The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (Feb 20-23)

For one night only, enjoy the beautiful sounds of Rasmee Isan Soul as she concerts at Moment’s Notice Jazz Club, promising a night of elegant folk, luk thung and morlam sounds reimagined with her unique soul and R&B styles. First entering the music scene in Chiang Mai, she now tours nationally and internationally, winning three Kom Chad Luek Awards for Best Album, Best Artist and Best Song. Her performance will be followed by The New Massage, playing New Orleans swing and Abandoned Town, playing soul, funk and R&B. Feb 20. B490 per person, includes a complimentary Federbrau drink. Moment’s Notice Jazz Club. 6pm-late. 

Lanna Rugby Club is hosting their first ever Drag Charity Night, where men’s and women’s teams trade cleats for heels, in a night full of glamorous drag-induced performances. All proceeds support local grassroots rugby, with amazing raffle prizes and special guests you won’t want to miss. Feb 22. B250 buy online here. The Moat House. 7.30pm-late. 

The Myanmar community is back with the third edition of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop – bringing together the finest and most brilliant people for a big ‘Pwe’ (a party to celebrate and remember). This year the focus is on ‘for the love of heroes’, with twenty art grant winners exhibiting as well as live performances and fun activities. There will also be film screenings showcasing some important Thai and Burmese short films over several days. 

Feb 19-28. Free. More details here. The Commune CNX and RX Cafe. 

Experience and learn the sensual dance moves of Bachata and Kizomba this friday with a Bachata workshop with Jaoying followed by a social dance of Kizomba and freestyle with DJ ThaiTun through to midnight. This is both workshop and party, with soft drinks available but a bring your own alcohol situation. Join for the workshop and the party or just the party – it’s your choice. Feb 21. B300 for workshop and party, B100 for just the party. Balimos Chiangmai. 8pm-midnight.

This year, the Human Rai (ร้าย), Human Wrong project aims to connect youth and the new generations to a deeper understanding of their place in society, where they live and the challenges that are faced by such parameters. The exhibition explores stories, debates, and other important issues that can’t be overlooked. The themed exhibition ‘Youth Matters’ will run for a week and present various art forms from various artists.

Feb 22-Mar 1. Free. Some Space Gallery. Opening event 4pm on Saturday. 

If you feel it’s about time to unplug and dive deep into relaxation, creativity and genuine connection, then this is the event for your calendar this week. Leave the digital noise behind and join the Reconnect CNX group for an afternoon of mindfulness, reflection and meaningful activities. Phones away and connect to creativity through paint, mandalas, journaling, reading, social stations and just being you without distraction. 

Feb 23 and Mar 2. Free. Look Inside CNX. 3pm-7pm. 

Head out to The Cocoon and enjoy an afternoon of bathing, sauna and great tunes as this out-of-city oasis turns into a party venue for the afternoon. Enjoy the sauna, ice bath and pools of the venue while city-favourites like DJ I Lost My Keys and Theo DGL bring the party vibes, alongside Just Jacob, DJ Bump and The Selkies. Food and craft beers are on special too, so don’t miss out!  Feb 22. B500 on the door. The Cocoon. 2pm-11pm

The Annual Japanese Film Festival has returned to Chiang Mai once again, this time with six different films to enjoy, all supporting both Thai and English subtitles. All films are free of charge, but booking a seat in advance via this link here is recommended to secure your spot. The festival runs from Feb 21-23, with showings of Akira, All the Long Nights, Best Wishes to All, From the End of the World, Happyend and Out. To make it easy to watch, the event includes both evening and afternoon screenings. Feb 21-23. Free. CIC Mass Comms Building, CMU. Various show times. 

A festival where ancient traditions meet modern practices, uniting wellness, mindfulness, music and art into a weekend of transformative experiences. Set against the mystical backdrop of a sacred mountain and its misty waterfall, this immersive celebration nurtures the body, mind and soul through Yoga, meditation, Thai wisdom, Ayurveda workshops, TCM, therapeutic music, instrument healing, live performances and high-energy beats. Rooted in sustainability and timeless wisdom, Mountain Rise invites all to rise together in harmony, embracing nature’s beauty and the essence of rejuvenation. Feb 21-23. Website here. B1000-B3,300 tickets. Sai Mok Waterfall. 

Enjoy an evening of delicious cuisine and jazz music in an exquisite atmosphere by the Ping River. Feast on quality steaks, Foie gras, fesh oysters, caviar, sashimi, many kinds of salad, seafood and so much more at their exceptionally good value for money world buffet event. B2,000 gets you everything included, with a welcome drink. Add B800 to get free-flow wine with your meal. This event comes around only once a month, so booking is advised. Feb 22. B2,000 or B2,800. Le Crystal. 6pm onwards.

Fans of the legendary Alex Face can enjoy an exhibition of his latest work in Chiang Mai painted while he toured the country on a pushbike – partnership with Dream Graff Gallery and Bangkok CityCity Gallery. Following last year’s project in Khao Lak and in Chachoengsao his home town, he and his crew cycled from Mueang Chiang Mai District to Phrao District, carrying all his painting gear along the way. 

Feb 7-Mar 1. Free. Dream Graff Gallery. Opening event 5-10pm on the first day.