Chiang Mai Design Week 2026

Chiang Mai Design Week 2026 is the 12th edition of northern Thailand's annual festival of design and creativity, held from 5 to 13 December 2026. Organised by the Northern Office of the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), a Thai public organisation, it spreads exhibitions, talks, workshops, markets and music across Chiang Mai's creative districts, with a theme that puts local makers at the centre: "Local Thunders, Global Transformation".

About the Festival

The theme describes local creativity as thunder: the loud voice of the region's makers, rooted in northern Thailand's knowledge and crafts. The organisers frame it not as a force to tear things down but as one that brings rain, sparking collaboration and carrying local energy beyond borders.

That focus continues the direction of recent editions, "Scaling Local" in 2024 and "Local Plus" in 2025, which both looked at how the city's crafts, food, materials and small businesses can reach an international audience. Chiang Mai is a UNESCO Creative City for crafts and folk art, and the festival is a showcase for that community.

What to Expect

• Exhibitions and showcases of design, craft and new products from northern Thailand
• An International Pavilion with work from abroad
• Talks and workshops on design, business and the creative economy
• Business matching between makers, brands and buyers
• Pop-up markets, studio visits and residencies
• Music and performance, including the LABBfest music festival
• Scents Asia 2026 at TCDC Chiang Mai, open daily from 10:00 to 20:00

2026 Programme

The festival runs from Saturday 5 to Sunday 13 December 2026. Activities take place in several creative districts across the city; in 2025 these included Klang Wiang, Chang Moi–Tha Phae and Sanpakoi. TCDC Chiang Mai, the CEA's creative centre, is one of the main venues. The full 2026 programme, with venues and times, is published on the official Chiang Mai Design Week website.

Who Is It For?

• Designers, craftspeople and makers interested in Asian craft and materials
• Brands and buyers looking for products and partners from northern Thailand
• Students and researchers in design and the creative economy
• Travellers in Chiang Mai in December, the city's cool and dry season
• Anyone curious about how a city builds a creative economy around its crafts, makers and small businesses

Tickets

The official programme lists events individually, and conditions vary by event. Many exhibitions and markets are open to visitors, while workshops and business sessions may need registration. Check each event on the official website, where entry conditions are listed.

Things to Know

• Plan by district. Events are spread across several areas of the city; the old town and the streets around Tha Phae Gate are easy to explore on foot.
• Register early for workshops and business matching sessions.
• December is high season in Chiang Mai, so book accommodation in advance.
• Evenings are busy, with markets, music and performances, so allow time beyond the daytime exhibitions.
• Getting there and around: Chiang Mai International Airport is only a short drive from the old town. Red shared taxis (songthaew) and ride-hailing apps are the easiest ways to move between districts.
• Bring something warm for the evenings. December nights in Chiang Mai can be cool, especially at outdoor events.
• Check the official channels for the final schedule, as programmes are often completed close to the opening.

Attend Chiang Mai Design Week 2026

Planning a visit?

Visit Chiang Mai Design Week 2026

The full programme, venues and registration links are on the official Chiang Mai Design Week website.

Looking for more to see? Browse all events, festivals and exhibitions on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 10, 2026