The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (August 6-9)

Film champions Dude, Movie are screening eight films, completely for free as part of their ‘Hearing The Voice Of Absence’ event, a programme held in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, Bangkok. All of the documentaries explore the links between voices and spaces that have been obscured from appearing through the passage of time, and the structures of power that determine what should and should not be recorded or remembered. Friday sees Tongpan (1977), The Extinction of Landscape (1971) and Night Colonies (2021) on show; Saturday is The World of Dementia (1986), the essay film The Cherry Tree with Gray Blossoms (1977) and the experimental film Local Sensations (2025); while Sunday concludes on Narrative (2025) and Double-Layered Town / Making a Song to Replace Our Positions (2019). Check out the full programme for details on these plus curators talks and a history walk.

7-9 Aug. Free tickets from Ticketmelon. Suan Anya, Northern People’s Historical Museum. Various screenings morning and evening.

Alliance Française Chiang Mai are back with their Friday night screening, this week playing Stages of Love (Le Beau Role) by Victor Rodenbach. A theatre couple's relationship is tested when the actor husband lands a major film role, disrupting their artistic collaboration and threatening their personal and professional bond. The film is in French (bien sur!) with English subtitles and drinks, Thai food and snacks are available at the Alliance Café. Drop them an email to book: [email protected]

7 August. 100B. Alliance Française Chiang Mai. 8pm-10pm

We love to see all and everything Lanna celebrated and this month the Tourism Authority of Thailand team have come up trumps with their Lanna Renaissance events, bringing the traditional culture into something more fresh and modern than ever before. Engage all your senses through fashion, cuisine and music, starting this weekend with the Lanna Fashion Show at Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre. Check their socials for further info.

8 August. Free entry. Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre. 6pm-8pm

Yes it’s a spiritual fandango but Ecstatic Dance is for everyone, not just for hippies and there’s no where better to give it a whirl (quite literally) than at down to earth theatre space Rong Sa Dang. Their new weekly sesh encourages us to connect to our physical and emotional self and shake it out, creating a healing journey in the safety of their teak wood walls. It’s a sober affair (we do love a sober rave) and no phones or cameras are allowed so it’s a truly safe spot to express yourself to the sounds of Afro / Tropical House and Tribal Trance, completely free of charge.

9 Aug. Free. Rong Sa Dang, Thapae. 11am-1pm

Whether you're ready to take the spotlight or simply want to soak up some homegrown talent, Jugnu Studio has you covered with an open mic invitation to join Chiang Mai's creative community. Performances from local artists, musicians, poets, comedians, storytellers and dancers take to the rooftop stage to share their craft in a relaxed, welcoming setting. And better yet, you can join them! No auditions, no pressure – just a chance to perform and connect over complimentary tastings of food and drinks from Jugnu Café.

Aug 6. Free. Jugnu Studio. 6pm onwards

Get your dino gear on and head to Central Chiangmai for a month-long stomp around with giant dinosaurs and a prehistoric playground for all ages. Bringing the Jurassic era back to life with towering animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar and fun games, markets and activities, there are plenty of opportunities to go full Jurassic Park. Beyond the giant reptiles, you can enjoy interactive activities and games designed for children, making it an easy afternoon out whatever the weather. Jurassic Mania, after all, always promises plenty of prehistoric fun.

Aug 7-23. Free. Central Chiangmai (Central Festival). Mon-Fri, 3pm-9pm and Sat-Sun, 10am-9pm

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.