The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (April 10-13)

Turn up the heat a day before the Songkran weekend starts with a friday evening beats and brews party at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. This summer party will call in the festival season with ice-cold pours, body paint vibes and DJs spinning under the stars. Special servings of Chang unpasteurised-inspired cocktails, smokey barbeque dishes and a ton of snacks keep you happy while the tunes take you into the holiday season without a worry in the world. Tickets include one free drink, or go for the cabana package for four people that comes with your own chill-out spot, two bottles of beer (or eight beer cocktails) and free food to share.

Apr 11. Entry B300, B2,900 for cabana package, reservations here. Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. 6pm-midnight.

Get into the festive spirit and join Mitt Studio for an afternoon of lantern making. These ancient Lanna lanterns pop up a lot during this time of year, but fewer and fewer people know how to make them. Combining paper and wood, this workshop takes you through every step, letting you take home your lantern and display it proudly wherever you see fit. 

April 10, 12 and 16. B650 per person. Mitt Studio. 10am-12.30pm

Local band Troubadour Band are launching their new album at their own bar just off Thapae Gate, bringing a new album of acoustic blues and soulful lyrics to avid fans and passers by. This intimate live music venue focuses on local artists, with a passion for blues and American folk song. Troubadour Band will be accompanied by Champ, a slide guitar artist who is a regular at the bar. If you miss their album launch, they have live music performances Friday through Sunday, ending the weekend with an open-mic session. 

April 10. Free. Troubadour. 8.30pm-midnight

Prasert land, the empty space usually reserved for parking behind Nimmanhaemin road, is transforming again into a concert space with both wet and dry zones for the Songkran period. This festival runs from 6pm to late, and is more of an evening type of event – but expect to get just as wet as you did in the daytime. Back and bigger than ever for its second year, with a lineup including DJ Johnny Be, Good Times Ahead, DJ Naeleck, DJ Bomber Selecta and NICE CNX. 

Apr 12. B2,700, tickets here with VIP offers yet to be announced. Prasert Land. 6pm-late.

Dinky’s BBQ, Green Dog and Minibar are joining forces once again for another cornhole championship at Lansieow. Entry is free but you must arrive on time or before 6pm to register. Toss bags, enjoy some food, drinks or get a little help from your little green friend. Prizes will be awarded to the winners, announced on the day. 

April 12. Free. Lansieow. 6pm onwards.

Put down your waterguns before you pick them up and vibe with the all-day DJs from Look Aside. Daytime beats begin with DJ Faishack from 1pm and lead to the night jam of hip hop, dancehall, reggaeton, afrobeats and house with DJ Special K from 8pm. The party has no cover charge, but is a dry party with drink specials, tarot readings and door prizes. A great spot to step out of the chaos and into the groove. 

April 12. Free. Look Inside, 157 Moon Muang Road. 1pm-late.

Join the folks at Alt_Chiang Mai for a classic one-shot session of Dungeons and Dragons. The Sunless Citadel is the campaign name and lasts just one play through, led by pro game master Joannah Stewart. The game is open to people of all skill levels, but with only six spots available, sign up quickly to secure your adventure this weekend. 

April 12. B200 for members, B400 for non-members. Alt_Chiang Mai. 2pm-6pm

Nanairo is offering a more laid-back approach to Songkran, as long as you can navigate the moat to get into the old city unscathed. Bringing together some of the city’s favourite original music musicians including Aek Wild Sax, Suthep Band and Helicopter Secondhand, this soiree event the Friday before things heat up is the perfect way to get started and in the mood without all the mayhem. Also, Chef Kazuya joins the kitchen again for a serving of classic Japanese fare to keep your tum satisfied. 

Apr 11. Free. Nanairo Chiangmai. 5pm onwards.

As the second chapter in her trilogy, following The Place I Belong (Yangon, 2023), this exhibition explores Wah Nu’s deep connection to her homeland and pays tribute to the Myanmar people. Created between 2020 and early 2025, these works merge natural and manmade landscapes – think mountains, oceans, and towering stupas veiled in clouds – each moment telling its own story. The exhibition will run for six weeks but this Saturday it launches with an opening reception and an artist talk session where you can meet and ask Wah Nu questions about her life, work and concepts. 

April 5-June 17. Free. Kalm Village. Opening reception 5pm, daily 9.30am-6.30pm