The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (December 11-14)

Chiang Mai’s biggest and best independent vinyl festival is back, this time for three days of unadulterated record digging, beat chasing and conversations with the music industry’s best. The weekend starts with a Friday free-for-all in the vinyl market, opening market doors for free (you’ll still need to pay to enter the concert stage) to dozens of vendors selling rare vinyl, CDs, cassettes and audio gear. The rest of the weekend continues in the same fashion, with talks, workshops and live performances from some of Thailand's best – peppered with a fair share of international acts too. A three-day soundtrack for collectors, casual listeners and crate-diggers, with nothing else quite like it around.

Dec 12-14. B2,290 for three days, B1,390 for one. Old Chiangmai. 2pm-late 

Chiang Mai Design Week returns with a citywide celebration of local creativity, transforming the old city, Thapae, Chang Moi and TCDC into a chaotically creative circuit of exhibitions, workshops, design landmarks, community markets and live music. Think hands-on activities, neighbourhood takeovers, experimental installations, local bands on stage and food programs rooted in Northern Thai agricultural heritage – all showcasing the skills, stories and innovations of Chiang Mai’s designers, makers and creatives. Whether you’re here for architecture, crafts, sustainability, graphic design, product design or simply a good wander, this festival opens the city in a new light and invites visitors to experience Chiang Mai’s creative spirit up close. Read our full guide here for loads more information.

Dec 7-14. Free. Various locations in Chiang Mai. Times vary

Memories of Chiang Mai are lighting up the night for a good cause with a special family-friendly circus and fire show in support of communities affected by the devastating floods in southern Thailand. Heart- and face-warming fire shows, circus antics and dazzling live performances from a collaboration of eight Thai organisations are all on the cards, including special guests, Spoon Circus, straight from the US. Every baht raised goes towards essential supplies – food, bedding, medicines and more – for those in the south who need it most. 

Dec 12. Entry by donation. Memories of Chiang Mai. 4.30pm onwards

Take Christmas to the wildside with two nights of busy markets, community fun and a sprinkling of cosy cheer. From tasty eats and drinks to gifts, souvenirs, workshops, bonfires, a pump track and even an after-party, it’s the city’s most feel-good Christmas tradition – warm, lively and packed with good people taking a day off from their usual adventure sports activities. Make an appearance and bring some cash to spend, this one’s got your seasonal shopping sorted. 

Dec 13-14. Free. Wildside Chiang Mai. 4pm-late

Yoda’s CNX Gallery turns the volume way up with a night dedicated to iconic Thai rock anthems and heavy-hitting nu-metal. Warm up with Carabao and Loso tribute sets before things get turned up to 11 when DJ Iydz and DJ Minotaur spin late into the night. Tickets are just B100 and include a drink – perfect fuel for any full-throttle Friday fans.

Dec 12. B100, includes a drink. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 9.30pm-late 

Taiwan Beats brings an immersive slice of the island’s indie culture to Chiang Mai with an exhibition you can touch, unfold, collect – and quite literally zoom into. Explore album-sculptures, monster-world storytelling kits, hip-hop tribe maps, festival memory walls, live music performances and cutting-edge XR/AR tech that reimagines how we experience music through our every sense. It’s a vivid, four-dimensional leap into the creativity shaping Taiwan’s contemporary sound, and it’s here in the city for just one week as part of the Chiang Mai Design Week exhibition. 

Dec 4-14. Free. Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre. Various times 

Chiang Mai Ho Zix turns the city into a four-day soundtrack of original anthems, showcasing 40 local artists across every genre you can dream up. From new and inspired luk thung rising stars to dream pop bands, blues, fusion jazz, northern folk and electrifying rock – it’s the ultimate chance to discover just how diverse, creative and cool Chiang Mai’s homegrown music scene truly is. Already well under way, there’s only a few days left for you to catch it. Thankfully, they’re saving the best ‘til last, kicking off with RibbindaSky at 5pm followed by local legends Aek Wild Sax, Sanimyok and Suthep Band to name a few. 

Dec 8-11. Free. UNISERV Chiang Mai University. 5pm-midnight 

This isn’t a night out, this is an alternative sober dance party that celebrates connection above the influence. Movement is the name and music, rhythm and connection is the game.  Hip hop, R&B, afrobeats, house and afro-house all weave into one seamless current of sound, sans all the usual lasers, fog and gimmicks. This one is for those who like to stay switched on when they party and let their endorphins rise with deep bass and clear minds in a room with those truly awake. Alongside the music, expect hands-on creativity with jewellery-making, pottery and crafts, plus tea, food and cosy corners to unwind when the moment calls. 

Dec 13. B200. Soul House Chiang Mai. 5pm-11pm