The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (July 2-6)

A major highlight of green season in the north, the musical fest takes over multiple stages and mixing desks across Pai’s town centre – changing the soundtrack from sleepy hippy hangout to an international, multi-venue jazz affair. Jazz of all shapes and sizes is humming from street corners, for three full days and nights packed with talent from Thailand and beyond. But fear not, it’s still the same small scale, intimate event it ever was – and that’s just how Pai likes it. 

Read our full guide, featuring an interview with the founder and timetable here

July 3-6. Free entry. Jazz Up & various venues around Pai, Mae Hong Son. 4pm-10.30pm

Anyone living in Chiang Mai long enough has probably heard of Contact Improv – the gentle art of somatic movement is essentially an unscripted partner dance where dancers move through physical contact, shared weight and momentum. And if you’ve ever wanted to try this graceful roll around, this is the weekend. Experienced practitioners are hosting three days of workshops in the lovely old theatre space at Rong Sa Dang. So get your joggers on and go give it a whirl, quite literally. The focus of the weekend is falling to flying. 

July 3-6. B1500 (1.5 days) B2500 (3 days). Rong Sa Dang. Register via WhatsApp +79 855 286 680. 10am-6pm

Warming up and brewing some excitement for the next installment of Gaia Beats Festival, Mr Tom Fannypinchin Clark aka DJ I Lost my Keys is bringing his cosmic grooves and world wide sounds to the decks at Deaf Shop this weekend, with support from the bar’s own maestro Oomboi Lauw. Expect wavey anthems, much merriment and your chance to win tickets for Gaia Beats. It’ll be the last hurrah for Early Bird tickets too, which the team will be selling in situ.

July 4. Free entry. Deaf Shop. 8pm-late

We are suckers for a block party and our two favourite clubs Red CNX and Cave Cave, who happen to be neighbours in the same dirgey old shopping complex, are throwing one of sorts. One wristband gets you in both venues, who have got some excellent selectors on the decks. In the Cave Cave corner we’ve got ambient, experimental, breaks sets from Rui, Spellbound and Oomboi Lauw, while upstairs Red welcomes Rosy, oneness and Ostblock for a night of dub and hypnotic techno. Float between the two as you please.

July 4. B200. Cave Cave and Red CNX, 12 Huay Kaew Road. 10pm-4am

This painfully cool cafe and restaurant hit the zeitgeist on the head last year when they first launched their daytime dance off. Now a monthly affair (or thereabouts), the team push the mismatched mid-century furniture to one side and a dancefloor awaits, with local DJs spinning the best urban, R’n’B, hip-hop and the occasional pop banger while you smash back a Mocha. It’s not all sobriety, beers are on sale, but with a coffee menu as good as theirs, why would you do that? 

July 5. Free entry. Fringe, Wat Ket. 1pm-6pm

If you’re in the mood for an anniversary party but not the American kind, then Garden Grove may be your answer. The Nimman neighbourhood pizzeria is celebrating its first Chiang Mai birthday with a pizza party centred on the 14 years of pizza making and their recent AVPN accreditation – the first and only pizzeria in the city to get one. Alongside a tailored set menu of fun and experimental sourdough pizzas, they’re also playing host to 3D We Are The Band’s final live show (they’re breaking up and we couldn’t be more sad, but that’s another story). Booking is essential, but if you get a seat, you’ll be the first to try Stefanos’ brand new menu. 

July 4. Free entry, booking required. Garden Grove Pizzeria, Nimmanhaemin Soi 5. From 7pm (band starts 8.30pm)

Books don't always need to collect dust in a library with unpredictable opening times, or at least that’s the idea behind IN BETWEEN WORLDS – a three-day pop-up library fest at our favourite city spot, Anusarn Building, Sanpakoi. Flick through old books curated by four of Chiang Mai’s most beloved independent bookstores (Alphabet CNX, Book:Republic, Rare Finds Bookstore and Anyway Cafe), with a full range of classics to kids, specialist titles to rare finds. But it doesn’t end there. Workshops on hand lettering, risograph printing and traditional bookbinding get us all back to the 'artifacts of bookmaking' – keeping minds busy between chapters. And there’s even a mini-exhibition on stories behind the books – showcasing everything from early handwritten notes and editing proofs to page layouts and cover design. 

July 3-5. Free entry. Anusarn Building, Sanpakoi. 9am-5pm

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.