BK Weekend: What's on in Bangkok this May 21-24
All the weekend's best markets, nightlife, music and art.
SEE ALSO: Foodie happenings this week
Thursday (May 21)
ART: Smoke & Mirrors - Photography and the Art of Illusion
A Rear Window event at Cho Why, featuring a screening and dialogue with local photographers Manit Srimanichpoom, Piyatat Hemmatat, Withit Chanthamarit and Peera Vorapreechapanich. They'll be talking about the difficulties of conveying subliminal messages to the audience through the art of photography. Screening starts at 8pm.
May 21
MARKETS: The Hope Fair
Those that love to shop can do so for a good cause at this market, bringing together 75 international and local artisans and entrepreneurs to present their products, with proceeds going towards the children living in Bangkok slums. Expect fashion items, accessories, kids games, and ot her deco & wellness products. To be held at Rembrandt Hotel from 9am-3pm.
May 21
CLASSICAL: Complete Beethoven's Piano Sonatas by Christian Leotta
After the entire month of performances by the celebrated Beethoven pianist, this Thursday sees the very last performance of the series to complete all of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. The concert is free, with donations going towards the Gift of Life Foundation. See video above for a preview of his performance.
May 21
FILM: New Italian Animation Shorts #2
The second edition of unique Italian animations screening at Speedy Grandma, curated by Italian graphic designer and visual artist Fabrizio Gilardino. Screening starts at 8pm.
May 21
THEATER: Fly with Me, Free Breakfast!
The play launches this Thursday at Thong Lor Art Space. Director Damkerng Thitapiyasak adapts into Thai the French comedy Boeing Boeing, telling the story of Bodin, an international trader who manages his romantic relationships with three flight attendants working for different national airlines. Tickets available at showbooking.com/flywithme. Play runs from Thu-Tue.
May 21-Jun 18
THEATER: Hamlet, performed by Shakespeare's Globe
This May 21 sees a one-off performance of the classic tale of Hamlet, performed by 16 actors from the Shakespeare’s Globe troupe, who are making a Thailand debut at Sodsai pantoomkomol Center for Dramatic Arts. This comes as part of the two-year “Globe to Globe Hamlet” world tour. If you don’t manage to get a ticket, no worries, as this is only a teaser for more cultural events coming up in 2016, in celebration of five centuries of diplomatic ties between Thailand and the UK.
May 21
NIGHTLIFE: UniQ Thursday: Imaginarium
The conceptual/art performance Thursday night at Ku De Ta is back with a new theme, featuring special guest DJ Satoshi Fumi from Japan, with support by Masa Niwayama and Kimball Collins. As for dress code, just use your imagination.
May 21
Friday (May 22)
MARKETS: Love @ 1st Site
One of the hottest and biggest markets takes place across this weekend at CentralWorld Plaza. This is a massive fashion market comprising over 400 online stores, including some celeb-run stalls and food trucks. A collaboration between Weloveshopping, In The Box Market and Nylon Thailand.
May 22-24
ART: Art for Nepal
Thai and French photographers present their work in a charity exhibition at Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, with proceeds going towards The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Postcards inspired by Nepal will also be available on the night. Live music provided by Violette Wautier (The Voice Thailand) and Two Pills After Meal, with couscous dishes prepared by The Cafe 1912. From 7pm.
May 22
OPERA: Bhuridat - The Dragon Lord
This May 22 sees the world premiere of Bhuridat the Dragon Lord, under the creative tutelage of Opera Siam’s Somtow Sucharitkul. The show is part of Somtow’s ongoing project to complete 10 linked ballet-opera-musical performances, bringing the stories of the Ten Lives of Buddha to life. This third edition follows Buddha’s life as a naga, and features some of the best classical talents in the country. Shows run through May 24 at 8pm, with a matinee round at 2pm on the last day. B500-5,000 tickets available on Thaiticketmajor.
May 22-24
ART: Groove x Jeremyville
This Friday sees a one-off exhibition to be installed at Groove CentralWorld, featuring the Bangkok debut of New York-based artist Jeremyville. Expect four-meter signature sculptures and prints from the Jeremyville Community Service Announcement Project which explores the concept of self-empowerment, love and loss through simple imagery and words, a live art performance by the artist, plus live DJ performances till late.
May 22
CLASSICAL: Jens Lindemann with TPO
It might be a trek going all the way out to Mahidol University (Salaya Campus) but this week’s special performances by one of the most celebrated trumpet soloists around, Jens Lindemann, on May 22 (7pm) and May 23 (4pm), ought to make the trip worthwhile. He’ll be supported by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, taking on a world premiere piece by Thomas Hyuk Cha, plus works by Allan Gilliland and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Tickets (B300-500) are still available through Thaiticketmajor.
May 22, 23
NIGHTLIFE: Dudesweet Playhound Art School Graduation Party
Now’s the time to dust off your old school uniform, with two graduation-themed raves this Friday. The artsy kids can head over to Dudesweet:Playhound Art School Graduation Party this May 22, with a free Sangsom bar from 9-10:30pm at Mongkol Studio RCA (free entry).
May 22
NIGHTLIFE: Go Grrrls Class of 2015
Bad kids (who’ll be lucky to graduate) can drop by Wine Bibber Sangria, the same night, for Go Grrrls Class of 2015, where you’ll be guaranteed lots of Charli XCX, The Runaways and Grimes blasting through the sound system till late. Entry is B200.
May 22
NIGHTLIFE: Re.Load - Glow Re.Opening Weekend
After undergoing renovations for three weeks, Bangkok nightlife staple Glow returns this weekend, May 22-23, with Re.Load Party, featuring performances by 12 well-known Bangkok DJs such as Krit Morton, Koish, The Outsider, Coran and Sunju Hargun. The club promises the same techno basement vibe, with a redesigned bar and enhanced lighting and soundsystem. Entry is B300 (one free drink), plus an open bar from 11pm-midnight.
May 22
GIGS: Fatty's Fest III
The annual two-day food and music festival returns with a lineup of Panic Station, Fathers of Medicine, Unda, The Ladz and Degaruda on the first day and Plastic Section, Songsom Massacre and Low Fat and more on the second. Food and drink specials, plus prizes to be won on both nights.
May 22-23
Saturday (May 23)
SPORTS: Run for Nepal
Bangkok has responded with kindness to the recent Nepal earthquake. The latest fundraising activity to help the aid efforts targets runners. Sign up for the Run for Nepal this Saturday, May 23, kicking off at 6am at CentralWorld. Registration is only B300, all going towards helping the earthquake victims through the Nepal Embassy.
May 23
FESTIVAL: Joie de Viva/Viva Loves Life
The riverside bar plays host to another food/music/lifestyle festival, with proceeds going to support the victims of the Nepal earthquake.
May 23
GIGS: Visual Lounge Reggae Repeat
After launching last September, the Samsen bar hosts a second edition of the party in collaboration with Bangkok Reggae Appreciation Society. Expect DJ Woken and guests, plus reggae visuals and special drinks deals.
May 23
GIGS: Hennessy x Young Guru
The sound engineer who's mixed albums for Jay-Z, including the Grammy Award-winning "Empire State of Mind," debuts in Thailand at this W-District rooftop party, with support from DJs Ballisticone, DeejayB and Tob from Bangkok Invaders. Limited to 500 tickets. B800 advance purchases at Bottoms Up Thonglor (02-381-8020) and Sneaka Villa (089-168-6336).
May 23
NIGHTLIFE: Road to Shipsomania Presents Stanton Warriors
The British DJ duo returns to Bangkok as part of their Road to Shipsomania Tour before the actual cruise party kicks off early next year. Guests will have a chance to win a free cabin for two for the five-day music fest, featuring 30 DJs from around the world.
May 23
ART x DRINKS: CBINAC#2 A Craft Beer Exhibition
If you can’t get enough of those delicious (and illegal) craft beers made right here in Bangkok, here’s where to get another taste. This May 23, Cho Why (Soi Nana, Chinatown) hosts CBINAC#2 A Craft Beer Exhibition, which will show off some of the capital’s very best homebrews while also discussing the history of craft brewing in the capital. From 5pm.
May 23
ART: CommDe Creative Walk '15
The annual multimedia degree exhibition features graphic designs, timebased and interactive designs, photography and illustrations by graduating students from Chulalongkorn's Communication Design program. Each of the projects is aimed at solving a different design proplem.
May 23-30
MUSIC FESTIVALS: 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
MARKETS: Pomelo Block Party (Once Upon A Summer)
Enjoy up to 90-percent off at the headquarters of the online/pop-up female fashion store, plus deals from beauty brand Luxola, food by Mother Trucker and Fullmoon Truck and drinks by Waterboys.Check out our roundup of the rest of the pop-up markets coming your way here.
May 23
SALES: Book Sale @ Neilson Hays Library
The historic Library's book sale runs from 9:30am-4pm this weekend, offering quality, English language used-books from all genres at bargain prices, starting from B20. Parking is available at Voravit building.
May 23-24
Sunday (May 24)
CONCERTS: Boyzone BZ20 The Anniversary Tour
Backstreet Boys didn’t quite fulfill your craving for all things '90s? This May 24 sees the return to Bangkok of Boyzone. You can be sure Ronan Keating and co. will provide you with two hours of melodious nostalgia when they take their heartfelt hits to the stage at Impact Arena.
May 24
GIGS: Dood x Stu-fe'*friendship trip!
This month's indie party moves to a different venue, with performances by Tue'sday, Kingkong and the Chum, Fwends, Starfish, The Yam and more plus playlists by DJ KS and Golf till late.
May 24
COMEDY: Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy - Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic
This month's Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy open mic night takes place on Sunday. Doors open at 7pm, with the first act kicking off at 8pm. Interested performers can sign up at [email protected]. Seating is limited so head over early for the best spots to see Bangkok's aspiring talents taking on the theme "Leave Your Mark."
May 24
NIGHTLIFE: #Perfectsunday @ Roof 409
Head over to the chill Mercuryville Rooftop bar for a special Sunday, with an Absolut Vodka sponsored bar and special crafted cocktails by Guglielmi Michael at B160 net and Singha beers at B100 all night. Music provided by DJ Richie, Ikono & co. A new spot before the next working week begins.
May 24
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