The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (October 23-25)

Chiang Mai's independent music scene is warming up with POY Festival on the horizon. To get you in the mood, they’re throwing together a free afternoon of DJs, markets and vinyl-loving vibes at Fringe. Fangnary, EricFang, Hungry and Vandal One all take to the decks for five hours of music, alongside a market and special activities to browse between sets. There'll also be exclusive promotions on tickets to the upcoming POY Festival, so if you're into independent music, record collecting or simply fancy a laid-back Sunday afternoon with a good soundtrack, this is a great place to start.

Oct 25. Free. Fringe. 2pm-7pm

Bass lovers, this one's for you. RED is turning up the low-end frequencies this Saturday as DRUMZ PLZ!!! brings together an international line-up of boundary-pushing DJs for a night of jungle, breaks and underground club sounds. Headlining are RASA, a Mixmag Breakthrough DJ of the Year, and Bronx-based Anna Morgan, whose genre-hopping sets have earned her recognition from DJ Mag and UKF. Joining them are Chiang Mai favourites Spellbound and Jeremy, serving up everything from baile funk and dembow to electro, techno and hard dance. Expect a sweaty, bass-heavy night that refuses to stick to one genre.

Oct 24. B200 early bird, B300 door. Tickets here. RED, 12 Huay Kaew Road. 10pm-late

Dust off your lederhosen and get ready for a Bavarian-style knees-up as The Happy Frog Secret brings a taste of Oktoberfest to Chiang Mai. This lively beer garden only gets better for the occasion, with two outdoor terraces, a party tent, a sizzling barbecue and three live bands keeping the atmosphere going throughout the day. Bavarian lunch specials will also be on the menu, so come hungry and bring your drinking buddies. Tables seat up to six people, with a B6,000 reservation fee fully redeemable against food and drinks, making it B1,000 each if you fill the table.

Oct 22-25. B6,000 per 6pax table (redeemable). The Happy Frog Secret. 11am-midnight

Seafood and Champagne take centre stage at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai this Friday, as Executive Chef Alvin Dela Cruz and Sous Chef Manila Ragsaboon join forces with guest chef James Noble of IKIGAI Restaurant for an evening of fine dining. Drawing inspiration from the coastal flavours of Mahachai, the trio will serve up a seafood-led menu through live culinary stations, with each creation complemented by pairings from Virginie T. Champagnes. Expect an indulgent evening of fresh ingredients, creative cooking and plenty of bubbles in one of Chiang Mai's most beautiful resort settings.

Oct 23. B4,500++. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. 6.30-9pm

Who says playground games are just for kids? Retro Recess is bringing back some old-school fun with a community kickball tournament at Chiang Mai University's softball field. Think football meets baseball, with plenty of running, laughing and friendly competition thrown in. Whether you're a seasoned player or have never kicked a ball in your life, everyone's welcome, with a quick rundown of the rules before the games begin. This edition also makes room for families, so parents and kids can get in on the action. Registration includes drinking water, equipment and prizes for the winning teams. Spaces are limited, so sign up in advance.

Oct 24. B100. CMU Softball Field. 3-6pm

Chiang Mai's craft beer scene has another reason to celebrate as CHIT HOLE CNX throws open its doors in Sansai for a three-day grand opening party. The new watering hole is inviting beer lovers, curious locals and anyone looking for a new neighbourhood hangout to come down, grab a cold one and get acquainted with the space. Round up your drinking buddies, settle in for a few beers and help welcome the ‘chittiest’ addition to Chiang Mai's bar scene. Parking is available, and tables can be reserved by messaging the venue directly.

Oct 23-25. CHIT HOLE CNX, San Sai (near Ohkajhu). 5pm onwards

From gripping dramas to heartfelt documentaries, the Irish Film Festival returns to Chiang Mai for three days of free screenings celebrating the best of contemporary Irish cinema. Now in its eighth edition in Thailand, the festival brings five films to the big screen, including Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy, the documentary A Quiet Love and Irish-language drama Báite. All films come with Thai subtitles, with English subtitles also available for Irish-language and Irish Sign Language productions. Admission is free, but seats are first-come, first-served, with reservations opening at the cinema one hour before each screening. Find the full schedule here. 

Oct 23-25. Free. SFX Cinema, MAYA Chiang Mai. Screenings from 3pm or 7pm

Forget colouring inside the lines – Jugnu Studio is giving families with little artists the freedom to get gloriously messy in this hands-on painting workshop. Armed with giant canvases, colourful paints and their own imaginations, kids can splash, splatter, stamp and create whatever comes to mind using their hands, feet and plenty of creative energy. All materials are provided, including non-toxic, washable paints and everyone gets to take their masterpiece home. Designed for children aged four to ten, although parents or guardians must stay and better yet, get involved. 

Oct 24. B333. Jugnu Studio. 4pm-5.30pm

Vampires, aristocrats and mysterious hunters are gathering at 1921 House for a night of gothic glamour, dark secrets and a little supernatural intrigue. Inspired by a fictional secret society founded at the former British Consulate in 1921, The Crimson Covenant invites you to step into a world of ancient bloodlines, hidden identities and questionable alliances. Dress to impress in your finest gothic attire and mingle with fellow creatures of the night over two hours of free-flow wine and curated canapés. Just be careful who you trust – not everyone at the party is quite what they seem…

Oct 23. B1,291++. 1921 House, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. 7pm-midnight

Fire, food and a little bit of magic take over Dhara Dhevi as The Ritual Festival makes its debut with an immersive celebration of art, music and human connection. For context, this is one serious flame-filled gathering that brings together contemporary fire theatre, burlesque, live folk music, DJ sets and storytelling alongside artisan markets, creative workshops and tarot readings. If you prefer your flame in a kitchen, fear not – there’s also fire-inspired dining experiences that bring the heat, before an optional (but highly recommended) dip in Sense Dhara Dhevi’s mineral pools, sauna and sound-healing sessions. With limited capacity and a phone-free philosophy encouraging guests to live in the moment, this is one festival where the experience takes priority over the Instagram feed.

Oct 24. Ticket prices vary. Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai. 9am-1am

Swap the Sunday evening soundtrack for something a little more sophisticated as Belgian pianist Jonas Dept, better known as The Pianologist, takes to the keys at High Note. Set against Chiang Mai's rooftop skyline, this intimate solo concert promises an atmospheric evening of expressive piano music, with melodies that invite you to sit back, slow down and soak up the moment. With limited seating and a stunning backdrop, it's a lovely way to wind down the weekend. The concert begins at 6pm, with guests welcome from 5.15pm. Book tickets in advance here.

Oct 25. B600. High Note. 5.15pm onwards (concert at 6pm)

Forget sitting cross-legged and chanting – Ganesha House is taking a more energetic approach to meditation with an hour of old-school Goa trance on its rooftop overlooking Chiang Mai’s old city. As the sun dips below the rooftops, MCB will take dancers on a journey through the soaring beats and hypnotic rhythms of the mid-’90s trance scene. No workshops, ceremonies or complicated instructions here, just turn up, let loose and lose yourself in the music. Entry is free, and there’s a smoothie bar downstairs for a little post-dance refreshment.

Oct 16 & Oct 30. Free. Ganesha House, 248/14 Manee Nopparat Road. From 6pm onwards

Wine lovers, this one's worth clearing some cupboard space for. Italasia is opening the doors to its Chiang Mai warehouse for the first time, promising some of its biggest discounts of the year. All wines will be marked down by at least 40 percent, with even bigger savings on selected bottles. Whether you're looking to replenish the wine rack, discover something new or simply bag a bargain, this two-day sale is a good excuse to stock up.

Oct 17-18.  Italasia Warehouse, Boonma Cargo Logistics Complex, 199/1 Mahidol Road. Call 081-987-4254 for more information (Thai/English). 11am-7pm

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.