Events & Festivals in Chiang Mai

A weekly highlight, transforming Ratchadamnoen Road into a massive pedestrian market. Hundreds of stalls sell local handicrafts, artwork, clothing, and street food. Features live traditional music and a fantastic local atmosphere.

Celebrates the traditional handmade paper umbrellas (saa) of Bo Sang village. Features a beauty contest, cultural performances, demonstrations of umbrella making, and streets lined with thousands of colorful, painted umbrellas.

A energetic celebration of Chiang Mai's floral beauty. Highlights include a grand parade of elaborate flower-decorated floats, traditional dance performances, and beauty contests. The main event is held at Suan Buak Haad Park, which transforms into a spectacular flower exhibition.

An important Buddhist holy day commemorating the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened disciples. At night, temples hold candlelit processions (wian tian) where devotees walk clockwise around the main chapel, holding incense, candles, and flowers.

An eclectic boutique music and arts festival set in a scenic valley. Features a mix of international and Thai live bands (indie, rock, electronic), art installations, workshops, and camping under the stars. Focuses on community and creativity.

A major gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts from across Asia. Features bike shows, custom bike competitions, live rock music, rider parties, and group rides through the northern mountains. A loud, friendly, and petrol-headed celebration.

A celebration of northern Thai and Isaan (northeastern) street food. Dozens of vendors gather to serve local specialties like khao soi, sai oua (herb sausage), som tam (papaya salad), and grilled meats, along with live music.

The world's biggest water fight, marking the Thai New Year. The streets of Chiang Mai erupt with people joyfully splashing water to symbolize washing away the past year. Also features traditional ceremonies like bathing Buddha images and paying respect to elders.

A lively pre-rainy season festival where villages craft and launch homemade bamboo rockets (bang fai) to encourage rainfall. Features parades with colorful costumes, music, dance, and rocket competitions for height and beauty.

A week-long Buddhist ceremony to honor Chiang Mai's founding city pillar (Sao Inthakin) at Wat Chedi Luang. The temple grounds are filled with food stalls, candle-lit processions, and merit-making activities. A deeply local event.

The holiest Buddhist day, marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Temples are packed with devotees making merit. The evening candlelit processions at major temples like Wat Phra Singh are profoundly beautiful and serene.

National holiday celebrating the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday. The city is decorated with yellow flags and portraits. In the evening, there are often candle-lighting ceremonies and concerts at Tha Phae Gate or 3 Kings Monument.

A stunning display of thousands of orchid varieties at one of Thailand's premier botanical gardens. Includes competitions, sales of rare orchids and plants, and educational exhibits, all set within the beautiful, misty mountains of Doi Suthep-Pui.

A month-long celebration of visual and performing arts. Galleries and cultural centers host special exhibitions, while theaters and outdoor spaces feature dance, music, and theater performances highlighting both traditional Lanna and contemporary works.

A weekly market focused on organic produce, artisan foods, baked goods, and handcrafted items. Popular with expats and health-conscious locals. Offers a great selection of Western-style foods, fresh coffee, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

Chiang Mai's most iconic festival, where thousands of khom loi (sky lanterns) are released into the night sky. A deeply spiritual Buddhist event coinciding with Loy Krathong. The mass release creates a breathtaking, magical spectacle.

The 'Festival of Lights' where beautifully decorated krathong (floating baskets) are set adrift on rivers and ponds to honor the water goddess and float away misfortune. In Chiang Mai, it coincides with Yi Peng.

A massive international horticultural exhibition held every few years (and maintained as a permanent park). Features stunning themed gardens from around the world, giant floral displays, cultural shows, and a peaceful lake. A sensory overload.

A city-wide celebration of contemporary Lanna design, creativity, and innovation. Features exhibitions, pop-up markets, workshops, talks, and installations by local designers, artists, and craftspeople across various venues.

A popular international marathon run in the cool season. Courses wind past historic temples, through the Old City, and along the Ping River. Offers full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and fun run categories.

A free, open-air festival featuring top Thai and international jazz artists. Set against the backdrop of the Old City moat, it offers a sophisticated and relaxing evening of music under the stars during the cool season.