BK Weekend: What's on in Bangkok this Dec 18-21
Looks like the cool weather is sticking around a little longer. Make the most of it with these riverside markets, jazz festivals and massive outdoor film screenings.
9 years ago
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See also: 7 reasons why Charoenkrung Road is Bangkok's coolest place to be this week
Thursday (Dec 18)
No. 5 of 12
The last event of the year by Thammanit Nikomrat and Pichet Klunchun Dance Company takes the stage this weekend and features a rather controversial contemporary Nora dance performance by 20 performers, questioning the fifth of the 12 values in the campaign by the National Council for Peace and Order: to maintain good Thai customs and traditions. B400 for undergraduate students. More information at 080-924-0002.
Dec 18-20
End of Year Gallery Hopping
The galleries in the Silom/Charoenkrung area stay open late, offering a number of special activities. As part of the self-guided tour, you can take part in special activities held especially for the night: get a sneak peek at the next exhibition at Thavibul Gallery, meet the exhibiting artists in person: Daeng Buasan (Modern Gallery), Patcharin Jitviriyanon (Serindia), Taweesak Molsawat (Atta Gallery), Ishida Shinya (Speedy Grandma) and Ren Hang (Soy Sauce Factory).
There will also be a cello performance by Aunyawan Thongboonrod at Kathmandu-Photo Silom Gallery, a duo violin performance by Linjie Zhou and Nattapat Voravongjitti and specially crafted free cocktails at Bridge Art Space, plus a live DJ performance that goes on til late at Soy Sauce. Get the final schedule at: www.facebook.com/galleryhoppingbkk.
Dec 18
Emerging Women of Burma
Screened in collaboration with We Women foundation and community event organizer Rear Windows, the documentary (see the trailer above) depicts the lives of seven Burmese women who are aiming to bring positive change to their community. Ma Kay Thi, one of the seven featured in the film, will be talking about her experiences helping Burmese women break through cultural barriers and overcome societal pressure in present-day Burma. Screening starts at 8pm at Cho Why in Chinatown.
Dec 18
Open Reel Rooftop Festival
This new rooftop festival will continue through Sunday, Dec 21, with each day running under a different theme, like "Future," "Food," "Music" and "Machine." Food and drinks will also be offered at the event, catered by The Artwins. Those who opt to stay late after the screenings are finished can also enjoy live music performances from CHANUDOM and DJ Electrogent. Film highlights include the short films of Thailand's Jakrawal Nilthamrong and the Japanese cult classicTampopo (watch the scene above), supposedly the world's first "ramen Western." Tickets cost B300. Doors open at 5pm, whereas screenings begin at 7pm. For more info, visit www.fb.com/threelogybkk.
Dec 18-21
Monkey Shock presents Black Winter Party
Come dressed in black and head over to the LSD room of Grease this Thursday for a lineup of Dazimo, Maggartie, Yeppedz, Armm and Lighting Energy. Strictly 20+ age restriction. Reservations at 081-348-5271.
Dec 18
Siwilai Tour + CDC-TE present "Merci"
Before Le Cabinet de Curiosites of Thomas Erber ends this week, head over to Siwilai Concept Store from 8:30pm onwards this Thursday for a thank you party, featuring Holy Ghost and a Hot Chip DJ Set to end the last Siwilai tour of the year. Free.
Dec 18
Yo BKK! Mid-west Edition @ Moose
If you didn't make it to Moose last night for the opening of Have a meal with the Famous by Lolay, you can also head over this Thursday for an early weekend free party by Late Night Brotherhood from 9pm onwards, featuring the sounds of Mid-west rap music, from Kanye West and Twista to Eminem and R. Kelly.
Dec 18
Friday (Dec 19)
The Great Outdoor Market
Bangkok or Brooklyn? The flea markets just keep on coming. The latest, The Great Outdoor Market offers a tantalizing chance to head riverside to the Bangkok Docklands, which are open to the public for the first time. Food trucks and pop-ups from the likes of Mother Trucker, Fill’in Bakery and The Pastry & Co. will let you picnic by the water, with artists like Plastic Plastic, Zweedz n’ Roll and Aey The Voice providing a breezy soundtrack. There’ll also be plenty of fashion- and design-focused stalls, as well as an exhibition on the history of the Docklands.
Dec 19-21
Night at the Museum: Awakening the Legend of Giant
Museum Siam stays open till 9pm this weekend for its latest Night at the Museum. Under the theme of Awakening the Legend of Giant, the museum will present an exhibition about the myth of giants in Thai culture, interactive activities, and a stage show, The Spirit of the Giant, that pits the guardians of Wat Arun and Wat Pho against one another. You can also expect food and drink stalls selling XXL-sized portions and a different Yak Talk each night by guest speakers.
Dec 19-21
Bangkok Jazz Night by the River
Not that you needed another excuse to visit Phra Athit Road, but this weekend’s looking pretty special, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand presenting the free, three-day Bangkok Jazz Night by the River, starting off this Friday. From 5pm-9pm, Santichaiprakarn Park will be taken over by a slew of local artists such as Koh Mr. Saxman & Jennifer Kim, ETC., and singers from The Voice Thailand. International performers include Cherryl Hayes, Keithen Carter, Alexander Beets, The Waltz and Kuzu Suzuki, with a special highlight performance by Chante Moore.
Dec 19-21
Solarstone Live in Bangkok
Trance Lovers Thailand brings the British DJ to Bangkok for a night of trance, with support by TLT resident DJs Jonnie B and Hype Viper, and a special guest DJ Lonskii.
Dec 19
Phatfunk Drum & Bass Christmas Party
Heady drum n' bass awaits those who join this early Christmas party this Friday at Glow, provided by DJs Azek, DeLorean and Instinct. There'll also be a Christmas lucky draw, with CDs from Exit Records UK, Phatfunk Posters, T-shirts and 2 bottles of Stoli Vodka to be won.
Dec 19
Jazzy Jeff in Bangkok
Will Smith’s old foil, the one-time DMC Champion and multiple Grammy award-winning producer Jazzy Jeff, makes a stop in Bangkok this week as part of his Vinyl Destination tour. This Friday at Ku De Ta, Jazz will liven things up with a genre-hopping set of hip-hop, funk and electro.
Dec 19
Keep the Night Circus going ft. Mendy Indigo
Dress up for this Friday poolside circus party at Ocean Urban Lounge. Techno music by Mendy Indigo, with support from Thomas Stiller and Leon M. Prize giveaways for the best costumes.
Dec 19
Saturday (Dec 20)
Khlong Book Launch
The launch of the first issue of the Khlong journal at Bridge Art Space, which features short and experimental fiction, poetry, illustrations and photography about living in Southeast Asia's urban cities. Copies go on sale at 7pm (B200), with a free mojito for the first 50 purchased.
Dec 20
Surf & Sound: One Saturday with Friday & Sqweez Animal
A chill concert featuring popular local bands Friday and Sqweez Animal, taking place at Flow House. B300 tickets (one free drink) with advanced reservations at ensogo.com or 084-126-8555. B200 for the first 100 tickets.
Dec 20
The Seven Bars of Christmas
A Santa-inspired pub crawl for you to start the party early this Saturday, kicking off at Tribeca in Nihonmura Plaza. Receive a wristband when you arrive, which gets you a craft beer at each festive bar. All participants must be in Christmas wear which can be purchased at Prissina Fancy Shop, 4/F, Seacon Square. Other hosts include: Surface, Bad Motel, Castle, Mikkeller, Sway and Brew. Age restriction 18+.
Dec 20
Björk’s Biophilia Live
Inspired by the relationship between musical structures and natural phenomena, Björk’s Biophilia Live is a dazzling film concert, using captivating audiovisual techniques to convey the intersection of science, music and technology. The event is hosted by the Goethe Institut of Thailand, while the screening will take place at BACC this Saturday, where the film will be projected onto the building’s front façade. Thai artist Pinranee Sanpitak will also be designing edible decorative installations around the viewing area.
The event will also include an indoor screening of the documentary When Björk Met David Attenborough (check out the trailer above), which will be held on the 5/F of the BACC. Biophilia Live will start screening at 8pm, whereas the documentary will be screened at 5:30pm.
Dec 20
Krom Live in Bangkok
You have three chances to see the Cambodian group perform their signature mix of Delta blues and traditional Khmer sounds: on Thursday (Dec 18) at Hansar Hotel, Friday (Dec 19) at Toot Yung Art Center and Saturday (Dec 20) at Overground Bar and Cafe.
Dec 20
Sunday (Dec 21)
Bangkok Vintage Bicycle Show
Show off your vintage bike at the fifth edition of the fair this Sunday, kicking off with a group cycle around Rattanakosin Island, followed by a vintage bike exhibition and a pop-up bike accessories flea market with souvenirs and postcards on sale.
Dec 21
Jazz on Sukhumvit Day Fest
For an alternative day of jazz music on the other side of town, head over to Checkinn 99 for performances by over 15 international and local acts.
Dec 21
Journey of Voices
Here's your last day to see this solo art exhibition by Phil America, in collaboration with World Vision, the UN, the ILO and other human rights agencies in celebration of International Migrants Day on Dec 18. The show illustrates issues that migrant workers face in Thailand today through a video installation, life-sized interactive Thai fishing boat and large-scale sculptures and photos.
Dec 18-Dec 21
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