Anyone going to Beatforest, take note. The festival just threw out a curveball. The festival has moved its entire date forward by a day to avoid election alcohol restrictions that would seriously kill the vibe.
The event was supposed to happen on January 31 2026 but now takes place on January 30 instead. It's all because of Thailand's election timing, with early voting kicking off on February 1. Thai law bans alcohol sales for 24 hours before election day, which means a bone-dry finale to what's meant to be a proper weekend party.
So yes, it's now a Friday instead of a Saturday. Not ideal if you've already booked a hotel for the original date, but the organisers reckon it beats having a completely dry festival.
What makes Beatforest worth the hassle anyway? Music is obviously the main thing, but there's more going on than just standing in front of a stage. Between sets you can plant trees, cycle around the grounds or wander through installations where lights weave through the natural surroundings rather than drowning them out. The stage itself works with the environment instead of fighting it, designed so the lighting plays off branches rather than blasting over them.
Anyway, the festival team apologises for changing the plan and offers two options. You can get a full refund or roll your ticket over to the 2027 edition. Refund requests need to be in by today, December 30, so don't hang around if you want your money back.
It's annoying about the date shuffle, but at least they catch it early enough for people to sort their plans out. Better a Friday festival with drinks than a Saturday one staring longingly at empty bars.