Things to do in Bangkok today

Bangkok Art Biennale returns for its fifth edition with Angels & Mara, pairing Bangkok’s City of Angels identity with Mara, the Buddhist figure associated with temptation, desire and obstacles to enlightenment. More than 200 works by 72 artists and collectives representing 29 nationalities explore technology, spirituality and identity, among other contradictions of modern life. The 11 main venues range from Wat Arun and Wat Pho to BACC, One Bangkok and the malls around Siam. BAB Plus and BAB Fringe extend the programme to Thonburi, Samut Prakan and Suphan Buri. Use the organiser’s venue guide to plot a manageable route.  October 29 2026-February 28 2027. Free biennale admission; individual venue admission rules and hours apply. BACC’s ninth-floor display finishes on November 25, while its seventh- and eighth-floor displays continue until February 28.

Central Department Store celebrates its 79th anniversary with Central Anniversary 2026: Where Wonders Bloom, turning Floors G to 5 into six floral-themed worlds, with art, workshops, food and a few familiar faces along the way. Start on Floor G with white blooms before heading to Floor 1’s ballet-inspired floral displays, Floor 2’s whimsical meadow featuring 31 adorable sheep, Floor 3’s tree-root installation, Floor 4’s hanging floral art and Floor 5’s colourful meadow featuring playful dog sculptures for families. Japanese contemporary artist Yuta Okuda also presents an art-and-flower installation  at the floral tunnel connecting Central Chidlom and Central Embassy. Actress duo Namtan Tipnaree and Film Rachanun showcase their creativity through a special Live Stencil Art Performance, followed by a charity art auction supporting the Kamlangjai Project Fund. Billkin takes the stage for a mini concert, while DJs ROOTS and PATRA B keep the music going on October 29. Hungry? Ten restaurants, including Weng, Shichi, Mozza by Cocotte and Greyhound, serve special floral-inspired menus. Stop by Lofter on Floor 6 for the Blossom Bedazzling DIY activity and a photo at the Blooming Wall. There’s also a Flower Stamp Rally across Central Chidlom and Central Embassy. Collect all eight stamps for a chance to receive a B100 Dining Cash Coupon, limited to 100 redemptions, subject to campaign terms and conditions. Check the campaign details before visiting for activity schedules and...

Gothic glamour meets queer ballroom culture at Go Grrrls’ Goth Halloqueen. Room one hosts the Goth Battle, led by Azxula and Thailand’s ballroom community, with OTA Vogue, a free-movement Goth Off and a costume contest offering a B5,000 for the best look. The Vogue and Goth Off winners each receive B1,000. In room two, Club Slayer brings ActionTha live alongside Digital Cherub, Sriracha Czaddy and Peachji, plus Morrigan Xaster’s ‘Dead Dance from the Grave’ performance. Cleo P. and Dookie handle the afterparty. October 31. Early bird B500, online B600 or B700 at the door; advance tiers subject to availability. All include one drink. Tickets via Ticketmelon. FV39, Sukhumvit Soi 39. 9pm-2am.

GalileOasis brings its monthly market back for a spooky-season with The Hidden Alley. Stalls fill the entrance alley and courtyard, exploring belief, faith and the objects people turn to for spiritual comfort. Expect contemporary amulets, modern spiritual accessories, mysterious artworks and collectibles with a dark fantasy twist. Come looking for an unusual piece to take home, or simply browse the courtyard and see which curious objects catch your eye. October 31-November 1. Free entry. GalileOasis. 10am-6pm; check the venue’s latest market announcement before travelling.

Bangkok Art Biennale returns for its fifth edition with Angels and Mara, pairing Bangkok’s City of Angels identity with Mara, the Buddhist figure associated with temptation, desire and inner conflict. The announced programme brings together 72 artists and collectives from 29 countries, with more than 200 works exploring technology, spirituality, identity and the modern life’s contradictions. Eleven main venues spread the art across the capital, while BAB Plus and BAB Fringe partners extend the programme to Thonburi, Samut Prakan and Suphan Buri. Use the organiser’s venue guide to plan a manageable route. October 29 2026-February 28 2027. Free biennale admission; check individual venue entry arrangements and opening hours. Eleven main venues across Bangkok. 

What do butterflies and fish have in common? Butterfly & Fish, a collaboration between illustrator and storyteller Pi-near and papercut artist papeterie,looks for connections between creatures from very different worlds. Through drawing and cut paper, the artists explore growth, change, memory and the stories gathered along a journey. Butterflies transform above ground while fish navigate beneath the water’s surface; the works bring those separate paths together through the small moments and shared experiences that connect them. October 29-November 24. Free entry. Soko Gallery, Sukhumvit Soi 32. Thursday-Tuesday 11am-6pm; closed Wednesday.

After editions on Song Wat and July’s stop at Dusit Central Park, Sip Thai by SongCraft moves into centralwOrld’s indoor Eden zone for six days. More than 30 booths bring together Thai craft beer, cider and local spirits, with food stalls, DJ sets and live music alongside the drinks. Talk & Drink sessions offer a chance to hear from people in the craft beer and community spirits scene. It’s a useful stop for discovering local producers without gambling on Bangkok’s rain. October 27-November 1. Free entry. Eden 1, first floor, centralwOrld. 11am-8pm; check the organiser’s latest daily schedule.

Halloween takes a Mexican turn at Ojo, the 76th-floor restaurant at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, with Day of the Dead: The Veil Between Worlds on October 31. The evening celebrates Día de los Muertos with unlimited canapés and live food stations from acclaimed chef Francisco ‘Paco’ Ruano, plus four hours of free-flow drinks and signature hard slushies from Hong Kong’s Honky Tonks Tavern. DJ Mizuyo starts the night before Henry Knowles takes over until 2am. October 31. B2,000 via here. Ojo, The Standard Bangkok. 8pm-2am

Fancy a night of stand-up? Comedian Sammy Obeid returns to Bangkok for a one-night-only show at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, bringing a brand-new set to the city. Obeid has appeared on Conan, America’s Got Talent and Last Comic Standing, and is also known for his record of performing comedy for 1,001 consecutive nights. His jokes have earned millions of online views and a following of more than 1.3 million on Instagram. If you fancy an evening of live laughs, this is a chance to catch the touring comic in person. October 31. B1,000-1,200 via here.  The Westin Grande Sukhumvit. 8pm

Halloween brunch gets a drag makeover as W Does Brunch returns to The Kitchen Table for a special edition with free-flow drinks, a buffet and live performances. Drag Race Thailand Season 3 winner Frankie Wonga joins Jai Sira, Morrigan, Shortgun and Amadiva, while DJ Peppae handles the music. The food spread includes Fine de Claire oysters, rock lobster, sushi and sashimi, paella, slow-roasted striploin, Salmon Wellington and smoked Wagyu brisket. Campari cocktails round off the drinks list. Dress up for Halloween, grab a plate and settle in for an afternoon of drag, seafood and cocktails. October 31. B3,700. Book your spot here. W Bangkok. 12.30pm-3.30pm