25 events you don't want to miss in Bangkok this April
It's not all splash wars.
6 years ago
FAIR: 46th National Book Fair & 16th Bangkok International Book Fair 2018
We’ll likely never return to the city’s book heyday, i.e. 2013, when UNESCO named Bangkok that year’s World Book Capital (an aspirational title). Thankfully, the International Book Fair returns for a selection of books both Thai and not, with some local writers heading up events.
Through Apr 8, 10am-9pm. 60 New Rachadapisek Rd., 02-229-3000. Free.
FAIR: The 39th Bangkok International Motor Show 2018
The annual exhibition of cars, big bikes and pretties. Supercars will no doubt be flaunted, but save your ogling for the real automobiles of the future: the plug-in, green machines that will see us out of the air quality index’s red zone.
Through Apr 8. IMPACT Arena, Popular Rd. B100.
CONCERT: Lany
The California natives who launched their career anonymously via Soundcloud have sold out another Bangkok performance. Fans of Lany can expect debut album favorites like “ILYSB”, “Good Girls,” “13” and “Super Far.” Fans should also have already bought their tickets. Show starts 6pm at Moonstar Studio 8.
Apr 2. Moonstar Studio 8, Ladprao Soi 80. Sold out.
GIG: The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band
The globe-trotting modern molam band treat fans to an intimate show. Rock up early for the 10pm start because this is likely to sell out.
Apr 4. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51. B300 on the door.
ART: Crossing the Appearances
Photographer Deborah Metsch exhibits her memories of Africa through half-frame 35mm photos.
Apr 5-May 6. The Jam Factory, 41/1-5 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.
ART: The Salween Guardians
Photography that exposes the Burmese army's merciless approach to hilltribe minorities.
Apr 6-May 5. Maison Close, 397/399 Charoenkrung Soi 45. Free.
COMEDY: Bill Bailey live in Bangkok
Star of Black Books and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Bill Bailey’s been funny for two decades. If you think that’s easy, recall that Jimmy Fallon’s streak lasted, oh, 20 minutes. What’s the old man got that the kids don’t understand? Jokes that jump from topical to political to observational, combining razor-sharp critiques of society and musical comedy.
Apr 5, 8pm. The Westin Grande, Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-207-8000. B1,000-3,200. Tickets at www.ticketflap.com/billbailey-bkk18
Credit: Charito Yap Via www.flickr.com
NIGHTLIFE: Zedd
As a part of his Asia Club Tour, world-famous electronic music producer and DJ Zedd will a stop off at Onyx for the night.
Apr 5, 10pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., 081-645-1188. B900. Tickets: www.ticketmelon.com/retox/zedd
ART: Rituals by David Longstreath
American photographer David Longstreath explores Southeast Asian rituals like body piercings, fire walking and street processions.
Apr 6-8. Cho Why, Soi Nana 17. Free.
ART: Strange Loops II: Confusion is Next
Through loops, repetition and layering, Pathompon “Mont” Tessprateep offers a visual and thematic exploration of the idea of “mental time travel,”including a portrayal of nomadic noise musician Thom Assajan-Jakgawan. Opening reception on Apr 7, 6pm onwards.
Apr 7-May 13. Gallery Ver, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 22, 089-988-5890. Free.
CONCERT: Katy Perry
Katy Perry, kisser of girls, starter of Twitter beefs and dancer with sharks, is one of modern pop’s true chameleons. She’ll bring her California-girl roadshow to Bangkok and belt out hits like “Roar” and “Firework.”
Apr 10. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4445. Tickets are B2,000-6,500 from Thaiticketmajor.
NIGHTLIFE: Trasher
Trasher is throwing their very first Songkran Party, themed around “Dancing Flower.” Expect upbeat music, crazy characters and, of course, a chance to get wet.
Apr 12, 5pm. Fortune Town, Ratchadaphisek Rd. B600. Tickets at www.ticketmelon.com/event/trasherdancingflower
Songkran (Apr 13-15) is when Bangkok becomes one great, big tidal wave of fun. That is, if you haven’t already hatched your escape plan. Stay tuned for BK Magazine's full run-down of the best Sonkgran parties.
FESTIVAL: Songkranzonic
The 4-day festival has Borgeous, Excision, Brennan Heart and DVBBS headlining this year to provide a wet and wild Songkran experience.
Apr 13-15, Oasis Outdoor Arena and Creative Market, Chaturathit-Rama 9 Rd., 064-064-6183, 097-138-7374. B800-5,200. Tickets at ww.eventpop.me/e/3052-songkranzonic
FESTIVAL: S2O Songkran Music Festival
This year’s “world’s wettest party” features EDM megastars like DJ Snake and Krewella across three days.
Apr 13-15, 11pm. Live Park Rama 9, 065-509-9080. B2,000 per day.
NIGHTLIFE: Songkran Splash Away 2018
After six years, W Bangkok’s Splash Away Pool Party has turned itself into one of Songkran’s top events. The hotel’s sixth-floor pool terrace turns itself into a dance floor for a lineup of international DJs, while the booze comes from sponsors Chang and Abslut Elyx.
Apr 13, 1pm. 6/F, W Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. B790-990.
NIGHTLIFE: G-Spot Songkran Dragqueen Festival
Drag shows the whole Songkran weekend with 3 drag queens hosting each night.
Apr 13-15. Maggie Choo’s, underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. Free before midnight. B500 after (includes 2 drinks).
NIGHTLIFE: Paul Oakenfold
British trance veteran Paul Oakenfold works according to a simple mantra: “making people feel good.” This Apr 18, the DJ who’s performed at nightclubs the world over, including Mount Everest base camp, will face one of his greatest tests: arousing Bangkok from its post-Songkran hangover at Insanity Nightclub.
Apr 18, 10pm. Insanity Nightclub, 234 Sukhumvit Soi 12, 02-653-2923. B600-1200 (includes 1 drink) at www.ticketmelon.com/insanity/pauloakenfold
CONCERT: The Wedding Present
The Leeds-hailing indie-rockers who’ve released some 30 LPs since forming in the mid-'80s bring their blazing guitars and angst-ridden lyrics to the stage, supported by Hariguem Zaboy and DJ Fatboy Tim. Tickets are B950 from www.ticketmelon.com/event/wedding-present-live-in-bangkok.
Apr 19. The Public Restaurant & Bar, 491/1 Prasert-Manukitch Rd., 084-019-2442.
Concert: Yung Bae
As part of Bangkok Arts & Music Month (BAMM), a series of indie concerts spread out at different venues from Apr 20-May 18, the American beatmaker Yung Bae performs live.
Apr 20, Noma BKK, RCA. B590. ticketmelon.com/live/bammbkk
FAIR: 2018 Highland 4.20
Thailand’s 4th 420 event by Highland will offer a journey through Thai cannabis history, with educational exhibits exploring how cannabis has affected Thailand in medical, social and legal areas. Expect also live music and an organic market.
Apr 21. Fortune Town, Ratchadaphisek Rd. B420-550.
NIGHTLIFE: Beat and Beyond: Coucou Chloe
This new series of alternative electronic music shows launches with French DJ/producer/vocalist Coucou Chloe, a resident of both London and NTS Radio.
De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. Free for the first 200 people who register at www.facebook.com/HUHBKK
CONCERT: Cosmo Pyke
As part of Bangkok Arts & Music Month (BAMM), a series of indie concerts spread out at different venues from Apr 20-May 18, the British indie/lo-fi artist Cosmo Pyke performs live.
Apr 25. Helix Garden, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd. B1,290. ticketmelon.com/live/bammbkk
Concert: Lydmor live in Bangkok
The eccentric Danish singer compared to Bjork and Grimes performs rhythmical electro sounds with emotional edge. Supported by Parim.
Apr 28, 8:30pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. Ticket price TBA.
Concert: The Script
The Irish soft rockers will perform at Impact Arena on Apr 28 in support of their brand new album, Freedom Child. Head to thaiticketmajor.com where tickets are priced from B2,000.
Apr 28. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4445.
Concert: Bruno Mars
The American pop and R&B singer, who last visited in 2014 when he famously went shopping for bootlegs of his own CDs, will bring his 24K Magic world tour to Bangkok. Expect hits both old—"Just the Way You Are," "The Lazy Song," "Uptown Funk"—and recent—"That’s What I Like" and "Versace on the Floor." Ticket prices start at B3,500 from Thaiticketmajor.
Apr 30. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4445.
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