The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (July 9-12)

One of the highlights of this year’s Shambhala in your Heart festival, Madame Blue are coming out of their gig hiatus and returning to the stage this Friday. Get ready to be seduced by their sultry jazz and soul at snazzy new live music venue North Riff House, which is, you guessed it, north of the moat. Support comes from Late n Liam so grab a table nice and early for a Friday well deserved.

July 10. Free entry. North Riff House. 5pm-midnight

DJ Bird brings his signature blend of hip-hop, R&B, jazzy house and groove-heavy beats to 828 Alleyway for a special night away from his usual decks at The Toys Club. A familiar face in the cooler spots around town, he’s the man behind Chiang Mai’s 1st Press and Bangkok’s Yayyyyy Record Bar. No doubt you’ll find the smoothest selection of vinyl-inspired grooves that turns into a late-night soundtrack that just keeps rolling.

July 10. 828 Alleyway. From 10pm. Free entry

All about etchings? Didn’t know the city has a sketching club? You do now. And the band of merry mark makers are taking their meet up event somewhere delicious this weekend. Join the Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club for their (generally) weekly Sketch & Kvetch event at Chai N Thai, grazing on South Indian plates while working on your current masterpiece and chatting to fellow artistes.

July 11. Free. Chai N Thai, Nimman. 12pm-4pm

Local indie label Pollinate Records are throwing a mega gig on Saturday that sees a double headline show from Brit-pop inspired icons Common People Like You and industrial rockers VELS take to the stage at Yoda’s. Special guest support comes from Terror Terror ending their recent rainy season tour with a video release knees up.

July 11. 150B. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 7.30pm-midnight

The team at our favourite new venue doplace are making the most of their unfathomably cosy sofa and cushion adorned nest this Sunday by hosting a tea and listening party. With brews of Taiwanese tea and vinyl selections that meditate on our relationship with time, this promises to be a Sunday afternoon well spent. Not to mention their delicious menu from Chef Trish – who also runs all things culinary downstairs at Goodcery. Drop doplace a line in advance to book a spot in their living room-esque space. 

July 12. From 250B. doplace (Upstairs at Goodcery Space). 5pm-7pm

Bites & Neighbours brings together two of Chiang Mai's favourite names for one night only at The Bottle Club, and we’re honestly really excited for this one. Welcoming the team from SEII for an evening of signature cocktails, exclusive Bumbu rum pours and a special takeover menu by chefs Black (Blackitch) and Beer (Blackano), there’s a ton of flavour and fun to be had. The menu features eight sharing dishes and a dessert designed to match the drinks. No doubt this lively neighbourhood hangout is already cool, but with vinyl sets from OG Street Coffee Crew and Fangnary keeping the party going until midnight, there’s many-a-reason to block off your Saturday night for this one.

July 11. Booking required, DM their Instagram to secure a spot. The Bottle Club. 6pm-midnight

The brand new Jugnu Studio is back again with another hot topic – this time, poetry with a side of tea. Small tea tasting sessions start you off, with three high-quality Taiwanese teas to sip and savour, while poems and stories are shared around the table. Bring a poem you’ve already written and share it with others, or make one up on the spot – it’s often how the best ideas arise. Each session is limited to just eight participants, so best to book in early to secure a pew. 

July 10. B350 per person, DM the studio on Instagram to book. Jugnu Studio. 3pm-5pm 

The city's most low-key reggae joint, Sriphum Melodic, brings a Reggae Zing Splash to our Sunday, mixing reggae rhythms and Isan influences for a free session to close out the week. The lineup features live sets from High-Up, acoustic performances by Piba Prakong Ruesi and Mitsukaze, plus an energetic closing show from Songkhue Riddim, an Isan reggae band blending roots grooves with northeastern Thai sounds. Vinyl lovers can also catch Selecta Ghieluun spinning an all-analog, 100 percent vinyl DJ set to close off the evening.

July 12. Free entry. Sriphum Melodic. 6pm-1am

Watch Norway take on England as the World Cup quarter-finals roll into the early hours, not at home, but at a sports bar in the heart of the city. Forget how late it is and head to Radost Sports Bar and catch the match, shown on nine huge 4K TVs with English commentary, while the bar keeps going until the end. With special late licensing, there’s also darts, American pool, foosball, arcade machines and a board game room to keep you occupied, distracted, awake or all three. Also, if you prefer other matches, they’ve got them all – all the way until the final. 

July 11 to morning July 12. Reservations recommended. Radost Sports Bar. 5pm-6am, kick-off 4am

Film buffs can smile this weekend as we have some big names in town for a special screening. Skip your afternoon plans and see Morte Cucina – the story about a highly skilled cook with a tragic past who takes revenge by trapping her attacker through her mastery of Thai cuisine. After the show, stay for a special Q&A session with director Pen-Ek Ratanaruang and cinematographer Christopher Doyle and find out more about the story and inspiration behind the flick. English subs.

July 12. Major Cineplex, Central Festival Chiang Mai. 2pm onwards

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.