What is Pagad Festival?

Taking its name from the charming Northern Thai phrase "meet (Pa) at the market (Gad)" - this festival brings art together with the local wisdom and identity of the Gad Luang community. We've invited artists from across Chiang Rai and beyond to transform this historic market into a "Living Art Museum," designed with an eye toward long-term benefit for the city, not just the festival period itself. The festival is supported by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), Chiang Rai Municipality, and more than 50 local partners.

What's on this year? 

This 2nd year's festival theme is "Playing with Things" (Len Khong), reinterpreting everyday market objects through contemporary artistic processes, turning them into storytelling media that reflect the roots of Chiang Rai — Thailand's northernmost province, where Lanna culture blends with the ways of life of ethnic groups and neighbouring countries, all within this multicultural market.

• View more than 30 art installations made from local Chiang Rai materials, created by over 40 artists

• Snap photos of street art and hidden photo spots scattered throughout the market

• Taste local food, "Made in Gad Luang," experience redesigned for international visitors

• Ride the "Rod Noi" little public truck, tour around the market and join a variety of workshops

• Cheer for more than 20 Chiang Rai Street Shows, including market-centre stage plays, open-air film screenings, a Chiang Rai memorial song contest, a Northern Thai fashion show, and a youth dance competition

• Share ideas for developing markets through the "My Creative Kitchen" activity