Events & Festivals in Chiang Mai

This festival celebrates the handicraft village of Bo Sang, just outside Chiang Mai, famous for its painted paper umbrellas. It includes demonstrations of umbrella-making, from paper crafting to painting, plus a beauty contest, cultural parades with floats, and a market selling the village's signature products and other local crafts.

This annual event puts the region's horticultural abundance on full display. Massive floral floats roll through the streets. Cultural performances run throughout. Local blooms compete in a large competition. The parade follows Nawarat Bridge toward Suan Buak Haad public park. That is where the main exhibition and market sit. The cool season's peak floral beauty gets its due.

This marathon ranks among Thailand's premier running events. Thousands of participants line up. Distances range from full marathon to half to shorter options. The course cuts through the historic old city. Runners pass temples like Wat Phra Singh. The Ping River provides scenic views. Organization is tight. Local support runs strong.

A colorful spectacle develops as dozens of hot air balloons take flight over the city. The event typically includes morning and evening balloon launches, night glows where tethered balloons light up like lanterns, and family-friendly activities on the ground. It's held at a large field on the city's outskirts.

Chiang Mai's Hindu community observes this festival. Lord Shiva receives the honors. The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple near the night bazaar draws prayers, offerings, and ceremonies. Devotees fast. They perform special pujas. Flowers decorate the temple. Evening brings chanting and cultural performances. Visitors are welcome to watch.

A week-long festival screening independent films from Thailand, Asia, and around the world. Screenings are held in small cinemas and cultural venues, often with Q&A sessions with directors. The program includes feature films, documentaries, and short film competitions, providing a window into contemporary filmmaking.

Thailand celebrates New Year nationwide. Chiang Mai's version is famous. For several days, the city becomes one giant water fight. Locals and visitors splash each other on every street. Tradition still matters. People visit temples to make merit. They bathe Buddha images. They sprinkle water on elders' hands for blessings.

Celebrating the peak of mango season, this event shows the many varieties grown in the region. Expect stalls selling fresh mangoes, mango sticky rice, mango smoothies, and other mango-based products. There are often competitions for the best mangoes and demonstrations on how to select and prepare them.

Wat Chedi Luang hosts this significant local ceremony. The city's guardian spirits and city pillar receive honor. The event runs a week. Monks chant for protection. Traditional dance performances happen. A large local market sells food and offerings. Tourists are not the focus. The roots run deep.

Warorot Market, locals call it Satok, throws a seasonal bash for rainy season fruit. Think lychees, longans, mangosteens. Vendors crowd extra space, selling peak freshness at cut rates. Fruit snacks and desserts too.

When Thailand hosts major multi-sport events like the SEA Games, Chiang Mai often hosts some competitions and related cultural events. These can include opening or closing ceremonies, cultural village exhibitions showing arts from ASEAN nations, and free public performances celebrating regional unity and sport.

A celebration of northern Thai cuisine held at a central location like the old provincial hall. Dozens of food stalls offer local specialties like khao soi, sai oua sausage, and nam prik num. There are also cooking demonstrations by local chefs and competitions showing regional ingredients and culinary techniques.

A unique charity sporting event held at a resort outside Chiang Mai. Teams compete in polo matches riding elephants, with mahouts guiding them. The event raises funds for elephant conservation projects and includes gala dinners, auctions, and family activities alongside the matches. It attracts international participants and spectators.

A one-day outdoor concert featuring popular Thai rock and indie bands. The event attracts a younger local crowd and is held at a venue like the 700th Anniversary Stadium. The atmosphere is energetic, with multiple stages, food trucks, and merchandise stalls. It's a chance to experience Thailand's contemporary music scene.

A specialized weekend market held at the Lanna Folklife Museum or similar venue, focusing on high-quality handicrafts from local artisans. You can find handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, wood carvings, and ceramics directly from the makers. It's more curated than the regular night markets, with an emphasis on traditional techniques.

This major international horticultural exposition opens every few years. The next likely arrives in 2026. When active, it transforms a vast area. Themed gardens, pavilions, and displays from countries around the world fill the space. Flower and plant competitions run. Cultural shows happen. The landscaped grounds demand a full day.

Thousands of paper lanterns fill the night sky. This is the famous festival everyone pictures. The most authentic celebrations stay temple-based. Locals make merit. They release lanterns after prayers. Large paid events also operate outside the city. The sight of countless glowing khom loi drifting upward is spectacular.

This festival overlaps with Yi Peng. Small decorated baskets float on water. The water goddess receives honor. Negativity gets released. In Chiang Mai, crowds gather along the Ping River, the moat, and ponds. The city glows with decorations. Beauty pageants and parades run through the streets.

This city-wide event shows contemporary design from northern Thailand and Southeast Asia. Galleries, shops, and converted warehouses host exhibitions. Textiles, ceramics, furniture, and digital art fill the spaces. Workshops, talks, and studio open houses run alongside. Nimmanhaemin and the old city are the main zones.

Live jazz runs all weekend. Acclaimed Thai and international artists take the stage. The atmosphere is relaxed. Families are welcome. Food and drink stalls surround the venue. A large outdoor space hosts everything. Picnics on the grass work well. Music plays under the stars.

The old provincial hall grounds host this large traditional fair. Hundreds of market stalls line up. Local products, handicrafts, and food are for sale. Carnival games operate. Live music stages run. Cultural shows entertain. The Thai Red Cross raises major funds here. Locals treat it as a favorite year-end outing.

Chiang Mai throws several large countdown concerts to welcome the new year. The main events typically happen at Tha Phae Gate and the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel grounds, featuring popular Thai bands and singers. The atmosphere turns festive. Food vendors and street parties spill out from the main stages.