17 things to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 23-26)
Sangria by the bowl, art battles, horror improv, Fatty's Fest, live music, and more.
We’re in a bit of an artsy mood at BK this week. From the soaring majesty of Giuseppe Verdi and an Art Battle at Fig Lobby to a multi-sensory exhibition and ceramic painting. But, hey, if that’s not your thing, don't worry, we’ve also got dive bar festivals, sangria by the bowl, arm wrestling, horror improv, and underground techno battles.
Radwimps, a Japanese four-piece rock band, the Hans Zimmer of anime films, is coming to Bangkok. With their instrumental melodies in record-breaking films "Your Name" and "Weathering With You," which won the Japanese Academy Award for Best Original Score, get ready to hear them live at UOB Live (Emsphere). Come with tissues. Purchase tickets here, UOB Live
Four punk, experimental, and dream pop bands are taking the stage at Speakerbox this Thursday for a local live show for Stylish Nonsense, NoxNoi, Geography of the Moon, and Synmelon. B300, Speakerbox
Beat the chef at arm wrestling and win a drink—we don’t often get to say that. The lucha libre-themed bar and restaurant El Santo is putting together a celebration for World Wrestling Day that involves Latin music and Mexican food, and if you spend B2,000 you can take on the El Santo chef. Free entry, El Santo
Mustache is putting on a head-to-head battle between Hexer and Charlie Kwenta—both big names on the Bangkok DJ scene. Billed as an “underground” showdown, Mustache is certainly one of the few clubs anyone can enjoy. Get in free between 9-10pm. B400, Mustache
Everyone’s favorite Din Daeng dive is turning 12 this May. And, frankly, everyone is going to be there. At last count 18 bands are going to be performing—and they’re still counting. From the Porter Bhoys and Selassie Sound System to Turbo Star and the Plague Pits, they’re putting it all on the line. Free entry, Fatty’s Bar and Diner
The Essential Opera Company and the Bangkok Community Theatre La Traviata from the immortal Giuseppe Verdi at the British Club, all followed by a three-course sit-down meal. The doors open at 6pm. Tickets here, British Club
Head upstairs at the Royal Oak for a night of spooky yuks at the Comedy Club Bangkok. It’s a night of horror-based improv comedy with Bangkok’s very own homegrown talent. Tickets here, Comedy Club Bangkok
The quiz returns to Playlys. Win the round and score shots for your team, or win the whole shebang and go home with a bottle of wine. Teams can be 2-8 players, and it all kicks off at 7:30pm. Tickets here, Playlys
The Ginger heart throb (no, the other one) JP Sax will be bringing his dulcet angelic voice to Bangkok Lido Connect Hall 3 as part of the Grey Area World Tour. “If the World Was Ending” with Julia Michaels is a whole mood. Tickets here, Lido Connect Hall 3
The plant-based club is hooking up with the burger-based phenom Daniel Thaiger for a night of dancing and burgers for the first time starting at 6pm. Everyone knows the Daniel Thaiger fare, and on the night they’ll be serving up both meat and plant-based bites. And, there’s a 20% discount on drinks all night. Reserve here, UFO
A whole bowl of sangria—yes, a bowl. Bring plenty of friends for this sangria celebracion, because the Punchy Brunch (B3,999), ideal for groups of four or more, features two sourdough woodfired pizzas of your choosing and two big sharing salads—along with your very own gigantic punch bowl filled with red or white chilled sangria. Free entry, Public House
The Super League Tournament returns for matches on Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds from the event will go to the HDF Mercy Center, and there will be plenty of food and beverages to accompany the matches—as well as a jersey raffle from pro players. More info here, Super Star Arena
The Art Battle is back at Fig Lobby—a rare and quite fun chance to see artists in action in a pretty wild venue. The battle takes place across three rounds and all the art works are up for auction after the event. Tickets here, Fig Lobby
It’s time for another rummage with the Swap Social at Earth House on Sunday. Go to get rid of old digs and find new (old) outfits starting at 2pm. Leftovers go to charity. B350, Earth House
The al fresco space at CALM is putting on a multi-sensory exhibition that will get all of your five senses in on the action, featuring more than 10 artists and workshops throughout the day, starting at 2pm. Register here, CALM Bar and Guignette
Nothing says “work of art” like two hours of free-flow booze. Pick your pattern from Eyes Sathinee and paint to your heart’s content. And, as ever, don’t miss out on the Gigi food or their free flow deal starting at B990. More info here, Gigi - Dining Hall and Bar
Jam turns down the tunes for the evening with a showing of “Permanent Record,” a showing from Bert Ackley, a Saigon based video artist and archivist who is using found footage to engage a whole new audience. Free entry, Jam
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