30 events you don't want to miss in Bangkok this May
'Tis the month for comeback tours, controversial art and much, much more.
SEE ALSO: Bangkok's Best Recurring Markets & Fairs
MARKETS: It's Hippie*Happy Weekend Market
Fans of the Great Outdoor Market won’t want to miss out on this week’s It’s Hippie*Happy Weekend Market at Canapaya the Riverfront, taking place on May 1-3. Shoppers can stroll through six zones of bohemian-style stalls offering food, fashion and fortune-telling, or just chill by the Hennessy bar as the sun sets over the Chao Phraya River.
May 1-3
NIGHTLIFE: Ku De Ta presents Gorillaz Soundsystem
Remi Kabaka, percussionist of the well-known British virtual band, debuts in Bangkok with a new visual showcase. Free entry with dinner bookings at on-site restaurants Signature or Izakaya. Reservations at [email protected].
May 2
NIGHTLIFE: John Morales (NYC) at The Vault
The New York disco DJ, who rose to fame in the 80s and is known for his Deadly Medleys and MM (Morales and Munzibai) Mixes, performs a special gig at the new Suk 11 club.
May 2
CONCERTS: Cat Radio presents Cat to the Future
This May 2, Cat Radio presents Cat to the Future brings together eight big names from the early days of Thailand’s local alternative music scene. Head to Impact Arena Exhibition Hall 2 as Futon, Proud, 2 Days Ago Kids and Kidnappers try to prove they still have it.
May 2
CLASSICAL: Complete Beethoven's Piano Sonatas by Christian Leotta
The Embassy of Italy and Sala Sudasiri Sobha join hands in welcoming Christian Leotta in Bangkok this week. The Italian is best known as the youngest pianist to perform and record all 32 of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas, which he did at the age of 22. He’ll be playing the entire program across six free charity concerts, starting this May 4.
May 4-May 21
CONCERTS: Backstreet Boys In a World Like This Tour
The ultimate 90s revival hits home this May 6 with Backstreet Boys In a World Like This Tour. As the boys aren’t getting any younger, we’re not quite sure they’ll be around for another world tour—so grab those tickets. And even if you can’t stand them, you’ve still got a massive lineup to look forward to this month.
May 6
ART: An Original by The Originals By The Archivist
We’re moving from the outside lawn to the gallery of The Jam Factory this week for the launch of An Original by the Originals, a new contemporary exhibition by 12 Bangkok artists who have come together to create 24 unique screenprint designs. It officially opens this May 7, but there will also be different workshops running every Saturday by The Archivist studio for the rest of the month.
May 7
COMEDY: Return of Bangkok Poetry + Bombyx Stories
It looks to be another big night at WTF Bar/Gallery this May 7 as the story-telling crew returns for an intimate event that includes poetry and stories. The stage is open for six Bangkok poets and four bombyxes (unique true stories)—if you think you’ve got what it takes, contact [email protected] to secure a spot. There’s no theme to the readings, but there will be specially themed Bacardi cocktails.
May 7
CONCERTS: The Script Live in Bangkok
We said it was going to be an expensive month. This May 8 sees Irish pop-rockers The Script make their Bangkok concert debut at Impact Arena. Here’s a chance to see frontman Danny O'Donoghue, perhaps even better known as an ex-judge of The Voice UK, belting out catchy ditties like "Superheroes" and "Man Who Can't Be Moved” (check out the video above).
May 8
MUSIC FESTIVAL: Together Festival 2015
Life’s pretty good for EDM heads. While you count down to The Road to Ultra, get acquainted with the supposed world #1 DJ Hardwell when he lights up the stage of Together Festival 2015 at BITEC this May 8-9, alongside other big names like Steve Aoki, W&W and Vinai. In the meantime, check out his recent mix at Ultra Miami 2015 above.
May 8-9
MARKETS: Portobello Market by Singha
The team behind K-Village's Urban Eatery hosts a cute market at the English vintage-themed community mall, with stalls selling handicrafts, DIY products, stationery, jewelry, home decor, fashion amd organic food. There will also be the usual food trucks plus live music by Room 39 and the Parkinsons.For an idea of what it's like, check out the video of the last event above.
May 8-10
ART: Photojourn - Stories Through the Viewfinder
The first interactive forum for documentary photography in Thailand, featuring slideshows, portfolio reviews by award-winning photography professionals, a panel discussion under the title “Visual Conscience: How Photo Essays Tell Stories beyond a Single Image,” as well as a photo book exhibition.
May 9, 10am-9pm
ART: Paused Dreams
British-Thai photographer Cattleya Jaruthavee captures the lives of bar hostesses working near the Thai-Laos border in a new series of photographs. Stay tuned for BK's Q&A with the photographer.
May 9
ART: Conversation of Breath
This second solo exhibition by Jiratchaya Pripwai features abstract line drawings on canvas, opening at Numthong Gallery this May 9. For more exciting new things to explore in Ari, check out our new Ari neighborhood guide.
May 9
GIGS: Sound Craft: The Socialist
Local indie groups Fwends, Safeplanet, Two Pills After Meal and Summer Dress play at the hip Lad Phrao bar Play Yard by Studio Bar.
May 9
NIGHTLIFE: Trasher "Super Bad Taste"
Also on May 9, Bangkok's favorite gay party organizer Trasher will bypass all the EDM hype with its own “ED(O)K” rave celebrating the cheesiest guilty-pleasure tunes out there, with a playlist full of Pussycat Dolls, Beyonce and Ariana Grande. Shame they’ve moved back to The Mansion RCA this time.
May 9
SPORTS/NIGHTLIFE: FMD 5: Made in Thailand
The mixed-martial arts tournament is back at Live House Studio, packed with fights across three weight classes. The winner receives a cash prize of B20,000 plus a chance to go pro at the next event. There will also be two super fights: FMD Founder Jon Nutt vs Referee Dana Boulin, and Pongsiri Mitsatit vs an as-yet-unnamed opponent.
May 9
ART: Life in Plastik & Poplitically Incorrect
The debut exhibition by Saint Hoax, who controversially recreates images of political figures, from Putin to Kim Jong Un. Running alongside Plastik Magazine’s exhibition, “Life in Plastik.”
May 11
CONCERTS: Katy Perry The Prismatic Tour
The wait is over. Katy Perry is finally bringing The Prismatic Tour to Bangkok this May 14. It’s no surprise that tickets have all sold out. Aside from a catalog of Billboard hits, her grand concert production is world-class (who didn’t love the dancing sharks at the Superbowl?).
May 14
FAIRS: Wonderful Thailand Wonderful World 2015
Even if you’re just back from a long break, don’t let that stop you from planning ahead for the rest of the year. Plus, the TAT clearly wants us to take more leave, with a whole travel fair dedicated to weekday promotions, Wonderful Thailand Wonderful World 2015, taking place this May 14-17 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
May 14-17
MUSIC FESTIVAL: Sangsom Presents Fullmoon Party Live in Bangkok
A neon EDM party featuring DJ Martin Garrix, the guy responsible for the club tune "Animal" (if you have no idea what we're talking about, check out the video above) plus local DJs April, Make You Freak, Machina & Botcash and Phunknomenon & Ssd. Dress code is neon, shorts and sandals. Pre-sale tickets at B999 through May 9.
May 15
NIGHTLIFE: Bangkok Boat Party
Board the boat at Sathorn Pier for a party on the top deck in collaboration with Vedett. DJs include Kolour's Sunju Hargun, Phatfunk's Delorean, Bangkok Boat Party crew B2B and special guest DJ Lazcru from the UK. Tickets available now at www.bangkokboatparty.com or 081-887-1032.
May 16
MARKETS: Cheeze Magazine Car Boot Sale
No worries if you missed the hip magazine's car boot sales at Bonanza Khaoyai in March and Central World last month (see video above). The next one's taking place at Central Ladphrao, with the usual fashion stalls to keep the shopping spree going.
May 16-17
STAGE: Hamlet, performed by Shakespeare's Globe
The Shakespeare's Globe crew are bringing the production on a world tour, aiming to perform the classic tale of Hamlet all over the world within two years. Bangkok's edition will take place at Sodsai Pantoomkomol Centre for Dramatic Arts, Chulalongkorn University. More details TBA.
May 21
CLASSICAL: Jens Lindemann with TPO
The Canadian trumpet soloist, recently named "International Brass Personality of the Year," returns to Bangkok to perform two shows with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Caude Villaret. He will also be running a master class for Thai students on May 21 from 1pm-3pm at the College of Music, Mahidol University. B100 tickets for students.
May 22-23
MUSIC FESTIVAL: Sangsom Presents Single Festival
The popular music festival for single partygoers returns with performances by Thaitanium, Slot Machine, Lomosonic, Paradox, Polycat, Electric Neon Lamp and Boom Boom Cash. B399 for girls and B499 for guys. Dress code: white if you're taken, black if you're feeling lonely.
May 23
CONCERTS: Boyzone BZ20 The Anniversary Tour
The 90s are well and truly hot and you want to see Ronan Keating (and those other guys) relive their heyday at their anniversary concert, celebrating their 22nd year together. If they're way before your time, check out video above.
May 24
STAGE: Dragon's Heart
In celebration of the 100th year anniversary of Dr. Puay Ungpakorn, arguably one of Thailand's most loved figures, this is the biographical play that takes the audience through three stages of his life, through the ups and downs of Thailand. Play is in Thai, with tickets available at Thaiticketmajor and special discounts for students at B200.
May 29-31
ART: T-xhibition
The Charoenkrung art space opens a new group exhibition which celebrates the use of T-shirts as an art canvas for self-expression. Artists include: Lee Anantawat, Saran Yen Panya, Veronica Guarino, Nuttapong Daovicitr and many more. This also gives you the perfect opportunity to explore what's new around the area, like 23 Bar and Gallery and Saddle and Bun.
May 29
MUSIC FESTIVALS: Cat T-shirt
Cat Radio's two-day T-shirt fest features over 200 stores and 2,000 new T-shirt patterns. Live concert by local groups 25 Hours, Paradox, Superbaker, Slur, Yellow Fang, Stoondio, Aire, The Parkinson, Sqweez Animal, Polycat and Greasy Cafe, to name a few. B300 for a two-day pass.
May 30-31
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