19 awesome events around Southeast Asia between now and March
Plan your travels with the help of our regional events calendar.
9 years ago
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 local bands Two Million Thanks, Into the Air, Zweed n’Roll and more.
Where: Phu-Uthai, Saraburi www.fb.com/keeponthegrassmusicfestival
When: Jan 31, tickets from THB1,500 ($61), 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.
Where: New Delhi, www.indiaartfair.in
When: Jan 29-Feb 1 Tickets: General INR400 ($8.70), student INR250 ($4.30)
February
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.
Where: Georgetown, Penang. tropfest.com/sea
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.
Where: Bukit Layang-Layang, Pasir Gudang, Johor, www.jcorp.com.my
When: Feb 11-15
Sadao Watanabe
JB Jazz Festival
Who said nothing cool ever happens in JB? Expect performances by world-class saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, Italian acapella group Mezzotono and big names from around the region including KL’s David Gomes and Singapore’s very own Jeremy Monteiro.
Where: Johor Bahru, www.facebook.com/jbartsfestival
When: Feb 26-Mar 1,
Tickets: Early bird tickets for a day pass start at RM50 ($19) and you can get them here.
When: Feb 26-Mar 1,
Tickets: Early bird tickets for a day pass start at RM50 ($19) and you can get them here.
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: PHP150.00 ($4.50)
THAILAND
Hostess Club Weekender
Originally from Japan, this live music series will be hitting Bangkok and confirmed acts include much-loved British psychedelic rockers Temples, Thurston Moore, of legendary rockers Sonic Youth, Scottish indie band Belle and Sebastian, Canadian musician Caribou (aka Dan Snaith) and indie-pop project Tune-Yards.
Where: Bangkok
When: Feb 19-20
Tickets: Tickets will go on sale via Thaiticketmajor from Jan 30 and will start at THB1,000 ($40.60) for a day pass and THB1,800 ($73) for a two-day pass.
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.
Where: Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo). www.javajazzfestival.com
When: Mar 6-8
Tickets: A daily pass starts from IDR385,000 ($41) and can go up to IDR935,000 ($100) for a three-day pass.
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.
Where: Nationwide. www.ltdl.com.my
When: Mar 8-15
Credit Eugene Kapersky
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 $33 for a three-day standing pass to $945 for a three-day Diamond Grandstand pass. Get your tickets here.
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 ($45), Standard HK$180 ($31)
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.
Where: Various venues. www.hkiff.org.hk
When: Mar 23–Apr 6
Bolshoi Ballet; 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.
Where: Various venues. www.hk.artsfestival.org
When: Mar 27-29
LAOS
Credit VientianaleVientianale 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.
Where: Vientiane. www.vientianale.org
When: Mar 12-15
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.
Where: Purnati Centre for the Arts and Arma Open Stage and Museum and Jl Pengoseken, Ubud. www.balispiritfestival.com
When: Mar 31-Apr 5
Ticket: Early bird tickets for the entire festival starts from US$550 ($734) and will be available until Mar 1, go here.
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