21 events you don't want to miss in Bangkok this November
This month is all about festivals, whether it's theatre, music or MMA.
We hope it doesn't rain too badly as Thailand's biggest names in the theater community and overseas guest artists perform at this citywide festival, kicking off this weekend at Santichaiprakarn Park. Selected highlight shows at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre from Nov 4 onwards. Expect traditional Thai performing arts, folk, contemporary and experimental theater, dance, likay folk dance, and acts for children and families.
Nov 1-16
To celebrate the month of Loy Kratong, you can enjoy cultural performances, workshops and traditional delicacies at selected riverside temples nearby six piers, from Wat Arun through to Asiatique the Riverfront. For highlights, see www.riverfestivalthailand.com/en
Nov 1-6
Performing in Thailand for the first time, the great piano soloist Christian Leotta plays part of Beethoven's 32 Piano Sonatas. Reputed to be one of the best Beethoven soloists of our time, Leotta regularly performs at the world's most important theaters, such as the Philharmonie at the Gasteig in Munich, the Konzerthaus of Vienna, the Salle Claude-Champagne of Montreal and the Great Hall at the Bunka Kaikan Theatre of Tokyo.
Nov 5
If you're looking for the perfect vacation package for the year-end holiday, the winter edition of this popular tourism fair returns this November with over 800 booths offering domestic and international travel deals.
Nov 6-9
No need to fly to Ho Chi Minh City now as indie gig promoter Have You Heard? brings over experimental UK electro-pop band Wild Beasts, fresh from releasing their new album Present Tense." Limited to 300 tickets. Early bird tickets at B1,000, available at ow.ly/DgUUU. Thirsting for more imported indie? The same promoter is also bringing in San Francisco one-man-band Blackbird Blackbird on Nov 5 (limited to 200 tickets).
Nov 7
Twelve years and still going strong. The anniversary of the versatile party organizer, sponsored by Absolut, features music by DJs Goodenough, Badnews, Ornaree and guests, as well as the Dudesweet DJ Kids. The party promises to be huge.
Nov 7
Vintage lovers have probably been looking forward to this retro shopping fest in the garden. The pop-up vintage market's second edition promises clothes, old books, vinyl records, food and drinks, along with live indie music in a garden setting. Participating vendors include 103 Philosophy, Bansha Cafe, Songbird and Stand Behind the Yellow Line. Organized by Anything Goes Vintage.
Nov 7-8
The latest round of khon performances, sponsored by the Arts and Craft Foundation of Her Majesty the Queen, will feature the Battle of Indrajit: Nagabas from the Ramakian. B100 for students.
Nov 7-Dec5
Following Wasinburee's Burium 2 last month, The Jam Factory presents another great exhibition. The solo painting exhibition by Thaweesak Sritongdee, illustrating love, sexual desires, death and the complexities of human life, takes its name from a variation of somtam that's mixed with other, more diverse ingredients.
Nov 7-Dec 13
Bangkok's thriving art community presents another provocative exhibition this month. Toot Yung Art Center presents illustrations, prints and three-dimensional pieces from some of Bangkok's most prominent illustrators, revealing their modern interpretations of sex. Opens on Nov 8 at 7pm with DJ Logan Bay spinning at 9pm.
Nov 8-Dec 8
The old town is where it's at this month. The music-focused flea market returns for the third time at Museum Siam’s amphitheater to offer you a chance to shop for crafts, CDs and music-related finds, plus free art, film screenings and DIY activities, along with the usual lineup of folk and indie acts like Hariguem Zaboy, Basement Tape and Plastic Section.
Nov 8-9
Oscar nominated for the theme song to the film Rio, three-time Grammy Award winner Mendes is perhaps Brazil's most famous producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist. He mixes jazz and pop with Brazilian rhythms, blending bossa nova and samba with pop instrumentation.
Nov 13
Party organizer Conflakes hosts a colorful themed pool party to Ocean Urban Lounge & Boutique Resort featuring artists such as The Photo Sticker Machine, The Krrrrr, My Life as Ali Thomas and Cut the Crab. Enjoy unlimited egg tarts from Ka-Nom and a chance to win Playhound gift vouchers. Early bird tickets are B350 including a special tote bag. After party starts at 9pm.
Nov 15
The annual jazz event returns this year with Grammy-award winning saxophonist Kenny G, perhaps the world's preeminent purveyor of easy listening jazz, who will perform his signature smooth sounds beside the Chao Phraya River at Asiatique the Riverfront with support from local acts ETC and Mahidol University's College of Music. Some of the proceeds will go to Siriraj Hospital.
Nov 16
Be prepared to see around 30,000 runners make their way across the city, starting from the Grand Palace. Sponsored by Standard Chartered.
Nov 16
Claiming to be the biggest mixed-martial arts (MMA) event in Thailand: 11 fights confirmed, live music, and food and beverages served till late. All access tickets B3,000, includes access to backstage and exclusive VIP areas. Tickets available at [email protected].
Nov 22
Party organizers Lush take over Sofitel So this month, from the rooftop to the secet glass Box Room, with each area boasting its own music vibe. Expect 28 international and Thai DJs and live bands. Early bird tickets are B500, including two drinks before 10:30pm. VIP tickets are B1,500, but we think it'll be worth it.
Nov 21
The networking night for the creative community is back this month. If you're new to this, the night sees eight presenters talk about various projects using the Japanese Pecha Kucha format, in which 20 images are displayed for 20 seconds each for the duration of the talk. Expect food and drinks, and lovely company in a friendly atmosphere.
Nov 27
The first half of November sees plenty of stage performances as part of the Bangkok Theatre Festival. You can end November with this meditative Jane Wagner play from the 1980s about the homeless Trudy and her two alien companions, starring Tangmo Rodvanich. Discounted rate at B400 for group tickets (10 or more). Reservations at 094-768-8209.
Nov 27-30
This is the last month for you to catch Broadway Babe on Wednesdays for some Chicago, Gypsy and Dick Tracy numbers.
Every Wednesday through Nov
You know it's winter time when the crowds file into Lumpini Park. Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs popular tunes from a wide range of genres every Sunday throughout November at the park's Sala Bhirom Bhakdi. Note: Alcohol is not officially permitted.
Every Sunday through November
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