29 events you don't want to miss in Bangkok this March
This month, the city comes alive with live music, festivals and some very impressive art events.
DJ Gaiser, known for his sound/visual multi-sensory live sets, debuts in Bangkok, with Sunju Hargun in support. Tickets will be available at the door.
Mar 3
The mega-popular Thai tourism fair returns with local and international travel services and up to 70-percent discounts on accommodation, travel, car rental, cruises, spas and hotel meals.
Mar 5-8
Brian Shimkovitz, the guy behind the cult blog Awesome Tapes from Africa, spins rare African jams from the 70s through till now from his extensive catalogue of rare cassettes.
Mar 6
This month's drum n' bass night features British DJ Eveson, who'll be spinning his signature soulful and groove-driven bass music alongside the usual Phatfunk resident DJs Azek, DeLorean, Instinct and Orawan.
Mar 6
A two-month Indian art and music festival, with performances taking place throughout Bangkok. The opening night on Mar 6 at the Grand Millenium Hotel celebrates the culture of Assam through a fashion show, a dance performance and a violinist concert. Contemporary Indian artist Raghu Dixit performs at CentralWorld on Mar 10. Daksha Seth Dance Company's performance takes place on Mar 13 at Aksra Theatre and the Indian Fun Fair will be at Thammasat University on Mar 22. An art exhibition at Chula runs from Apr 27-May 10 and the festival ends with literary talks on May 25 at Chula.
Mar 6-May 25
The art space turns into a darkroom for American-Swedish photographer Jesper Haynes' selected shots of his time in downtown New York from the 1980s and 1990s. Opens Mar 6 at 7pm.
Mar 6-27
DJs Montonn Jira, Nolens. Volens, Sunju Hargun and Krit Morton spin underground techno music. Expect lots of black and white visuals. Live streaming of the music session will be available to watch at www.tempobkk.com.
Mar 6
Electro-pop tunes by three indie groups from Comet Records: Casinotone, Naked Astronaught and Unda. Show starts at 10pm
Mar 7
Bassist of jazz fusion band Fourplay, who's worked with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Elton John, performs in Bangkok with special guest Myra Malloy, winner of Thailand's Got Talent 2011. Register and order your tickets at www.abcpoint.com/nathaneast.
Mar 7
Five local indie bands perform till late at the rooftop bar, including Hariguem Zaboy and Plot. Tickets available at the door.
Mar 7
A music festival on a party boat on the Chao Phraya River, with live music on the upper deck by Yellow Fang, Degaruda and Yena, and underground house and techno sounds on the lower deck by DJs David Chong, Benoit C. and Mandy Indigo. Food vendors like Mad Moa will also be present, with other fun activities on board. B500 tickets available at Dark Bar and Jam.
Mar 7
A massive EDM music festival, with ex-member of the legendary Swedish House Mafia Steve Angello headlining the night on the 20-meter Electro-Naga stage. Other big names include Markus Schulz and Vicetone, with support from local electro DJs Ono, 22Bullets, Machina and Paulie. More announcements to follow. VIP tickets come with two free drinks, a private lounge area, private restroom and fast-lane access.
Mar 7
In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the special dance festival features workshops (B500-1,000) and a one-show live performance by international performers Yumiko Yoshioka, Miguel Camarero, Sainkho Namtchylak and special guests. Suggested donations for performances at B500 (B400 for students). Reservations at 089-167-4039 or email [email protected].
Mar 7, 13, 14-15
An outdoor evening of swing dance, right in front of Thailand's largest golden pagoda. Swing dance class for all levels at 7-7:30pm, and party with Swedish swing band led by Gunhild Carling plus 140 professional dancers. There'll also be vendors selling local delicacies on-site. Dress up in vintage.
Mar 8
The multi-platinum-selling alternative rock band perform hits like "Drive," "Are You In?" and "Love Hurts" ahead of the release of their next album in late 2015. Door opens at 6pm.
Mar 11
Bangkok-born illustrator Kathy MacLeod presents an exhibition of large-scale drawings in which she maps out Bangkok as a series of eco-systems, each with its own unique inhabitants. Viewers are provided with field guides to learn about everything from the varying species of sex tourists to the relationship between backpackers and the jaded vendors who target them on Khao San Road. Opens on Mar 12 at 6pm.
Mar 12-Apr 11
After a sold-out show last time, the veteran Scottish post-rock band returns to Bangkok with music from their latest album, Rave Tapes.
Mar 13
The gay-friendly organizer is back in a new venue. The third-floor of Siam Center will turn into a fantasy house party. Expect lots of fancy costumes and the usual guilty pleasure tunes. Details on free bar TBC.
Mar 13
Back by popular demand, after its Bangkok Docklands debut late last year, this niche outdoor market serves up a garden deck full of eateries, mini cafes, designer pop-up stalls and a floating bar.
Mar 13-15
An Italian-style carnival, with an exhibition of Vespas throughout the decades, with shows, game booths, a concert by Yellow Fang, Greasy Cafe, Scrubb, Stamp and Flure, as well as a vintage flea market by Cheeze & Looker Magazine. There will also be an Italian Food Fair. Riders of Vespas leave Asiatique at 1pm to head over to the venue in a massive caravan. Free entry for all riders of Vespas and Piaggio.
Mar 14
The British boy group that needs no introduction returns to Bangkok after two years for a mega-scale concert as part of their tour of Asia and Australia. Expect the stadium to be filled with screaming teenage Thai fangirls. Doors open at 5pm.
Mar 14
Korean artist Young Ji Kim's solo exhibition of paintings blends impressionist portraits of diverse individuals with more abstract works.
Mar 17-Apr 19
Siam Discovery Plaza will be filled with hundreds of white tents for the return of this designers' market, offering jewelry, shoes, clothes, accessories to home decor and other lifestyle products. Expect lots of celebrity stalls.
Mar 19-22
The acoustic singer-songwriter, whose latest album Yes! peaked at number 1 in 46 countries around the world, is back in Bangkok for a third visit, promising a cafe-style intimate gig. He will also be joined by his long-time musical companions Raining Jane. SOLD OUT.
Mar 21
Live performances from some of Bangkok's biggest indie names, including BeforeChamp, Aerolips, Highlag, BrokenYaakBeat and Stylish Nonsense (pictured), with DJ Masa and VJ Qotaroo also spinning tracks in the house.
Mar 22
At Democrazy Theatre Studio, a woman confronts her raw desires and challenges the accepted ideas of dignity and decency by putting her own experiences of one-night stands under the magnifying glass.
Mar 24-28, Mar 31-Apr 4, Apr 7-9
Expect a massive crowd to gather for the biggest book fair in Thailand, which brings together local and international books of all genres. Organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand.
Mar 27-Apr 6
A new take on marathons. Participants who register as "survivors" must pass obstacles like the laser grid, blood pit, cage crawl, tire graveyard and zombies to reach the safe zone and receive a survivor medal. Registered zombies will receive an infected medal. A new round starts every half an hour. All participants must register at register.runforyourlivesthailand.com and claim their kit on the day. Post-run concert by local artists Lomosonic, The Mousses, Flure and DJ Roxy June with a food and drink fair.
Mar 28
The massive shopping event returns for its third time, taking over Royal Paragon Hall with the usual parade of fashion items for the shoppers of Bangkok.
Mar 28-29
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