Across Thailand, some pandemic restrictions have been eased, but one big one has not: nowhere in the country can you get a drink at a bar. 

 

That has put nightlife workers in a precarious position, especially those in Bangkok, which once boasted a vibrant, tourism-attracting bar scene. 

 

For almost a year, Bangkok bartenders have been left in the dark, their reopening proposals ignored, their future uncertain. Many have turned to side hustles to make by, selling everything from noodles to coffee while they can’t serve you drinks.

Many of those side projects will be on display this weekend, as a group of bartenders and mixologists are putting on a non-alcoholic flea market at the new Midsummer Night’s Dream Bar. 

 

Drop by the bar on Sep 26 from noon-8pm to check out and purchase homemade snacks, drinks, and collectible items created by workers from 20 bars and alcohol brands—including Oil Wareewan and Peerapath “Arm” Boonprasith, who are behind Midsummer Night’s Dream Bar.

 

Among the many fun products and brands on display will be Mimosaba. The brand, created by Backstage Bar’s Kittibodee “Gov” Chortubtim and Wasteland’s Suchada “Fahbeer” Sopajaree, sells champagne-cured mackerel—their nod to mimosas. 

 

Got a sweet tooth? Rabbit Hole’s Suwincha “Cha Cha” Singsuwan will be selling milk tea, cookies, and brownies (her brand is called Chai Chai).

 

You can also sample creative sodas from nomadic bar Wasteland, donuts and pastries from Spot Dough by the Rabbit Hole group’s Noppasate “Depp” Hirunwathit, cold brew coffee from Find the Locker Room’s Prapakorn “Pok” Konglee, fermented shrimp from Eat Me’s Buntanes “Pop” Direkrittikul, spicy chili paste from Oraphin “Dutch” Chaopramong of the Bootleggers team, and more.

 

If you too feel uncertain about your future, you can get your fortune told. Pik, the bartender at Ekkamai’s Playroom, has been practicing her fortune-reading skills during lockdown. She will also sell scented candles at the market.

 

For more information, check out the Midsummer Night’s Dream Facebook page.