The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (January 8-11)

Back again, with its wacky, interactive, phone-free children’s day festival, Glom Glom goes ‘Tinker Town’ for a day – we’re talking a whole afternoon for the family to play, create, invent and imagine. While interactive and mind-bending workshops keep brains busy during the day, parents can relax at the bar or snack in anticipation for the main show at 5.45pm – a musical theatre performance all about creativity! Thunderbug’s pop-up playground makes an appearance, alongside live performances by Ta Lent Show, Chiang Mai Magic and Part Time Theatre. There’s even a dunk-the-girl game, a massage zone for tired grown-ups and plenty of snacks to keep everyone energised. This is Chiang Mai’s most immersive children’s day, hands down. 

Jan 10. B250 for adults, B150 for kids. VP City Park. 2pm-8pm

Paapu House cranks the weird dial and throws the comfort zone straight out the window with a night of original punk sounds guaranteed to give you goosebumps. We’re talking post-punk edges, shoegaze haze and death-pop bangers – essentially the loudest and most unfiltered party of the weekend. Things get started with Seattle-born Tender Bud, opening with a solo set that’s raw and poetic. Then, once things are dark and throats are lubricated, Glasgow-based headliners Geography of the Moon take to the stage, bringing Virginia and Andrea’s signature post-punk shoeglaze that thoroughly anoints your ears.

Jan 9. Free. Paapu House. 6.30pm-midnight

A little bit of art at the weekend never hurt anyone, and this week all eyes are on Suvannabhumi Gallery. Their first exhibition of the year is brought to you by Muu Muu, a solo artist showcasing fresh new licks of paint under the name ‘Memory Lane’. Essentially, the work aims to get you reflecting on personal moments, emotions and moments as you wander through new tones and ideas for the year ahead. Running most of the month, pop in any time, or grab a beer and join the opening reception, meet the artist and toast the gallery’s fresh start.

Jan 10-24. Free. Suvannabhumi Gallery. Opening reception 6pm-9pm

Sure, it’s Children’s Day – but that’s not the only reason for this sprinkle of magic. Cottagecore fans and imaginative kids alike can head to the Mini Fairy Festival at Sima Garden and disappear into the magic of this dress-up, woodland fantasy garden festival. Look behind a treestump and you’ll find free tie-dye demos, handmade prizes, DIY crafts, treasure hunts and plenty of photo-ready corners among artisan stalls selling all sorts of trinkets. Bring your coins, and dress up – fairy wings, forest looks and storybook outfits are all encouraged, with a sweet 10 percent discount if you dress the part.

Jan 10-11. Free. Sima Garden. 10am-5pm

Anglo Siam steps out from behind the decks and into the real world with the opening of its new record shop in the heart of Chiang Mai. Shelves are freshly stocked with rare imported groove artists alongside their favourite hard-to-find Thai records, making this a proper destination for crate diggers. Tunes spin throughout the day, drinks are on hand and the vibe is all about flicking through the shelves, listening to new tunes and finding something special to take home. Online is out – in-store digging is officially back baby! 

Jan 10. Free. Anglo Siam Record Shop, Loi Kroh Road. Midday onwards

Skip the midday plans and head straight to Deep Green as one of the UK bass underground’s most influential figures lands in Chiang Mai mid-afternoon. This is Locked In and SOTU presents: Plastician – a rare, two-part session featuring London’s pirate radio era. If you’re wondering, Plastician helped shape the foundations of dubstep, grime and UK bass – and now he’s here in our city. As night falls, the focus shifts as crowds hurry to the official opening of Locked In Club – a brand-new club space for underground bass music, where Plastician starts his second set of heavier bass that’ll see you into the wee hours, supported by a strong local selectors. 

Jan 10. Free. Deep Green by day, Locked In Club by night. 4pm onwards

Chiang Mai’s biggest annual fair started late this year, but open a window and you’ll be hard pressed not to hear it as the deafening speakers echo over the entire city for its duration. If you’ve not been before, this is where the city comes to play. For context, every year the Red Cross hosts the biggest pop-up fairs across the country, packed to the brim with fair rides, concert arenas, OTOP markets, food stalls, raffles, fundraisers and cultural performances. Things gear up after dark, but be prepared – it can be a real onslaught of sound, lights and smells. But aside from the fun and noise, all proceeds support the Thai Red Cross. All for a good cause, right? 

Jan 9-23. Free. Chiang Mai Provincial Hall. 9am-midnight