The best things to do in Bangkok this weekend (Jan 16-19)

Benjakitti Forest Park is transformed under the theme ‘Healthy City Empowers People.’ The culmination of this nine-day event offers a diverse range of creative exhibits and pavilions, which not only make for excellent photo opportunities but also chances to explore urban life from different perspectives. Visitors can take part in workshops, discussions and performances and engage with the latest trends and innovations, such as the Avatar Map – Thailand’s first. There are spaces for sharing ideas with experts, designers and exhibitors, as well as a dedicated play area for children to enjoy holistic learning. The festival provides a unique glimpse of the city’s potential future. Check the schedule here for more details. Until Jan 19. Free. Benjakitti Forest Park, 8am-6pm

Vichit Nongnual’s solo exhibition pays tribute to the late Tang Chang, a pivotal figure in Thailand’s modern art scene. Collaborating with curator Panu Boonpipattanapong, the artist explores the time-honoured tradition of mirroring the works of great masters, a practice that contrasts with notions of copyright and intellectual property. Having admired Tang Chang’s art since his student years, Vichit’s reverence has deepened throughout his career, culminating in this exhibition. The works on display offer a three-part dialogue with the master artist, reflecting Vichit’s ongoing connection to Tang’s legacy and the enduring influence of his creations on contemporary artistic practice. Until Feb 26. Free. La Lanta Fine Art, 6pm-8pm

This music extravaganza showcases a stunning performance of classical masterpieces, blending the rich tones of piano and strings in a deeply moving presentation. The ensemble features Andrey Gugnin on piano, Elizabeth Layton on violin, Tasana Nagavajara on viola and Edith Salzmann on violoncello. The programme includes Mozart’s Piano Quartet in G minor, K.478 and Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op.47, offering an exquisite mix of emotional depth and technical brilliance. It promises to immerse the audience in a captivating dialogue between the instruments, with each piece revealing unique layers of complexity and beauty. Jan 16. B400-900 via here. Goethe Institute Thailand, 7.30pm onwards

A reopening celebration for BEAM headlined by Helena Hauff. This performance marks her highly anticipated return to Thailand following her debut at Wonderfruit 2023. Renowned for her expertise in high-tempo electro, breakbeat and techno, Hauff is famed for all-vinyl sets that combine raw energy with meticulous precision. She will be supported by local favourites Mae Happyair and Krit Morton, both well-established figures in Bangkok’s music scene. The event promises to be a memorable night of fun, attracting dance music enthusiasts from across the city. Jan 16. B350-650 via here and B900 at the door. BEAM, 9pm-3am

A moving image programme by Rosalia Namsai Engchuan, featuring works by Surapong Pinijkhar, Ming Wong, Doug Aitken and Lawrence Lek. This marks the first chapter of an ongoing series curated by Engchuan at Bangkok Kunsthalle. It opens with intimate reflections of a bygone era in the form of Sampeng (The Chinatown Montage), which offers a nuanced portrayal of Yaowarat and challenges the reductionist nature of cinematic depictions in After Chinatown. The journey then shifts to the origin of the cinematic gaze, encountering raw fragments of wilderness on a seemingly post-apocalyptic Californian beach. The final segment explores Lawrence Lek’s speculative future in SimBeijing: Black Cloud. The 92-minute programme will be shown on a single screen running on a continuous loop. Jan 17 - Feb 27. Free. Bangkok Kunsthalle, 2pm-8pm

Playlys celebrates its first anniversary, marking a year of petanque, French feasts and unforgettable moments. To commemorate the occasion, they host an evening of festivities that includes a welcome drink, complimentary finger foods and good vibes until midnight. Come and raise a toast to a year of laughter, connection and shared experiences and look forward to many more memorable moments ahead. Jan 17. Reservations here. Playlys, 6.30pm onwards

A captivating blend of ballet and tango comes to life through the skillful performances of both dancers and musicians. This production merges the elegance and grace of ballet with the passion and intensity of tango, offering a visually stunning experience. The dancers' seamless movements are complemented by live music, which heightens the emotional impact of the performance. Each step and note comes together to create a powerful atmosphere, drawing the audience into a world of refined artistry and raw emotion. Jan 17. B500-1,200 via here Music Hall, Chulalongkorn University, 8pm-10pm

In his first solo exhibition, Watcharapol Khanthong (SAILOM) presents works that celebrate colour and diversity, reflecting human experiences, dreams and the beauty of nature. Taking inspiration from the simple elements that surround us, his pieces explore themes of connection, love and the emotional bonds between people. Amid the chaos of daily life, which can obscure clarity and foster melancholy, the artist imagines a dreamscape brimming with vibrant hues and diverse identities. His paintings embody the power of life’s colours, inviting viewers to reflect on shared experiences and the often-overlooked beauty in ordinary moments. Through this exhibition, Khanthong encourages us to embrace the richness of life and brighten our own journeys. Jan 18 - Mar 29. Free. 2nd floor, Mini Xspace Gallery, 10am-5pm 

The annual celebration of sustainability, community and the vibrant energy of local organic producers takes place amidst lush surroundings at Baan Tepa Culinary Space. This carefully curated market unites farmers, artisans and food lovers in celebration of fresh, responsibly-sourced produce and culinary innovation. You can enjoy special menus from vendors, including Baan Tepa’s own offerings, as well as fresh organic produce direct from farms, artisanal baked goods and treats for pets (furry friends are welcome, adding to the lively atmosphere). The event also features hands-on workshops, allowing guests to explore sustainable practices and deepen their connection to the land and its offerings. It’s a joyful gathering that highlights creativity, sustainability and the importance of community. Jan 18-19. Free. Baan Tepa Culinary Space, 10 am-6pm

Experience the soothing power of sound, alongside the magic of Bach flower alchemy, designed to lift your spirits and restore balance. To top it off, an enlightening oracle reading will help provide insight and clarity. By the end of the session, you’ll be floating on a cloud of relaxation, feeling at peace with a heart full of positivity. Think of it as a spa day for your soul – without the soggy cucumber slices. Whether you're looking to de-stress or just need a gentle reset, this workshop is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world (or at least the next cup of tea). Jan 18. B1,111. 2nd floor, Energy Space, 4pm-6pm 

This month’s event – themed OMG! New Year, New Crush – invites singles to start 2025 by making fresh connections. It offers a unique chance to meet a fresh face every five minutes in an exciting speed dating experience curated by OMG. Each participant will receive a Moxy Teddy Bear as a special New Year gift from Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, and an exclusive discount on food and drinks. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off the year with new encounters, fun activities and great deals in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Jan 18. B1,499. Register here. 9th floor, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, 7pm-10pm 

An exhibition by Bertrand Gossart and Sitthitham Rohitasuk. This showcase presents the essence of landscape painting and reflects both the external world and the inner realms of the artists. Their works reveal a dynamic exchange of perspectives and aesthetic feelings, akin to a personal conversation. Through vibrant colours, emotionally charged brushwork, overlapping textures and deliberate reduction, the artists evoke deep emotions, hidden thoughts and untold stories. The exhibition invites viewers to embark on a personal journey of interpretation, memory, emotional exploration and an expansion of the imagination. Immerse yourself in an endless voyage through landscapes that are transmitted from the mind and soul. Jan 18 - Mar 29. Free. 2nd floor, Mini Xspace Gallery, 10am-5pm 

The soft opening of a temporary bar that might soon become a permanent fixture in your heart. For this special occasion Bartemp partners with Trommel, a leading media channel in the underground dance music scene, to help launch this exciting new chapter. DJs TODD and DOTT create a vibrant atmosphere with dynamic beats. Bartemp promises to be a place where magic happens, where a night filled with energy and music has the potential to be something truly lasting. Jan 18. B300 via here and B400 at the door. Bartemp, 9pm onwards

With a gift for bold improvisation and a generous dose of humour, the charismatic American-Brazilian singer invites you into a world that strays from the conventional. His performance offers a unique blend of energy and artistry, engaging the audience in an unforgettable musical journey. The night will feature a stellar lineup with Prince Von Hudson on vocals, Zing Sing on piano, Jaco Aoh on bass and Mr Sticks on drums. Together, they create a dynamic atmosphere in which creativity and spontaneity take centre stage. Jan 19. Free. Reservations via 098-664-9826. Foojohn Jazz Club, 8pm-11.30pm   

This exhibition creates an atmosphere of inspiration and positivity, uniting people through joy, hope and encouragement as we embrace the arrival of 2025. The New Year offers a unique opportunity to share meaningful experiences, whether it’s a warm smile, a thoughtful blessing or a gift filled with significance. In this carefully curated display, extraordinary items have been selected, each one rich in value and meaning, serving as symbols of love, goodwill and shared happiness. Every piece represents the heartfelt sentiments exchanged between individuals, reflecting the spirit of connection and the celebration of unity that the New Year brings. Until Jan 26. Free. Room 249, 2nd floor, River City Bangkok, 10am-8pm

The wavelength of light visible to the human eye ranges from 400 to 700 nanometers, a small part of the vast electromagnetic spectrum. Beyond this range lie other familiar yet invisible frequencies such as X-rays, ultraviolet rays, microwaves and radio waves. This exhibition emphasises that human perception captures only a fraction of the infinite universe, highlighting our inherent limitations and imperfections, not just in how we perceive the world but also in our personalities and identities. Furthermore, individuality and existence are not fixed but fluid and constantly evolving. The artwork explores this concept of excess, imperfection and instability, inviting reflection on the ever-changing nature of both ourselves and the world around us. Until Jan 26. Free. 333Gallery Bangkok, warehouse30, 11am-6pm

Discover the creative world of Anusorn Thontong in his first solo exhibition, presented by Gallery TR in collaboration with River City Bangkok and Trendy Gallery. The theme, ‘Movement’, symbolises the journey through life’s challenges and transitions, expressed through walking, running or leaping. It embodies growth, resilience and the continuous motion from one stage to the next. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to enter a parallel realm, where intellect and inner potential are harnessed to overcome pressures and obstacles, with imagination leading the way. This showcase invites reflection on how movement in both physical and mental forms shape our experiences and fosters personal growth. Until Jan 26. RCB Galleria 4, 2nd floor, River City Bangkok, 10am-8pm

The third edition of this event returns, focused on fostering a joyful atmosphere and support for the Thai film industry’s creativity. Organised by the Thai Film Directors Association, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Thai Film Archive and Happening Mag, the event offers a diverse programme. Highlights include outdoor film screenings, live music performances, insightful panel discussions, and food stalls featuring popular dishes from across the city. Booths will also be available for filmmakers and other industry creatives, as will a range of interactive and innovative activities to ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the event. Every Saturday and Sunday until Jan 19. Free. Check time and location here.

Yuree Kensaku's solo exhibition presents her latest works, which delve into the challenges faced by women and their resilience through cultural myths, folklore and societal archetypes. Her lively, anime-inspired style draws viewers into a captivating world of exploration. The artist reflects on historical narratives and pop culture, offering a critique of the roles women have been assigned. Through the use of characters like ghosts, demons and antiheroes, Kensaku crafts powerful metaphors to address the intricacies of social and cultural dynamics. Each piece invites the audience to consider the deeper meanings behind these figures, highlighting the complexities of gender and identity in both traditional and contemporary contexts. Until 16 Mar, 2025. Free. JWD Art Space, 10am-7pm

This exhibition brings a fresh approach to addressing the mental health challenges faced by many in Thailand. It creates a therapeutic space that blends digital art with engaging sensory elements such as light, colour, sound and touch. The focus is on the connection between the body and mind–acknowledging the importance of physical sensations in managing emotions. The exhibition focuses on the psychological concept of 'self-compassion', encouraging the audience to reflect on their well-being and mental state. Until Jul 12, 2025.  B200 via here. 2nd floor, MMAD at MunMun Srinakarin, 11am-8pm

Explore the fascinating world of nature through a unique exhibition in collaboration with the Chulalongkorn University Museum of Natural History and the Department of Creative Arts, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Seamlessly combining science and art, the exhibition highlights the contrasting yet equally captivating qualities of butterflies and cockroaches, showing how both embody resilience and adaptability in the natural world. It provides an engaging and insightful experience, bridging the gap between the beauty of nature and the marvels of science. Until Feb 28, 2025. Free. 1st floor, Chulalongkorn University Museum, 9am-4.30pm

Dance to the electrifying beats of top DJs as they create the perfect soundtrack for an evening of energy and excitement. Sip expertly crafted cocktails and immerse yourself in the vibrant surroundings as you groove or take a dip in the pool, all against a backdrop of dazzling lights that transform the venue into a spectacular playground. Synchronised lighting and pulsating rhythms make hearts pump and feet move. Dec 21, Jan 11, Feb 1  and Mar 1, 2025. B600 via here. W Bangkok, 2pm onwards

YAMADA presents his third solo exhibition, delving into the insatiable hunger and desires fuelled by the media we consume daily. His thought-provoking works explore the impact of this constant craving, asking a crucial question: where does it ultimately lead? The pieces suggest that the path may lead to wealth and success, or it could result in emptiness and disappointment. Through his art, YAMADA invites you to reflect on the consequences of an ever-present desire for more, and the role media plays in shaping our aspirations. Dec 21 - Feb 16, 2025. Free. Trendy Gallery, FL.2, River City Bangkok, 10am-7pm

The 10th anniversary celebration of Sundae Kids highlights a decade of the acclaimed artistic duo’s poignant depictions of human connections. Their artwork, marked by simplicity and emotional depth, resonates with a global audience and leaves lasting impressions. With over two million followers on social media, the pair continue to capture hearts through their sincere narratives and gentle visual style. This exhibition explores life as a winding journey and invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of relationships and the beauty found in shared experiences. It comprises a moving take on life’s most intimate moments. Until Jan 26, 2025. B100-350 via here. River City Bangkok, 10am-8pm