The best things to do in Phuket this weekend (Oct 24-26)

Marking two centuries of devotion, Phuket’s legendary Vegetarian Festival is here once again, transforming the island into a spectacular display of faith, endurance and community. Known locally as Jia Chai, streets are filled with bright processions, sacred rituals and meat-free feasts – from sizzling street noodles to gold-leafed tofu skewers. Talking of skewers, devotees are famed for skewering their own cheeks and tongues in devotion to the cause, with a week of trance-like rituals, firecracker displays and an intensity that lasts all week long. Whether you’re there for the spiritual or the special, this is one of Thailand’s most visually powerful celebrations and a hallmark of Phuket culture. 

Oct 21-29. Free. Islandwide across Phuket’s shrines and streets. 

The island’s most feel-good night returns as The Rotary Club of Patong Beach brings back its annual Reggae Waves fundraiser – and yes, Job2Do is headlining once again! Meet Thailand’s reggae legends as they take stage for a high-vibe evening of roots rhythms and community giveback of legendary proportions. Kick things off with a lavish beachfront dinner buffet before Job2Do brings up the energy into the night. As Thailand’s iconic reggae band behind the timeless anthem “Do Ter Tum”, there’s no shortage of fans, and all proceeds go to supporting a fully equipped ambulance for Thalang Hospital and local children’s charities. 

Oct 24. From B990. Tickets here. Carpe Diem Beach Club. 6pm-late.

Tribotek is back on Thursdays, ready to fuse ancient rhythms with futuristic sounds. It’s a lineup of high-decibel collisions of afro-tech house and live percussion all night long. Get there early and get into the beats of DJ Alex Amax before the night leads through sets by DJ Axoff and DJ Kameroo on the decks all night. Adjacent to the stage, dancers and drummers fuel the fire with primal energy and hypnotic beats that can put anyone in a trance. This is the island's biggest techno-tribal takeover that your soul simply cannot miss. 

Oct 23 and following Thursdays. Free before 9pm. KUDO Beach Club. 8pm-late.

Chart-topping American rap duo Rae Sremmurd – the lyrical geniuses behind No Flex Zone, No Type, and the global smash Black Beatles – hit the stage at Illuzion Phuket for one massive night of beats, bars and pure energy. Brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi bring their signature chaos and charisma to the club, turning Bangla Road into a full-blown hip-hop arena with lights, lasers and a crowd that won’t stop till sunrise. 

Oct 24. From B700. Illuzion Phuket. 9pm-late.

Get ready for a deep dive into melodic house bliss as Swedish DJ and producer Fahlberg takes over Cafe Del Mar to celebrate new releases and old classics. Spinning tunes out on Diynamic, Watergate and Siamese labels, and garnering global support from icons like Solomun, Keinemusik and Black Coffee, Fahlberg brings a sound that’s equal parts euphoric and hypnotic – something a night out in Phuket is not fit without. Crowds are growing quickly, so get your ticket before the biggest beach club on the island gets overloaded with bass. 

Oct 25. B500. Cafe Del Mar. 10pm-late.