Koktail Kurated: 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Bangkok This October–Food, Art, and Festivals That Light Up the City

Koktail Kurated: 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Bangkok This October–Food, Art, and Festivals That Light Up the City

Bangkok buzzes with flavour, light, and imagination this second half of October. From Maldivian cooking and Diwali celebrations to horror houses and street food feasts, Koktail Kurated handpicks the best events to fill your calendar with culture, creativity, and fun.

We’re halfway through October, and Bangkok is in full swing. Looking for something to do after work, or planning your next weekend escape without leaving the city? Koktail Kurated has rounded up ten of the most exciting happenings across town–from festivals and art exhibitions to culinary adventures and creative pop-ups. Whether you’re hungry for inspiration, flavours, or a bit of both, there’s something here to spark your curiosity.

1/10 give.me.museums: Little Moody Pop-Up Store 2025

Enjoy bright and playful activities such as DIY keyrings, gachapon games, and photobooths. This pop-up store is a fun stop for families, friends, and art lovers exploring creative experiences in Bangkok–a perfect little detour on your next CentralWorld outing.

2/10 Book Expo Thailand 2025

The country’s largest book fair returns under the theme Melody of Books, with the concept Have you read? Have you listened? Find books from all genres, publishers and author events, plus talks and activities for readers and listeners. Discover thousands of titles, meet authors, and lose yourself in the music of words.

3/10 The Mall Lifestore Jungle Walk 2025 EP.3

Bring the whole family to this interactive wildlife exhibition featuring over 300 animals. Enjoy adventure trails, educational activities, and green initiatives alongside food and shopping zones. A perfect day out for both children and adults.

4/10 Junji Ito Collection Horror House
Date & Time: 10 October 2025 – 5 January 2026, 11am–8pm
Venue: MBK Center, 4th floor, Zone A

Step into the spine-chilling world of Junji Ito with a 1,500-square-metre walk-through horror experience. Encounter iconic characters and stories brought to life. Visitors even had the chance to meet Ito himself on 11 October–a rare opportunity to connect with the master of horror manga. Not for the faint-hearted, but irresistible for true horror fans.

5/10 What Cannot Be Forgotten, Must Be Celebrated–Martin Constable

Explore a digital and video art exhibition by Martin Constable that reflects on technology, time, and existence. Space 1 presents works on humanity’s place in the cosmos, while Space 2 features digital pieces evoking serenity and anxiety. The works challenge our sense of existence and the fear of being forgotten–haunting and serene in equal measure.

Bangkok’s biggest contemporary art festival returns with a haunting twist. Over 30 international artists present works that question perception and presence–from video art and performance to installations across the city. Ghost2568 spans multiple venues, with special Halloween events, music performances, and immersive experiences throughout the festival period. Entry is free. The spirit of creativity roams freely this season, and you’re invited to follow it.

7/10 Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025
Date & Time: 16–31 October 2025
Venue: Phahurat and Khlong Ong Ang, Bangkok

The city lights up for Diwali as Bangkok’s Little India bursts with colour, dance, and devotion. Celebrate Thai–Indian friendship during the Festival of Lights with nightly light installations, stage performances, community workshops, and both traditional and modern cuisine. Highlights include the Grand Procession of Exquisite Radiance, Thai and Indian dance performances, and interactive experiences such as lantern decorating and henna painting.

8/10 At the Heart of Faith: A Portrait of Bangkok’s Indian Community

Photographer Samatcha Apaisuwan captures the soul of Bangkok’s Indian community in a moving open-air exhibition. Showcasing daily life, faith, and architecture in Little India, this exhibition provides a meaningful cultural experience alongside the Diwali Festival.

9/10 Flavours from the Maldives at Mrs. Balbir’s Cooking School

Set sail for the Maldives without leaving Bangkok. Join Maldivian diplomats for a hands-on cooking session where you’ll master dishes like Kandu Kukulhu, Mashuni, and Riha Folhi. An Indian buffet lunch follows, and attendees can win prizes including return tickets to the Maldives, a five-day hotel stay, and a luxury safari boat experience.

10/10 The Ultimate Street Food Festival 2025
Date & Time: 30–31 October & 1 November, 10am–8pm
Venue: Forum, Gaysorn Amarin, GF

Enjoy a celebration of Thailand’s best street food, reimagined by top chefs. Over 25 booths offer classic and modern dishes, complemented by craft beer, cocktails, and live music. Entry is free, and most dishes are priced between 100–200 THB.

trending