Despite cooling temperatures and some thundering rain, November in Bangkok is still looking pretty hot, especially in light of all the wonderful things there are to do. When it comes to Bangkok’s art and event scene, there’s plenty to be doing, either with that special someone or even on your lonesome. From dance and music festivals to rugby games and christmas shopping preparations, there’s one thing that’s for sure: your electronic diary will be flashing constant reminders of what to do, where to go and who to see. Read on for our hand-picked selection of things to do in the next two weeks and don’t forget to click “add to your calendar” for the ones that catch your eye. If you’re feeling super keen, be sure to check out our list of 10 must-see art exhibitions this November too.
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In case you thought otherwise, Mickey Mouse is still a big deal, especially in the City of Angels. In celebration of the cartoon character’s 90th anniversary, King Power Rangnam has collaborated with Disney Thailand to bring you full-scale celebrations that run all the way into the beginning of next year! Experience a 3D mapping spectacle and art exhibit of painted Mickey Mouse models by Thailand’s leading artists. Don’t forget to check out the Disney-themed store and if you purchase a Disney T-shirt or hat, you’ll be eligible for a free photo too!
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There’s a 3-day music festival happening in Thong Lor for music-lovers, party animals and Bangkok’s fine foodies. Headlining will be our favourite award-winning British deep house DJ, Hot Since 82 who will be turning people left right and centre on the dance floor on Friday night. Expect stellar sets from Bangkok’s very own Sunju Hargun, Dan Buri, DJ Pichy and more. End the weekend with a Sunday smoke out with BBQ masters Meat & Bones who will be serving up 8-hour smoked ribs with whisky pairings. Enjoy your Monday hangover!
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Get ready to be the judge of Bangkok’s greatest musical talents, while sipping on gorgeous cocktails at The St. Regis Bangkok. The hotel, together with famed Thai violinist Dr. Paye Srinarong, have officially arranged the first Thai Rising Stars competition in 2018. 3 finalists have been chosen to perform before guests and Thailand’s professional panel of judges and the talented finalists are Thanachock Udomphat, a French Hornist and member of Thai Youth Orchestra; Chayatorn Trairattanapradit, a saxophonist and Songklod Nunthakasem, a Trombonist and senior member of The Thai Youth Orchestra (TYO).
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Get your hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, it’s going to be an interesting day watching sweaty hunks and ladies compete in a rugby tournament. This one-day rugby tournament-turned-festival is a great excuse to learn about the sport and/or bae-watch and/or get boozy. The one-of-a-kind festival set in Bangkok’s most exclusive sports club will be packed full with exciting, entertaining and class memories. You’ll be able to enjoy the best in rugby action by top international and local rugby players, alongside plenty of good food and great drinks.
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It wouldn’t be a true November in Thailand if you weren’t celebrating Loy Krathong! Have you been a bit last minute with your plans? Fear not, we’ve got just the options for you to experience the age-old Siamese tradition in suave and sophisticated style. Celebrated annually on the night of November’s full moon, Loy Krathong marks the ancient Thai tradition of honouring the Water Goddess and The Mandarin Oriental celebrates in absolute style. Enjoy a traditional dance show while feasting at any one of the hotel’s dining destinations: Riverside Terrace, Terrace Rim Nam, Le Normandie, Lord Jim’s or Ciao Terrazza before enjoying a spectacular firework display over the Chao Phraya River.
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Soulwax AKA 2ManydJS, the Belgian band from Ghent return to Bangkok to turn it up! If you’re looking for something different, look no further as event organisers SixSix will again return to bring you a one-of-a-kind party atmosphere set to get LIVE ARENA on fire while getting your feet moving and grooving on the dance floor. Get “politically incorrect” with some progressive rock or funky r&b or fill your heart out with some wavey hiptrop or the pulsing sounds of German techno. If there’s one thing 2ManyDJs is known for, it’s their variety; no matter what, the Dewaele brothers have got a record somewhere up their sleeve that will get you moving.
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Are you an artsy person? Or do you appreciate art? Or do you want to learn about art? Well, aside from, of course, Bangkok Art Biennale, The Commons has also got you solidly covered for 2 days this month as it brings together a line-up of artists, designers and workshops in one community space. You’ll be able to meet over 20 artists and designers and see how they bring their masterpieces to life with names such as ALEX FACE, Jim Thompson Home Furnishings and Bloody Hell Big Head stealing the stage.
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The biggest gathering of international and local dance community and trade in Bangkok returns for a two day event at Helix garden on the 5th floor of Emquartier, consisting of workshops, competitions and a dance-filled gathering. If you’re interested in learning about street dance, swing, ballroom dancing, bollywood or musical theatre, this will definitely be something worth checking out. If not, be sure to check out the SOLO dance competition which will see 60 contestants above the age of 10 from four types of dance, including classical, ballet, hip hop and musical theatre, all vying for a limited number of 3-month scholarships both abroad and locally.
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110 of Bangkok’s entrepreneurs, artisans and designers gather to gift you a day of fun shopping for all your Christmas gear. Gift hunters may decide to indulge in a bit of shopping for themselves too! Sift through exclusive products ranging from gourmet and healthy food to fashion, cosmetics, wellness, art, crafts and home decor. The Hope Fair Bangkok continues to highlight artisans and entrepreneurs who commit themselves to produce differentiated and high end products and services. Moreover, you’ll be shopping for a good cause as all the vendors together donate through this event to children living in the slums of Bangkok through its support of the Mercy Centre.
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Express yourself with a glass of wine (or a few) and a paintbrush. Relax and unwind in an intimate setting and give yourself a chance to see what appears on your canvas while simultaneously drowning away your worries. This isn’t a competition to see who can paint better than who, this is a freestyle painting and social opportunity for you to create and meet new people. So if you haven’t touched a paintbrush since you left school, it really doesn’t matter, here’s a chance for you to reconnect with your artistic side while having fun.
Catherine Napalai Faulder
Catherine is Bangkok born and bred and knows the angles of the city and its people very personally. You'll often catch her writing about the upsides of Thainess, the richness and diversity of Bangkok's third cultures and the true meaning of wellness.
