The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (January 15-18)

Nomads rejoice! The summit is back, bringing even more people together for a weekend dedicated to remote professionals, founders, freelancers, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers from around the world. Things kick off Friday with an opening ceremony, followed by two days of intense, inspiring talks, practical workshops and powerful networking sessions designed to help grow skills, business and community. And while the main conference features some of the world’s most seasoned speakers and remote work entrepreneurs, the week following opens the floor to guests to plan community-led meetups, side events and adventures across the city. If this sounds like your jam, read more about it here and get your  ticket fast – they’ve almost sold out. 

Jan 16-25. B10,000 for a full week pass. Shangri-La Hotel and other venues across the city

Open mic nights are usually all about the music, but at Free Bird Cafe, things happen a little differently. While you can definitely still sing, this one’s all about sharing – that’s anything from songs and poems, to stories, jokes or any talent you may want to bring to the stage. Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, the floor is open! For those who need it, a new house guitar is right there beside you, while the welcoming crowd comes as standard. Add on a bonus of food and drinks, dig deep and cheer loud as proceeds go to supporting  refugees from Myanmar. 

Jan 16. Free. Free Bird Cafe. 7pm-10pm

Take a seat at the table and get stuck into this global gathering of flavour as Old Chiangmai Cultural Centre gets transformed into a foodie festival heaven. With almost every type of cuisine on offer, it’s a real showcase of the exceptional culinary skills the city has to offer, however the real showstopper must be those connected to this year’s theme – tracing Lanna roots back and reviving forgotten flavours through what they coin ‘Glocalisation’. So aside from all your usual faves, the festival also brings together local ingredients, international ideas and stories from chefs, creatives and ethnic communities in a bid to explore how tradition and innovation collide on the plate. Not to mention a good helping of live music, alcoholic drinks and fun activities to keep everyone merry. Go hungry, there’s lots to try. 

Jan 17-18. Free. Old Chiangmai Cultural Centre. 10am-8pm 

lineup rolls through shimmering psych grooves of Dada Sun, as well as a good helping of punchy garage riffs and full-throttle heaviness from The Apple Jack, Vanilla Girl and Phased Plasma Rifle. It also marks a milestone moment for Dada Sun, who take to the stage with their brand-new bass player for the first time – a great excuse if you just can’t wait to see them again. 

Jan 17. Free. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 8pm-late

Chiang Mai Coffee Week pours out four days of caffeine-fuelled joy at Jing Jai Market, bringing together coffee lovers of every stripe. From specialty brews and farm-to-cup stories to tea, cocoa and desserts worth any potential caffeine overdose, this is where you go to find the city’s coffee culture all in one place. Aside from the shopping and sipping, you’ll also meet growers from across the country, taste what’s new in the coffee world, catch workshops and competitions and, if you’re savvy enough, hunt down event-only deals that are well worth taking advantage of. Just don’t blame us if you can’t sleep later tonight. 

Jan 15-18. Free. Jing Jai Market. 9am-8pm (6.30am start Jan 17-18)

One of Chiang Mai’s most beloved cultural festivals returns as the Borsang Umbrella Festival lights up the streets of the Bo Sang sub-district for another year. Now close to half a century in the making, this three-day celebration takes over the roads with a huge market, stages and parades that celebrate Lanna craftsmanship front and centre. This is where to go to get your culture fix – think traditional umbrella parades, local music performances, hands-on umbrella making workshops and the much-anticipated Miss Bo Sang contest where young ladies carry umbrellas in one hand and cycle pushbikes with the other. No doubt this deep dive into local life is one of the best local events of the year. 

Jan 16-18. Free. Bo Sang Umbrella Village. 10am onwards

If you’re in the mood for some old school Lanna music, the PAO has you covered. This party in the park, aptly named ‘Geud Teung Ha’ (which translates to ‘I miss you lots’), lets you reconnect with the sounds of northern Thailand with its lineup of Lanna folk and local Thai classics like Jaran Manophet. But wait, there’s more! Instead of your usual concert setup, this time the music is reimagined in full orchestral brilliance, with performances by some of the country’s most cherished ensembles. Beyond the stage, the event leans heavily into sentiment and shared experience – think themed photo booths, postcard postboxes, a traditional ‘kad mua’ market, and traditional dress up galore. 

Jan 18. Free. Chiang Mai PAO Public Park. 4pm-9pm