January
THAILAND
Noise Market
After a successful third run last November, the fourth edition of the much-loved music/art-focused market returns. The first stop is Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where there will be all the usual handmade arts and crafts products, plus additional organic food by local farmers, a vegetable planting workshop, and quality live indie music. After that, it heads back to Bangkok for a second round at Museum Siam over the Valentine’s weekend, bringing the usual handmade goodness and live performances to Rattanakosin Island.
Where: Santosha Health & Lifestyle Resort, Khaoyai, and Museum Siam, Bangkok
When: Jan 31-Feb 1 (Khao Yai), Feb 13-15 (Bangkok)
Keep on the Grass #3
The third instalment of the breezy folk fest from the people behind Stone Free Festival promises a folk-heavy lineup of Two Million Thanks, Into the Air, Zweed n’Roll and more.
When: Jan 31 Tickets: B1,500, including camping spot
INDIA
Credit India Art Fair
India Art Fair
Taking place in New Delhi, 85 galleries spread across 90 booths will display contemporary paintings, sculptures and performance art from both Indian and international artists, as well as a special exhibition on new media.
When: Jan 29-Feb 1 Tickets: General Rs. 400 (B209), student Rs. 250 (B131)
February
Credit Luica Mak
Chinese New Year
With most major cities in the region containing a strong Chinese commumity, expect to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Goat in style.
When: Feb 19-20
MALAYSIA
Credit MichaelChuan
Tropfest South East Asia
The world’s largest short film festival returns to Southeast Asia, bringing with it acclaimed cinematographer Christopher Doyle and legendary director Wong Kar-wai as judges and speakers.
When: Feb 1
World Kite Festival
This annual event is set for Bukit Layang- Layang, with thousands of kites from more than 30 countries taking part.
When: Feb 11-15
PHILIPPINES
Art Fair
First held in 2013, the Philippines’ top modern and contemporary art exhibition brings together artists from across the local scene. More than 33 galleries are participating in 10 exhibitions alongside other art events and an auction by Christie’s.
Where: Alternative Urban Venue, artfairphilippines.com
When: Feb 5-8
Tickets: PhP 150.00 (B100)
SINGAPORE
Runners Convention 2015
The leading international marathon draws the world’s top long-distance runners to Marina Bay Sands, including Lizzy Hawker,
Ricky Lightfoot and Mok Ying Ren. Participate in workshops and training sessions from the sport’s experts, too.
When: Feb 7-8
Tickets: SGD$55.00-70.00 (B1,230-B1,720), including a training session
The Gathering
The outdoor music festival is headlined by Belle and Sebastian (pictured) and also features psychedelic rockers Temples, Brooklyn-based dream-pop act Real Estate and electronic soloist How to Dress Well, who will make a stop in Bangkok three days later on Feb 17. See also Bangkok's
Hostess Club event featuring many of the same artists.
When: Feb 14
Credit Chingay
Chingay
The biggest and most colorful float parade in the region celebrates the various ethnicities who call Singapore home. In honor of the state’s 50th anniversary celebrations, this year’s parade will be the grandest yet, with over 11,000 multicultural performers from 15 countries.
Where: F1 Pit Building (Next to Singapore Flyer)
When: Feb 27-28
Tickets: Starts from SGD28.50 (B700) to SGD60 (B1,400)
March
INDONESIA
Java Jazz Festival
One of the world’s largest jazz gatherings features top acts like Lisa Ono, Christina Perri Mar and Blue Note Tokyo All Star Orchestra.
When: Mar 6-8
Tickets: Daily pass Rp385,000 (B995) and 3-day pass Rp935,000 (B2,400)
MALAYSIA
Credit Bob P-&-S
Le Tour de Langkawi
Cyclists prove their muscle in a race across Malaysia, passing through such cities as Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
When: Mar 8-15
Credit Eugene Kaspersky
Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix
The world’s most revered motor-racing series returns to Sepang International Circuit, 80km north of Kuala Lumpur, where the greatest racers from across the world will compete.
Where: Sepang International Circuit, Selangor. tinyurl.com/pd2js6n
When: Mar 27-29
Ticket: From B812 for a three-day standing pass to B23,034 for a three-day Diamond Grandstand pass.
HONG KONG
Credit Asia Contemporary Art Show
Asia Contemporary Art Show (Spring Edition)
Meet the biggest artists from the Asian contemporary art world, mix with worldwide exhibitors and purchase some of the region’s most in-demand pieces. The VIP round takes place on Mar 12, followed by the public fair from Mar 13.
Where: Conrad Hong Kong. goo.gl/2kFOXY
When: Mar 12-15
Ticket: VIP HK$260 (B1,100), Standard HK$180 (B760)
Credit Art Basel
Art Basel
The world’s biggest art fair brand returns to Asia for a cross-cultural exchange between Western and Eastern art markets. The fair is separated into six exhibitions showing pieces from world-famous artists alongside that of emerging artists and regional masters.
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and galleries around the island
When: Mar 15-17
Hong Kong International Film Festival
One of Asia’s oldest film festivals features 280 titles from more than 50 countries, screening across 11 venues. There will also be seminars by local and international filmmakers along with film-related exhibitions.
When: Mar 23–Apr 6
Bolshoi Bullet credit Damir Yusupov
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Asia’s top performance artists join talents from around the world like 10-times Grammy winning musician Bobby McFerrin, flamenco troupe Gala Flamenca and the Bolshoi Russian ballet company.
When: Mar 27-29
LAOS
Credit Vientianale
Vientianale Film Festival
Following the successful Luang Prabang Film Festival, Laos is this year hosting Vientianale Film Festival, featuring both Asian and international short and feature films. There will also be a short film festival under the theme “Back to the Roots.” All film screened with English and Laotian subtitles.
When: Mar 12-15
SINGAPORE
Future Music Festival Asia
This massive two-day concert is moving to Singapore following a three-year run in Malaysia. The lineup consists of big-name electronic acts like Martin Garrix, Avicii, Gorgon City and more.
When: Mar 13-14
Ticket: Day 1 Pass SGD148 (B3,640); Weekend Pass SGD208 (B5,116); VIP-First Class SGD388 (B9,543)
Singapore Jazz Festival
This year’s festival features British diva Jessie J along with big jazz names like Chris Botti, Courtney Pine and the legendary vocalist Bobby McFerrin. There’ll also be an appearance by Japan’s Blue Note All Star Jazz Orchestra.
When: Mar 5-8
Ticket: General day-pass SGD125 (B3,000), VIP SGD500 (B12,200)
MYANMAR
Credit Travel Aficionado
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival
The country’s most important Buddhist gathering is set for mid-Mar, when the light of a thousand people holding candles makes the city glow as they bring offerings of water and flowers to the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Where: Shwedagon Pagoda
When: Mar 15
BALI
Melasti Ceremony
Bali’s charming religious ceremony to purify Bhuana Alit (the world) and Bhuana Agung (the universe) takes place over three days leading up to Nyepi Day, a Hindu holiday marking Bali’s New Year.
Where: Around the island
When: Mar 18-21
Bali Spirit Festival
Yoga, dance, live concerts and DJ performances take place over four nights in an effort to raise funds for local health and education programs.
When: Mar 31-Apr 5
Ticket: Early bird booking available at
bit.ly/1IKMjIM until Mar 1. Full Festival Pass US$550 (B18,000) / US$750 (B24,600) for VIP; Weekend Pass $400 (B13,100) / $500 (B16,400) for VIP. All plus $9.95 (B320) booking fee.