The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (September 17-20)

It’s been a while since their Born Ready EP release so we’re stoked to have Sounds of Future Siam back in action, presenting their new project Post Lanna 2050 at an intimate performance in cozy doplace this Thursday. A show of Lanna infused folk sounds, song and dialect woven into their hip-hop sound that dissects local cultural identity and living heritage is on the cards, and who can deny that doesn’t sound appetisingly local. Support comes from Felix Numines so get there for doors. 

Sept 17. Free. doplace, The Goodcery Store. 7pm-10pm

We love a good degree show (aka art students exhibiting their work) and the young folks from CMU’s notoriously excellent Faculty of Fine Arts are doing just that this Friday. Hosted in the snazzy spacious lobby come gallery space at Art Mai Gallery Hotel on Nimman Soi 3, this exhibition will be a great place to scope out the freshest local talent and if you’re in the market for scoring some art to take home with you, you’ll be glad to know 100% of artwork sales are going straight in the students’ pockets. Oh and complimentary bites and refreshments will be served. 

Sept 18. Free. Art Mai Gallery Hotel, Nimman. 5pm-7pm

Check out all of Chiang Mai’s gallery events here

Pull your glad rags on, it’s the return of the most bijou monthly night in the city, 137 Pillars Trading Club. Set inside Wat Ket’s notoriously elegant hotel, 137 Pillars House, not only is it an evening of a swish evening of lively jazz, fine wine and extremely decadent grub – but a rare chance to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of the teak wood heritage building that’s stood right there since 1889. The event is held in said heritage building, now the hotel’s Parlor and Jack Bain's Bar, so understandably the dress code is ‘colonial elegance’, of course.

Sept 18. B1370. 137 Pillars House, Wat Ket. 7pm-9pm

Forget coffee raves (for this weekend at least), Friday sees the Miang Craft art collective launch a lovely new venture, Wat Ket Tea Time. The first of their new monthly tea socials, this laid back, sober event will be serving featured tea from Northern Thai forests. The teas are brewed by Gawin, a local tea maker himself, who works in the villages to bring Thai tea to the city centre. Pop along and fill your cup, literally and metaphorically.

Sept 18. Free. Deja Cafe & Gallery, Wat Ket. 7pm-10.30pm

The ever charitable legends at North Gate Jazz and sister cocktail bar North Gate Spirit do an awful lot for the city so this new events thread is bang on trend for them. Hosted at the latter, Cocktails for a Cause is a great intro to the vibrant social and changemaking community in Chiang Mai and a fab way to meet inspiring people. Each month will platform a different NGO, this edition’s speakers will be the team behind Daughter’s Rising. Pop along, order a cocktail or mocktail, hear more about their cause and bring your friends. 

Sept 19. Free. North Gate Spirit, Old City. 6pm-7.30pm

It’s a Sunday lunch like no other! We’re big fans of Mi/Zu Restaurant, the Japanese themed treat within primo hotel Onsen At Mon Cham. So this exclusive seven course collaboration has us salivating already. Join Chef Bangi Phonsakorn Jiarasatit Bank (who is visiting from Jia Tong Heng Restaurant) who’s going head to head with the lux resort’s very own Chef Tom to create a unique gastro experience amid the breathtaking mountain views of Mon Cham. Seats are limited so drop the hotel a line in advance to book your table.

Sept 20. B2290. Mi/Zu, Onsen at Moncham. 12pm-5pm

Mime and object theatre duo TaLentShow return to Chiang Mai with another round of SAFARI, an all-ages adventure where everyday objects and a little imagination bring the natural world to life. Without relying on words, the pair take audiences across vast grasslands, beneath the sea to swim alongside whale sharks and into fields where tiny seeds burst into bloom. Heartfelt, playful and wonderfully weird, it’s an immersive afternoon of theatre that kids and grown-ups can enjoy together. We’ve seen it before, and couldn’t recommend it enough.

Sep 12, 13, 19, 20. B320. Dhepsiri Creative Space. 1.30pm, 4.30pm

Hotel bars are not uncommon, but what is uncommon is when they have something extra worth visiting for. The Marriott’s Wang Bar is one of these spots, where the bar is less about the drinks (although they’re still very good) and more about the experience. Inside, you’ll find three zones that are all about the fun, packed with massive-size golf simulators, private karaoke rooms and e-gaming setups that are a blast – all starting at just B750 per hour. At the bar, golf-inspired drinks make up the menu, served in a plush yet authentic Lanna-heritage style setting. A great start to the long holidays, or a nice filler after the splashing is over next weekend. 

Now open. Free entry, B750 per hour of activity. Wang Bar, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. Open Wed-Sun, 2pm-midnight.