Thai Festivals Calendar 2026: Every Major Festival Month by Month
Thailand’s festival calendar is one of the richest in the world, with events happening almost every month. Many festivals are tied to the lunar calendar, so dates shift each year. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers every major festival month by month, with dates, locations, and what to expect.
January 2026
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
Where: Bo Sang Village, Chiang Mai (about 10 km east of the Old City). When: Third weekend of January (January 16-18, 2026). The village of Bo Sang is famous for hand-painted paper umbrellas. During the festival, the main street is decorated with thousands of umbrellas, there are parades, beauty pageants, and demonstrations of the umbrella-making process. You can buy beautifully painted umbrellas, fans, and paper products at excellent prices. Free entry.
Don Chedi Memorial Fair
Where: Don Chedi, Suphanburi Province. When: Late January (January 25-31, 2026). A historical re-enactment festival commemorating King Naresuan’s elephant duel victory over the Burmese in 1592. Features a fair, a sound-and-light show, and traditional performances. A niche but fascinating cultural experience.
February 2026
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Where: Chiang Mai Old City. When: First weekend of February (February 6-8, 2026). Chiang Mai is known as the Rose of the North, and during this festival, the entire city blooms. The highlight is a parade of flower-decorated floats that travels from Nawarat Bridge along Tha Phae Road. There are also flower competitions, garden displays at Suan Buak Haad Park, and beauty pageants. Free entry. Arrive early on Saturday morning for the parade.
Magha Puja (Makha Bucha)
Where: Nationwide (especially at major temples). When: February 11, 2026 (full moon day). One of the most important Buddhist holy days, commemorating the day when 1,250 monks gathered spontaneously to hear the Buddha preach. Devotees visit temples to make merit, listen to sermons, and participate in candlelit processions (wian tian) around the temple’s main chedi. Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani (near Bangkok) hosts a massive gathering of tens of thousands of monks. Alcohol sales are restricted on this day.
March 2026
Thailand International Jazz Festival
Where: Bangkok (venue varies). When: Early March (dates TBA). A three-day music festival featuring Thai and international jazz artists. Usually held at an outdoor venue with food stalls and a relaxed atmosphere. Tickets: 800-3,000 THB ($23-$86 USD).
Pattaya International Music Festival
Where: Pattaya Beach. When: Mid-March (dates TBA). A free, open-air music festival on Pattaya Beach Road featuring Asian pop and rock artists. The beach area becomes a concert venue with multiple stages.
April 2026
Songkran (Thai New Year)
Where: Nationwide. When: April 13-15, 2026. The biggest, most exuberant festival in Thailand. A nationwide water fight celebrating the Thai New Year. See our full Songkran guide for details. Key locations: Bangkok (Silom Road, Khao San Road), Chiang Mai (Old City moat), Phuket (Patong). Be prepared to get completely soaked.
Wan Lai (Extended Songkran)
Where: Pattaya and surrounding areas. When: April 16-19, 2026. Pattaya extends the Songkran celebration for several additional days. If you cannot get enough of the water fight, head here.
May 2026
Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai)
Where: Yasothorn and other Isan (northeastern) provinces. When: Second weekend of May (May 8-10, 2026). Villages compete to launch the biggest, highest-flying homemade bamboo rockets, believed to prompt the rain god to send monsoon rains for the rice planting season. The festival also features parades, traditional music, dancing, and copious amounts of lao khao (rice whisky). It is one of the most raucous and fun festivals in Thailand. Entry is free.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Where: Sanam Luang, Bangkok. When: Early May (May 11, 2026 — date may vary). An ancient Brahmin ceremony marking the start of the rice-growing season. Sacred oxen plough a ceremonial field, and royal soothsayers predict the year’s harvest based on what the oxen choose to eat from offered foods. A unique, traditional ceremony. Free to observe.
June 2026
Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Where: Hua Hin Beach. When: Mid-June (dates TBA). An annual jazz festival on the beach, featuring Thai and international artists. Free entry. A relaxed, seaside music event.
Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)
Where: Dan Sai, Loei Province. When: Late June or early July (dates determined by local spirit mediums — typically the 7th lunar month). See our full Phi Ta Khon guide for details. A unique and colourful festival featuring ghost-mask parades.
July 2026
Asalha Puja and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
Where: Nationwide. When: July 28 (Asalha Puja) and July 29 (Khao Phansa), 2026. Asalha Puja commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon. The following day, Khao Phansa, marks the start of the three-month Buddhist Lent, during which monks remain in their temples. Candle festivals (with elaborately carved wax candles paraded through towns) are held in Ubon Ratchathani and other northeastern cities. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is the largest and most spectacular.
August 2026
Queen Sirikit’s Birthday / Mother’s Day
Where: Nationwide. When: August 12, 2026. The Queen’s birthday is also Mother’s Day in Thailand. Buildings are decorated with lights and portraits of the Queen. Jasmine flowers (the symbol of motherhood) are given as gifts. The Grand Palace and Sanam Luang area in Bangkok are particularly festive. A public holiday.
September-October 2026
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Where: Phuket Town. When: Late September to early October (dates determined by the lunar calendar — approximately September 26 to October 4, 2026). A nine-day Taoist festival during which participants eat a strict vegan diet and perform extreme acts of body piercing and fire-walking to purify themselves. The street processions feature participants (ma song) with their cheeks pierced with spears, knives, and other objects. It is intense, graphic, and deeply spiritual. Not for the faint of heart, but an extraordinary cultural experience.
Naga Fireballs (Bang Fai Phaya Nak)
Where: Nong Khai (Mekong River). When: Late October (the end of Buddhist Lent — October 18, 2026). Mysterious fireballs rise from the Mekong River, believed by locals to be the breath of the Naga (a mythical serpent). Whether you believe the scientific explanations or the mythology, the atmosphere along the riverbank at night is magical.
November 2026
Loy Krathong
Where: Nationwide. When: November 24, 2026 (full moon night). Thailand’s Festival of Lights, where krathong (floating offerings) are released on rivers and canals. See our full Loy Krathong guide for details. Best locations: Chiang Mai (combined with Yi Peng), Bangkok (Chao Phraya River), Sukhothai (Historical Park).
Yi Peng (Lantern Festival)
Where: Chiang Mai. When: Same night as Loy Krathong (November 24, 2026). The northern Thai sky lantern festival. See our full Yi Peng guide for details. Thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky.
December 2026
King’s Birthday / Father’s Day
Where: Nationwide. When: December 5, 2026. The King’s birthday is also Father’s Day. Buildings are decorated with lights and portraits of the King. The Grand Palace area is particularly festive. Marigold flowers (the symbol of the day, associated with the King’s birthday colour) are worn. A public holiday.
Lanna Winter (Yee Peng Winter Fair)
Where: Chiang Mai. When: Throughout December. A month-long fair in the grounds of the Nong Buak Haad Park (Old City moat corner), featuring food stalls, carnival games, live music, and a Ferris wheel. A fun, local-style event that is especially charming in the cool December evenings.
Planning Your Festival Trip
- Book accommodation early: Festivals, especially Songkran (April) and Loy Krathong/Yi Peng (November), are peak domestic travel times. Book 2-3 months in advance.
- Check exact dates: Lunar calendar festivals shift each year. Confirm dates closer to your trip, as they can be adjusted by a day either way.
- Alcohol restrictions: On Buddhist holy days (Magha Puja, Visakha Puja, Asalha Puja, Khao Phansa), bars and shops do not sell alcohol. Plan accordingly.
- Respect the culture: Many festivals have religious significance. Dress appropriately when visiting temples, and participate in ceremonies with respect.
- Two festivals to prioritise: If you can only attend two, choose Songkran in April and Loy Krathong/Yi Peng in November. These are the two most iconic Thai festivals.
