Bangkok has another reason to stay out late. After being named the World’s Best City for Nightlife 2026 by Time Out, the Thai capital gets its own celebration with the inaugural Time Out Bangkok Nightlife Awards 2026, taking over the historic Hua Lamphong Railway Station for a night dedicated to the people and places that keep the city going after dark.
The awards cover 30 categories, from cocktail bars, rooftop spots and underground clubs to listening bars, live music venues and late-night restaurants. The people behind the scenes get their share of recognition, too, with awards for bartenders, DJs and bands.
Rather than handing out trophies based on reputation alone, the awards use a panel of experts and nightlife enthusiasts who conduct anonymous, on-the-ground reviews. It’s a chance to recognise the places worth staying up for, whether that means a tiny bar with a carefully chosen playlist or a dance floor that’s still busy in the early hours.
And this isn’t a ceremony reserved for industry insiders. The public can buy tickets and join the party at Hua Lamphong, where the station’s historic halls will host DJ sets, live music and surprise performances alongside the award announcements. Complimentary drinks and canapés are also on the menu, so you can catch up with Bangkok’s nightlife crowd between sets.
Consider it a good excuse to dress up, meet the people behind your favourite spots and find a few new places to visit after the awards. Bangkok’s nights are getting their moment in the spotlight, and everyone’s invited.
November 18. 6pm-11pm. General admission B1,000, including drinks and canapés. Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Ages 20 and above only. Book through Nightify