Date Night
February 14
For some it’s the most romantic night of the year, while for others it’s a grim reminder of the downside of being single. Either way, Valentine’s Day is celebrated almost all over the world and Thailand is no exception. In fact, each year Bangkok’s best restaurants and night spots offer an array of amazing meal deals to help lovers across the city celebrate in style without losing the shirts off their backs—that comes later in the evening! See page 84 for a few romantic dining ideas.
Year of The Dog
February 16
The Chinese New Year celebration marks the first day of the new year in the Chinese lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the ‘Spring Festival’ or the ‘Lunar New Year’. Every year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animal signs, and 2018 will be the Year of the Dog. People born under this sign are said to be loyal, honest, amiable, kind, cautious and prudent. They will do anything and everything for the person who they think is most important.
February’s Hottest Tickets
February 2-3
Following on from the success of its debut in Bangkok in 2017, the Don’t Let Daddy Know (DLDK) music festival returns to Bangkok for a party that will extend over two days. Organizers will be wowing the assembled EDM crowds at Live Park Rama 9 (Bang Kapi) with top notch new stage designs, mind-blowing special effects, and a line-up showcasing the latest big room DJs currently tearing up dancefloors worldwide—including Martin Garrix, Ummet Ozcan, and Dannic. A two-day pass is B3,330 (VIP pass B4,500) and doors open each day at 5pm.
www.ticketmelon.com
February 11
For just B200 per ticket you can see highly acclaimed singer/songwriter Julie Byrne in an intimate performance at Jam (41 Soi Rong Nam Kang) starting at 8pm. Her first album—a collection of hushed front porch psych-folk songs—was released in January 2014 and by the end of the year it was voted number 7 in Mojo Magazine’s best albums list. Meanwhile, her latest release, Not Even Happiness, has garnered critical praise from the likes of NME, Pitchfork, and The Guardian.
www.facebook.com/jamcafebkk
February 15
Since their formation in 1991, iconic multi-platinum selling California rock band Incubus have consciously and continually shifted their perspective with each subsequent record. This is the quintet’s second Bangkok appearance, and this time around they’ll be at the BCC Hall (Central Plaza Ladprao, 5th floor). Tickets are B1,500 and B2,200, and the concert gets underway at 8:30pm. In addition, from every ticket purchased $1 will be donated to the ‘Make Yourself Foundation’, a non-profit charity started by the band to support causes they care about.
www.thaiticketmajor.com
February 17
It’s going to be an explosive evening of R&B, Hip Hop, Trap, and EDM when the TNT Music Festival 2018 takes over Hall 106 at Bitec Bangna (88 Bangna Trad Rd). The full line up so far includes such heavyweights as American rap star Lil Jon, as well as Soda, Walshy Fire (of Major Lazer), Clinton Sparks, and Willy Monfret. Also on the bill will be local performers Thaitanium and Bank Cash. Tickets are B2,200 (or B3,500 for a VIP pass) and the show runs from 6pm till 2am.
www.thaiticketmajor.com
Arts and Music Festivals
Until February 4
The highly anticipated Bangkok Design Week 2018 is a creative and design festival which began on January 27th. Organized by the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), its aim is to share fresh and insightful visions of Bangkok, allowing visitors to peer into the future of the capital via three subjective themes, including City & Living, Well Being & Gastronomy, and Creative Business. Look for installations and exhibits in the city’s creative districts, such as Charoenkrung, Khlong San, 22 Karakadakhom Circle, Rama 1, and Sukhumvit (all are within walking distance of and connecting to BTS and MRT stations). For up-to-date info, check the official Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/bangkokdesignweek
February 9-10
Now in its 5th edition, Bangkok’s Galleries’ Night 2018—part of the ongoing La Fête French cultural festival—invites art lovers and curious onlookers to visit more than 50 galleries in Bangkok over the course of a Friday and Saturday evening. Travel from gallery to gallery with dedicated tuk tuks and enjoy contemporary artistic creations, exhibitions, special events, and much more. In 2017 more than 8,000 visitors joined the adventure, and this year organizers are expecting more than 14,000—once again turning the ‘City of Angels’ into a large, surprising, festive, and friendly open-museum. For updates and information about participating galleries visit the official Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/galleriesnight
February 24-25
On the last weekend of the month Singha Music presents Kolour In The Park 2018, the 4th edition of this annual celebration of creativity, art and sound. Experience two full days of music and art at the Thai Wake Park, Lamlukka (18/4 Soi Sudsawas, Lieab Klong 6 Rd), located on the outskirts of Bangkok—amidst picturesque rice fields. The event features an international line-up, over two stages, as well as large scale art installations, a gourmet food market, lake swimming, wake boarding, late night after parties, and a range of immersive activities. Join 2500+ like-minded people for a celebration of creativity, which begins each day at 2pm and continues till 2am. Prices for the 2-day festival pass start at B1,850, and be reminded that this is a 20+ event.
www.kolourinthepark.com
Running Events
February 4
The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (ATMBKK) is a new race proudly organized by IronMan, together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the Thailand Tri-League. Participating runners will enjoy a unique city-centric course that takes them past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Victory Monument, the King Rama V Monument, and the Rama VIII Bridge. The run begins at the Rajamangala National Stadium and finishes at Democracy Monument. This year’s race features three different competitive categories: Marathon (42 km); Half-Marathon (21 km); and a 10 km run. Meanwhile, casual and leisure runners can join in on the 4 km Family Fun Run. Registration details and prices are all on the website. Full marathon runners will start off from Rajamangala National Stadium at 3am.
www.amazingthailandmarathon.com
Get Outta Town
February 7-11
Looking for some great travel deals? Then head over to the Thai International Travel Fair 2018 which is taking place over the course of five days at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (60 New Rachadapisek Rd). This event is expected to draw approximately 400,000 visitors, and eager travellers can directly purchase package tours—both domestic and outbound—from travel agents, and shop around for deals on accommodation packages from various hotels. The event runs from 10am till 8pm each day and the venue is directly accessible via the Queen Sirikit Centre MRT station.
www.titf-ttaa.com
