Forget World Cup fever, we’ve got global vibes in town at this weekend’s events. Get your sultry moves on at CO&CO’s Argentine tango soiree; pull up a pew at FRAME film club’s screening of Japanese master of cinema Kurasawa’s Orchestra Dreams; we’ve got Burmese funk coupled with wine and cheese at 828 Alleyway; or ease into the interpretive dance flow of Ecuadorian Pacha to the sound of Andean beats.
Of course live music is rolling out – our pick of the weekend is Lanna Rot’s hardcore punk showcase at Yoda’s on Sunday. Sapphic Riot are throwing a deliciously alt art party as Chinese-London collective Chimimora swing by the old city: and the playful gang at Retro Recess are hosting a field trip of kayaking and munching. It’s a busy one, so get involved.
The play based meet up Retro Recess is back this weekend, inviting you and your inner child to join a little field trip to the river. Meeting at Wat Fah Ham aka the kayaking temple just in time for sunset, it’s time to flex those biceps and row up the river with new pals, just like those school days outings. Post-row the gang are heading for dinner so bring a towel and dry socks in case you get a bit drenched while sploshing along the Ping.
July 17. B100. Wat Fah Ham. RSVP here. 5pm-10pm
Formed in South East London, nomadic art collective Chimimora are swinging by Chiang Mai on Saturday to host a packed night. Proceedings commence with a screening of their movie Almost Home, which focuses on the Chinese diaspora, before DJs sickpot, TakeAanap and twoeight bring heat to Sapphic’s dancefloor til the small hours.
July 18. Free entry. Sapphic Riot. 8pm-late
Chiang Mai’s hardcore punk scene is notoriously strong and a large part of that is thanks to the rowdy programming by legends LANNA ROT Productions who are bringing Fast Music Alliance 2026 to Yoda’s this weekend. Prepare yourself for raucous sets from Nuclear Warfare, Struggle Session, and Crapgum with support from local outfits Smellcorpses and Olex.
July 19. From B250. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 6pm-midnight
For those who love a good move or two but feel like the usual classes aren’t doing it for you these days, then some Ecuadorian pacha movement may be the answer to your body woes. Guided by ANAPOLA, a performing artist, singer and movement explorer from Ecuador guides this primal movement dance through traditional moves and lots of personal discovery. The pre-programmed musical sets feature Andean and Afro-Ecuadorian rhythms that are said to awaken and connect you to mother earth – although you’ll need a scarf or a bit of fabric to get all the moves right.
July 19. B250-B300. Jugnu Studio. 5pm-7.30pm
Step back from the busy weekend and swap big parties with a laid-back evening of flavour, storytelling and a little bit of rhythm. 828 Alleyway are bringing a collection of local and international talent to the stage for an immersive, multi-sensory evening, with wines from TAWA, artisanal Thai cheeses from Jartisann. For the entertainment, Burmese artist Ba Sai Wunna brings the art while the powerful NuKola brings poetry and spoken word to connect hearts and culture. Wrapping it all together in rhythm is TONYFUNK – a staple of Thailand’s nightlife scene – where house, tech and a good energy keeps the night significantly groovy.
July 18. B200 (includes wine and cheese tasting). 828 Alleyway. 7pm-late
FRAME – aka the Fellowship of Revolutionary Art & Media Expression – are gearing up for another season of film screenings, while continuing to connect artists and fans through independent film here in Chiang Mai. With a lineup of underground and mainstream movies on show across the following months, this week brings Orchestra Dreams (1990), a Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa that follows eight visually rich vignettes drawn from Kurosawa’s own dream. This film school edition brings a recorded orchestrated version by Anselmo Mancini to the screen, complete with English and Thai subtitles and a discussion after the credits roll.
July 16. Free. Fellowship Cafe & Co-working. 6.30pm-11.30pm
Another one for the movement inclined – this time, from Argentina. CO&CO Cafe in Nimman is going heavy on the elegance and romance, where experienced dancers join complete beginners (yes, that’s you most likely!) on the dance floor where you can wiggle and move your way through contemporary tandas selected by TDJ Non all night long. On top of that, special guests Gift Nanthanan and Julian Castro will also deliver a special live tango performance beneath the chandeliers. Reservations for Saturday Milonga come with a mocktail or two soft drinks, and places are limited.
July 18. B400, message the venue on socials to book. CO&CO Cafe. 8pm-11pm
Hotel bars are not uncommon, but what is uncommon is when they have something extra worth visiting for. The Marriott’s Wang Bar is one of these spots, where the bar is less about the drinks (although they’re still very good) and more about the experience. Inside, you’ll find three zones that are all about the fun, packed with massive-size golf simulators, private karaoke rooms and e-gaming setups that are a blast – all starting at just B750 per hour. At the bar, golf-inspired drinks make up the menu, served in a plush yet authentic Lanna-heritage style setting. A great start to the long holidays, or a nice filler after the splashing is over next weekend.
Now open. Free entry, B750 per hour of activity. Wang Bar, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. Open Wed-Sun, 2pm-midnight.
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