The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (May 22-25)

Vinyl lovers rejoice for another weekend of good music, cheap vinyl and chilled out vibes. For the first time in Nimmanhaemin, the Rabbit’s Record Market comes to town, bringing with it a flea market of new and used records, accessories and other gadgets, live vinyl DJ sets and a fun atmosphere for all who enjoy music. Popular stores like Franc Haus, Hifi.day, Prachezz Shop and Thirty Records are all making an appearance alongside six DJs spinning from afternoon to midnight. Come for the records, stay for the fun.

May 24. Free. Rabitbar8, Think Park Shibuya Chiang Mai. 11am-8pm (after party at the bar until midnight)  

The Northern Bike Fest is back again this year with a larger and even better selection of vintage rides to see, trade and test ride. Meet clubs and motorcycle camps showcasing the latest models and vintage bikes for you to experience in person, including rare custom bikes, classic cars, low riders, and dedicated swap and meet zones. Additionally, Thailand’s most popular motorcycle brands will also make an appearance, where you can shop for bike accessories, spare parts, decorations, helmets and a load of vintage clothes and kicks to make your look complete. From 5pm, enjoy a huge vintage car and motorcycle show including Mario Maurer’s favourite ride even making a celebrity appearance and enjoy mini-concerts and other activities throughout the day. 

May 24-25. Free. Central Chiang Mai Airport. Midday-9pm.

Taking place one week early so that all the best pride performers can also make it to the Bangkok event one week later, Chiang Mai’s very own pride will take over the city for the coming week with events, competitions and, of course, the pride parade itself. The week begins with a seminar and workshop event, followed by elderly pride ambassador competitions, art competitions and photo contests. By Sunday, the parade takes place, winding from the Chiang Mai Religion Practice Centre all the way to Thapae Gate. The following week is then populated with a number of gender talks, fashion shows, theatre performances and a pride market selling food and items crafted by the local LGBTQI+ community. 

May 23-27. Free. Various locations, more information and schedules here.

Glom Glom is back this weekend with a free kid’s picnic event that features five incredible children’s performances, hands-on workshops and the amazing ThunderBug! Pop-Up Playground. Much like their children’s day festival, this mini-taste of their unique style is sure to amaze kids and adults alike, with interactive musician shows, sing-alongs and wild science experiments performed right before your eyes. Workshops include Forest School activities and Moving Parts play area where kids can make their own adventures. After the show, a kids’ open mic will take the event to sundown, just off the side of the amazing Sunday Walking Street market in town. 

May 25. Free (donations welcome). Lanna Architecture Centre. More information here. 4pm-7pm

If you’re a fan of Thai music artists, then head to the new Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation Park for a weekend of street food, live music and big name performances all weekend. The event starts with a lineup on Friday including artists such as Polycat, The Toys, Ink Waranthorn and Tilly Birds, followed by weekend performances by Bowkylion, Nont Tanont, Pun, Paper Planes, Proxie, Slot Machine and Jeff Satur, to name just a few. 

May 23-25. Free. Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation Park (Chalermprakiat Park). 4pm-11pm

Presented by Lanyim Theatre, this semi-political theatre performance focuses on the endless renovation, repair, digging and patching of the roads around the city. Following workers on a night shift, the story explores themes of personal struggle, memory, labour rights and the complex issues that remain hidden across the city. Presented in the form of movement performance art using materials sourced from the venue’s recent flood damage and other flood-damaged items washed up across the city. Due to the nature of the themes presented, photography and recording is not allowed.

May 23-25. Free, pre-registration here. Suan Anya. 6pm.

Bring Your Own Blanket is a new, monthly community event hosted at public parks around the city, with mellow tunes, vinyl and laid-back activities. Grab your blanket, bring your favorite drink and come chill under the trees this Saturday at the recently opened Chiang Mai Railway Station Public Park. Expect to join people listening to music, playing board games, enjoying creative pop-up workshops, spinning vinyl and just enjoying some good vibes. The event encourages you to bring your own blanket, picnic and help turn the public space into a playful, peaceful community zone.  

May 17. Free. Chiang Mai Railway Station Public Park. 4-7pm.

 Following the story of the ancient Lanna Jataka tale, Dhepsiri Creative Space invites people on a journey of theatre and puppetry that fuses classical Thai Khon with Lanna dance, music and shadow theatre. Witness a powerful reimagining through contemporary performance arts as shadows and performers follow the path of a Bodhisattva in a former life, facing the unending tide of karma and revealing the truth that even the most virtuous must reach Nirvana before they escape the endless cycle of rebirth. 

May 13-15. Free, donations welcome. Wat Pha Lat. 7-9pm.

As practice season begins, Basecamp is hosting a yard sale where keen fitness enthusiasts can trade products, items and clothing at cheap prices. The yard sale is open to all; those who may have collectibles, clothing you don't use, cool gadgets or things that you want to pass on, are all welcome to join and trade their wares. Also use the opportunity to meet and grow your network among other eager fitness enthusiasts as Chiang Mai’s only dedicated trail runner coffee shop. 

May 17-18. Free. Basecamp Coffee Club. 8.30-11.30am