up their sleeves for a traditional northern Thai larb-making workshop.
For a particularly quirky souvenir, head to Poy Photo, where you can transform a favourite photograph into a one-of-a-kind Mini CD keepsake.
Whether you're a die-hard follower of Thailand's independent music scene, an obsessive vinyl collector or simply looking for an excuse to spend a weekend in Chiang Mai, POY Festival offers plenty of reasons to tune in. Come for the music, stay for the discoveries and soak up a little of the northern capital's creative spirit along the way.
Nov 14-15. B890 (one day), B1,390 (two days), B3,750 (three-ticket bundle). Buy here. Kad Dara Dhevi. 1pm-midnight.
For more information, visit Facebook: POY Festival.