Bangkok City Guide - Special Events

New Year's Day, 1 Jan, celebrations traditionally begin with merit-making in the mornings, when Buddhists take gifts of flowers, incense or donations to the temples, followed by parties and entertainment around Sanam Luang for the rest of the day, Sanam Luang area
Bangkok International Film Festival, Jan/Feb, throughout the city (website: www.bangkokfilm.org)
Makha Puja, Feb/Mar, Buddhist Holy day featuring various day and night candlelit ceremonies, temples around the city
International Kite Festival, Mar/Apr, kite fighting and demonstrations, Sanam Luang
International Bangkok Motor Show, Mar/Apr, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (website: www.grandprixgroup.com)
Bangkok International Book Fair, Mar/Apr, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (website: www.bangkokibf.com)
Bangkok Fringe Festival, Apr, innovative theatre productions, Patravadi Theatre (website: www.patravaditheatre.com)
Songkran (Thai New Year), Apr, religious ceremonies and public festivities involving lots of water, throughout the city
Royal Ploughing Ceremony, May, celebration of the start of the rice-growing season, Sanam Luang
Asarnha Puja Day/Khao Phansa Day, Jul, commemorates Buddha's first sermon and the beginning of Buddhist Lent, temples throughout the city
Queen's Birthday Celebrations, 12 Aug, public holiday with display of lights decorating public buildings, throughout the city
Yaowarat Food Festival, Sep/Oct, taste and watch the preparation of Chinese, Thai, international and vegetarian food, Chinatown
Chulalongkorn Day, 23 Oct, public holiday in memory of Rama V, best seen at the Equestrian Statue in the Royal Plaza
Bangkok Marathon, Nov, Sanam Chai (website: www.thailandmarathon.org)
King's Birthday Celebrations, 5 Dec, public holiday with display of lights decorating public buildings, throughout the city