Can you feel that? The winter breeze is finally passing through Thailand. Well, either that or you’ve just walked through 7-Eleven’s doors. Nevertheless, it’s nearly December, and what does this mean? Scouring Uniqlo for fleeces on discount, “sick” day planning, last-minute reports, fantasising about what to do with your year-end bonus and, of course, checking which parties are worth hitting up. To save you some time, Guru has compiled a guide to festivals and fairs that will take place before the new year arrives. Sobriety, of course, is not guaranteed.
MIX MASH
Nov 27-29 (Ratchadamri Soi 2, opposite CentralWorld, http://www.themixmashfestival.com)
Perfect pairing exists in many forms: wine and cheese, Kim and Kanye and, in this case, food and music. There will be three zones, each featuring collaborations between renowned chefs and musicians. Just make sure you don’t jump around with food in your mouth.
Performances by: DJ Yoda and pancake art by Dancakes; “Cotton Candy Dance” with Hammered Dulcimer and DJ Pitchy; “Chef and Rapper” by Chef Chumpon and Tok Supakorn; and many more.
Highlight: Casamia, a Michelin-starred UK restaurant, will hold two cooking demos and a private dinner. If you’re a foodie, do get in on that.
Ticket prices: B1,200 (one-day pass), B3,000 (three-day pass).
WATERZONIC
Nov 28 (SCG Stadium, Muang Thong Thani, Baan Mai, http://www.waterzonic.com, http://fb.com/waterzonic)
It’s wet. It’s wild. No, it’s not Songkran -- it’s Waterzonic. If you’re a fan of EDM, it would be a crime to miss this event, with a line-up chock full of international DJs. VIP packages are available, which includes a fast-track into the event, access to the dry zone, a private bar area and private restrooms, perfect for those who are too cool to mingle with the plebs -- or are just very particular when it comes to hygiene.
Performances by: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, W&W, Dannic, Goldfish & Blink.
Highlight: Expect high-quality sounds, sick lighting projections, pyrotechnics and copious amounts of confetti explosions.
Ticket prices: B2,800 (regular), B3,800 (VIP).
OVERCOAT MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dec 6 (Starlight by Jolly Land, Khao Kho, Phetchaboon, http://fb.com/overcoatmusicfest, http://fb.com/changworld)
With the tag line of “The Unexpected”, we hope there will be surprise appearances along with confirmed artists Slot Machine, Boom Boom Cash, Jetsetter, Palmy, Paradox, Gene Kasidit. The festival will be held in the northern province of Phetchabun. We’re predicting night-time breezes that could be a tiny bit colder than the air con at EmQuartier, so look no further for somewhere to show off your jackets and earmuffs.
Ticket price: B1,600.
SANSIRI WINTER MARKET FEST #3
Dec 12-13 (4-10pm, T77, Sukhumvit 77, http://www.sansiri.com/wintermarketfest3)
If the third instalment of the Winter Market Fest by Sansiri is anything like the previous two, we’re looking at a success. Held at the San Samran Bridge, this festival will no doubt draw crowds of Bangkokians looking to eat, shop and post photos on Instagram with the #slowlife hashtag. You can easily spend all day here -- and Sansiri will probably thank you for it, seeing as it’s trying to develop the neighbourhood into a chic new hangout spot.
Number of shops: 130 and counting.
Food: Artwins, Organic Supply, Lab Ramen Burger, Daniel Thaiger, La Monita, Scruffy Apron, After You, Crumb and many more.
Drinkies: Beer gardens from Hoegaarden and Grocerant by Jacob’s Creek.
WONDERFRUIT
Dec 17-20 (Siam Country Club, Pattaya, http://www.wonderfruitfestival.com, http://fb.com/wonderfruitfest)
Warning: No, this does not count as one of your five-a-day.
Maybe you’re already familiar with Wonderfruit, either from last year’s high-profile hi-so (we’re supposed to know who their daddies are) and celebrity attendance, or the fact that tickets are so mind-bogglingly expensive you realised your money would be better spent treating yourself to a New Year’s present. If not, here’s the low-down on what the festival entails -- before you gets your hopes up thinking you finally have the chance to snap a selfie with the world’s largest mango.
This hipster(ish) festival promises an immersive experience through a four-day celebration of art, music, food, health, workshops and getting (somewhat) in touch with nature. Although performances might not include many artists you’d recognise straight away, they are all certainly exciting. And without Wonderfruit, Thailand may not ever have the chance to see them perform.
How to get the most out of Wonderfruit
Three weeks before: Get your tickets and accommodation sorted.
Adult full pass (four-day) tickets are priced at B5,500 and are available from Thai Ticket Major or at http://www.wonderfruitfestival.com. Various accommodation packages are available, ranging from tents with air con (yes, because that’s what camping is all about) to RV parking and off-site hotels.
Two weeks before: Plan a sick day or three.
Figure out whether you want to take off both Thursday and Friday (Dec 17-18) -- and if you’ll need Monday (Dec 21) to nurse your hangover. According to organisers, you won’t be asked to leave the premises until Monday afternoon.
One week before: YouTube the following artists:
Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), Viceroy, Heartthrob, Daedelus, Papercutz. For those under the age of 25, you may want to also look up Pongsit Kampee, our very own legendary rocker.
You don’t need to know how many albums they’ve released or which EP is the best. You just need to be equipped with some of the lyrics in case you’re for some reason passed the mic. Our favourite tune? The Life by Viceroy (feat. Penguin Prison).
Three days before: Work up your appetite.
Chef Gaggan from the eponymous restaurant (#1 of “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” in 2015), Hong Bao, Bad Motel, Fillets, Broccoli Revolution, Moo Ping Hea Owen, Rocket, Surface, Knock, Peppina and many other eateries (along with 20 street food stalls) will be serving special dishes.
One day before: Start packing.
- Wellington boots Planting trees and playing in the quarry is super fun, but if you’re scared of ruining that pedicure -- or just of nature in general -- do bring your wellies.
- Mosquito spray Hanging out in the middle of a field is bound to attract mossies, so bring ‘em and stop moaning about getting bitten. This isn’t a five-star hotel, darling.
- Cool costume How else will you get all those likes on Instagram if you turn up in shorts and a a T-shirt? Go all out -- make or rent a costume. The Native American headdress is a popular choice, but we’d rather go local, something like an extravagant molam dancer -- perfect for posing next to the travelling Molam Bus by Jim Thompson Art Center.
- Powerbank Come on, your iPhone battery is going to run out in about two hours, what with all the opening and closing photo editing apps you’re bound to be doing. There are just too many filters to choose from. What a nightmare.
- Yoga mat After all the eating, drinking and excessive amounts of fun, hitting up a yoga session might do you some good.
Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def).
808 FESTIVAL
Dec 9 (5pm, Bitec, http://www.808festival.com)
Armin Van Buuren, Axwell and Ingrosso -- need we go on? It’s an epic line-up, as per usual. Oliver Heldens also will be on the decks, so if you’re a fan, don’t forget to get your steps together and find a bunny suit. 20+ ID required.
Ticket prices: B2,700 (general), B4,600 (808 Festival and Output Festival, see next page).
THE UNION YARD SALE
Dec 12-13 (Machine Age Workshop, 281/7 Ekkamai Soi 15, http://fb.com/MachineAgeWorkshop)
If you love all things retro, vintage and furniture that carries the distinctive scent of old leather, be sure to check out this yard sale. Expect live bands of serious rockability, tailgating-type food, cold pints and an Americana vibe. Don’t forget to pull your best James Dean look.
BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL 7
Dec 18-20 (Kaeng Krachan Country Club and Resort, Petchaburi, http://www.bigmountainfestival.com, http://fb.com/bigmountainfestival)
Thailand’s largest and most famous music festival is this year changing location, heading to a country club in Petchaburi. The line-up once again will feature, almost literally, every Thai band you can name (and which you’ve already seen perform at most beer gardens in Bangkok).
Performing: Bodyslam, Moderndog, Potato, T-Bone, B5, Big Ass, 25 Hours, Cocktail, Getsunova, Zeal, Scrubb, Lipta, Crescendo, among others. We’re also looking forward to Illslick bringing some originality into the mix.
Don’t forget: The dates clash with Wonderfruit, so check what your bank account can handle before buying tickets.
Price: B2,000.
Tips: Get a 15% discount on your ticket when you spend B89 or more on Pepsi or Pepsi Max at 7-Eleven.
A GARDEN TO DYE FOR
Dec 19 (9am-5pm, Little Tree Garden, Sampran, http://www.littletreegarden.com, 081-824-4119)
Back by popular demand, Little Tree Garden is running another outdoor market with a special twist. Arts and crafts fans will enjoy a range of natural-dye workshops, including a talk with indigo master Mae Jiw, dye-making classes using flower petals and leaves, embroidering Khram flowers on naturally dyed textiles, and creating handmade notebooks using indigo fabric. There will also be organic produce for sale. With the winter breeze passing through, it will be a great, family-friendly day out from central Bangkok.
OUTPUT FESTIVAL
Dec 29 (5pm, Bitec, http://fb.com/outputfestival)
Is there a better way to send off 2015 than with a massive bash starring David Guetta? We think not. Do whatever you can to get tickets -- we don’t want another Maroon 5 debacle on our hands, now do we? And hey, when the show’s over, you’ll still have at least 36 hours to recover for the NYE countdown.
Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming information regarding the line-up and ticket prices.
