The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (November 13-16)

Chiang Mai’s creative scene fires up with Earthshine, a 10-day ceramic art festival taking over Jing Jai Market. More than 40 artists from Thailand, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, the US and the Netherlands are here to showcase their work in an exhibition that ‘celebrates clay in all its forms’ – think everything from design to beauty, practical use to hands-on tryouts. The Clayative Pop-Up Store is packed with handmade treasures, but with so much it’s best to browse with a coffee served in clay cups crafted just next door. With live demos, artist talks and endless inspiration, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves art that gets under your nails.

Nov 6-16. Free. Jing Jai Market. 10am-8pm

Chiang Mai’s Central Festival turns into a sugary winter village this weekend with an early Christmas-themed Frosty Sweet Wonderland – a whimsical world of oversized desserts, warm cocoa and more than 40 dessert vendors serving over 100 irresistible treats. Pack a toothbrush and forget about your blood sugar levels, this feast-fest is for those who can handle the sweeter things in life. Think picture-perfect pastries from London.CNX and AU Bakery Station and creative bonbons made by our local confectionaire extraordinaire, Bobby Bowl. Look past the candy and you’ll see giant candy installations good enough to eat (or at least lick), frosty selfie corners and the scent of freshly baked happiness guiding kids and adults to a sugar-sprinkled comedown of most delightful proportions. 

Nov 12-16. Free. Central Chiang Mai. 11am-9.30pm

Roll out the red carpet (or just walk it when you arrive) at the city’s biggest Taiwan Film Festival. #TDFF2025 brings a lineup of powerful documentaries and feature films straight from Taiwan to the rooftop of CMU’s Art Center. This four-day cinematic showcase kicks off with some bold storytelling and cultural reflection, from the windswept scenes of Island of the Winds to the introspective beauty of Taman-taman. But things don’t stop at the screen, there’s also live discussions and streamed talks with director So Yo-hen to catch too. Tickets are only available at the door, so get there early, grab a seat and disappear into Taiwan from the comfort of Thailand.

Nov 13-16. B100 per ticket, full showtimes here. Rooftop, CMU Art Center. Screenings from 7pm

Ease into winter with a warm city music night under trees – an intimate evening of live performances beneath the glowing branches of Woeng Chamchaa. Gather your friends and make your way to Chamchaa Yard #1 to share good food and laughter while the sound of Chiang Mai’s local artists carry you through a night of calm and connection. While there’s some seating available, the ground is still a bit damp so we recommend you bring your own camping chairs, and some good vibes too.

Nov 14. B200 in advance here, B250 at the door. Woeng Chamchaa. 6pm onwards

Newtown Live Music and Mango Sticky Move join forces for a night of local indie pop rock anthems as Jūji and ABOY take the stage in a celebration of northern homegrown sound. From what we can tell, it’s a free-spirited evening where the music does the talking and the crowd no doubt keeps moving as the two artists play plugged and unplugged throughout the night. It’s also free, so why the hell not? 

Nov 15. Free. Newtown Nimman. 7pm onwards

Forget the DJs and rock out to a night of the best phuea cheewit (that’s what we like to call songs for life over here) in town as Thailand’s legendary country band Carabao takes over Tawandang Mahason for one unforgettable evening. For those in the know, timeless anthems and epic singalongs will shake the room, and newbies to this oldies genre can fall in love with the tunes we wish we could hear again for the first time. Performing as a full band and supported by the dancers and performers of Tawandeng, this is as iconic as it gets. Tables will sell out fast, so rally your crew and grab your seats early.

Nov 17. B1,000 for a 4-person table, book here. Tawandang Mahason. 6pm-late 

Retro Recess is back, bringing together artists, skaters and dreamers for a special, one-off Skate X Create event. This big-kid friendly afternoon lets creativity meet motion with playful mixes of painting sessions, live tunes, rolling wheels and park-life frolicking. Whether you’re sketching under a tree, kick-flipping with your crew or just here for the vibes, this is classic expat community in motion. And a reminder that adulthood’s better when we take time to recess.

Nov 16. Free. Chiang Mai Railway Park. 2pm-6pm

Very much on-brand, Meliá Chiang Mai serves up what they know best from next week, kicking off a four-month celebration of Spanish cuisine, culture and wine. Starting November 17 (yes it’s next Monday, but that’s basically still the weekend, right?) grab a table on the rooftop at MAI The Sky Bar for a rotation of Michelin-acclaimed Spanish chefs. First up is Chef Sergio Nieto Garcés, whose illustrious career includes stints under Basque legend Martín Berasategui and accolades such as finalist in the ‘World’s Best Tapas’ competition. Serving his best all week, join for a fantastic meal (great for dates) or wait for next Friday for the Sky & Vine Finale – a one-night-only dinner pairing of Chef Sergio’s creations with curated wines. We’ll see you there. 

Nov 17-21. Free during the week, B899 on Friday, inclusive of six wine pairings. MAI The Sky Bar. 6pm onwards. 

As a special entry for those who miss this Friday fun, the arty folks at Art Mai? are pulling out all the stops for a post-hallowed eve drink and paint session in November that’ll spook any self respecting 15th-century art critic. Tickets include a canvas and painting set, one signature cocktail and free-flow shots from 8pm-10pm. And while you can come as you are, dress up and you may get a little surprise from their terrifyingly good bartender, and with only 25 seats available, the competition is fierce but very personal. 

Nov 14. B999, includes as listed above. Surr Bar, Art Mai? Gallery Hotel. 8pm-late.