The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (July 3-6)

Marriott Chiang Mai continues their voyage across global cuisine with the Flavours of Japan episode, brought to the city by Michelin Star-trained Chef Alvin Chew from Hashiri Restaurant at The Athenee Hotel. Savor his signature Japanese dishes at The Ping Cuisine and Bar for one week only – including seven kinds of premium seasonal seafood prepared with traditional Edomae techniques, standout Unagi Kabayaki eel and a curious serving of walnut soba, finished tableside with frozen walnut oil by the chef himself – a dish we’ve tried and can confirm is as delicious as it is dramatic. Chef Alvin Chew’s explorative dinner can be enjoyed a la carte until Saturday all day, with choices of per-dish or set menu options. The chapter then wraps a special Sunday brunch, while the next promises a flavour-packed journey to Korea.

Jun 28-Jul 6. B1,299 for set menu, a la carte from B290. Bookings here or walk-in. The Ping Cuisine and Bar, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. 11am-11pm. 

Refill your love for Polycat at this ‘Back to the 80s’ concert – a special night to celebrate the anniversary of The Library One Nimman. Party like it's the eighties with music from the past and modern bands that have revived the eighties spirit. Expect retro vibes, heartfelt thanks and celebration, and – of course – a live performance from synth-pop favourites Polycat, delivering a night of feel-good nostalgia. Tickets range from full tables at stage front topped with bottles of Johnny Walker Blonde to walking standing at the back or on the second floor. 

July 4. B300-350 walk-in, B1,500-2,000 for tables (seats four). The Library One Nimman. 7pm-late. 

Celebrate independence day the Deadhead way with a night of psychedelic jams, old American outfits and more butt shaking than a San Francisco parking lot in the seventies. Saturday’s Child, northern Thailand’s premier Grateful Dead dance band, takes the stage to channel the spirit of Jerry and co. through the power of cover band magic. So slip on your wildest tie-dye, let your freak flag fly and get ready to shake your bones at Seven Pounds this Friday. There’s no lack of good ol’ hijinks and all-American grooves as the band teams up with Seven Pounds to mark July 4 in the most rock-positive way possible. Just remember, if the music’s loud and the vibes are weird – you’re in the right place.

July 4. Free. Seven Pounds. 7.30pm-late.

Find yourself at Chiang Mai’s legendary establishment, Sudsanen, this weekend with a special acoustic performance and talk by the equally legendary folk musician Duangdao Deawdai. Enjoy the introspective sounds of his music, with raw lyrics, intimate vibes and a night that purposefully blends conversation with performance. Tickets are limited but bookable through Sudsanen’s Facebook page. Duangdao Deawdai is a soulful, acoustic performer, most often characterised by warm atmospheres where the audience can connect with his music on a personal level and speak to him directly.  

July 3. B200 online, B250 on the door. Sudsanen. 5pm onwards.

Deep Green returns with another night of pure psytrance, trance and other breakbeat styles, this time with an all-female lineup of international DJs. Kicking things off is China’s DJ New Darlin, setting the mood before Chiang Mai’s own Ayavi cranks up the energy. Then it’s over to headliner Catchup – also from China – to take the night into full throttle. To keep up the tempo, the afterparty at Psysquare will promise a full night of psychedelic trance to keep you occupied into the wee hours of the morning. All tickets include a free drink. 

July 6. Earlybird B300 online here, B240 at the door. Deep Green. 6pm-late.

Deep Green returns with another night of pure psytrance, trance and other breakbeat styles, this time with an all-female lineup of international DJs. Kicking things off is China’s DJ New Darlin, setting the mood before Chiang Mai’s own Ayavi cranks up the energy. Then it’s over to headliner Catchup – also from China – to take the night into full throttle. To keep up the tempo, the afterparty at Psysquare will promise a full night of psychedelic trance to keep you occupied into the wee hours of the morning. All tickets include a free drink. 

July 6. Earlybird B300 online here, B240 at the door. Deep Green. 6pm-late.

Melodic – Chiang Mai’s buzzing live‑music bar known for their eclectic lineups – turns two this weekend and they’re celebrating in style with a free live concert from legendary Thai pop-rock band Proud. Known for their heartfelt, sing-along ballads and well-known bangers, Proud will be performing a range of nostalgic hits like ‘you are my dream’ and ‘mindless days’ as well as some new sounds and takes on classics. If that’s not convincing enough, the free bar from 6pm-8pm will surely pique your interest, along with free entry and free table booking to secure the best seat in the house. Time to raise a glass or two of free tipple on Melodic’s second birthday. 

July 4. Free. Melodic CNX. 6pm-late.

One stage. Three bands. Infinite groove. That's right, this Saturday is set to be a genre-bending night of live music and performance as Thapae East hosts an eclectic (or should that be ‘electric’) lineup of Chiang Mai’s most dynamic acts – all bringing their own unique sound and soul. Start the night with an alt-dream, psychedelic set from AfterCrush, closely followed by Madame Blue for some blues and soul jamming. To round off the night and keep spirits high, Mr. Cat & Friends takes to the stage for some dance-worthy rock and roll, Lanna style. Come early, grab a drink and settle in for a night where genres collide and the groove never stops. 

July 5. B200 on the door. Thapae East. 7pm-late.

Celebrate Yoda’s first year anniversary on the old city party scene with a night packed with live music and DJs, drink promotions and celebration at Yoda’s CNX Gallery. Not just a bar, this gallery-cum-party pad has hosted some of the best local and international acts of the season to date, and is a fast growing spot on the Chiang Mai party circuit. To celebrate, the owners are putting on a show with free snacks, fun games, prizes to win and a line up of DJs that will keep your body moving. Kicking off at 7pm, see Rudeboy Charoenprathet hit the decks followed by The Boy Toy and DJ Pop Synchonize and DJ Minotaur see the night out into the early hours of the next morning. 

July 5. Free. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 7pm-late.

Mix up your usual weekend vibe by finding your inner rhythm at this secret, ecstatic dance (freeform dance and moving meditation), be cocooned with headphones and let your body be free to do as it pleases. Using carefully curated tracks, they’ll first connect the sounds you hear moving around you to your body's own intention before picking up the tempo, exploring intricate rhythms and uplifting melodies that allow you to feed off the energy and crescendo into personal expression and ecstasy. Led by a live DJ who will seamlessly mix carefully selected tracks by experienced facilitator Alan Heart, this event is as much a healing party as it is personal discovery – no phones, no alcohol, no shoes, no talking – just you in the moment. Only 25 places available and location is revealed upon payment. 

July 5. B300, limited tickets available. More information and booking here. Secret location. 6pm onwards.

If you love a good read, then this event is just for you. Packed with both Thai and English language books, the annual Chiang Mai Book Fair is back in town for ten days of book-loving fun. Stalls cover every type of book from fiction novels to non-fiction history, anime, cookery, self-help and even colouring books! Shop your favourite authors, discover new ones or simply spend an hour flicking through to spark your imagination – it’s all words at the mall this weekend, if you can handle the crowds. 

June 27-July 6. Free. Chiang Mai Hall, Central Chiang Mai Airport. 10am-9pm