Who says fresh markets are only for buying food and daily necessities? Get ready to witness the transformation of a place full of memories."Kad Luang"or Chiang Rai Municipal Fresh Market 1 into a trendy creative space at the "Pakad Art Festival Vol.2." This year’s fun theme, "Playing with Things," is crafted by the Everywhere Gallery art collective, inviting everyone to come home, seek new opportunities, and help grow the creative economy together.
The term"Playing with Things"here is not mysterious but means reinterpreting the everyday goods, products, and food sold by market vendors through an artistic lens, under the concept that"art is everywhere."This aims to prove that Kad Luang still "has things" and holds many hidden charms. The event is supported by the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) through the Festival Creator program’s second year, which seeks to promote local identity as a new signature for Chiang Rai city.
During the full 10-day festival, you will experience activities that completely change the usual fresh market image, starting with art exhibitions that spark playful questions through the work"Nong Klong"(Kra-Long) by Lanwann and site-specific art by artist Witch Pimkanjanapong, inviting us to see the relationships between people and objects in Kad Luang from a new perspective.
There are also special music performances blending local cultural roots with fresh meaning, led by famous rapper Pu Jan Long Mike alongside Atsadawut Khamai, plus a small open-air community cinema and a captivating creative theater stage.
This festival is not just about exhibitions; it also offers workshops where participants can create artworks inspired by local wisdom, along with discussion forums on art, beliefs, food, and the creative economy. All of this confirms that creativity can revive historic neighborhoods and prepare them for the arrival of the Design Creativity Center (TCDC) Chiang Rai, scheduled to open in 2026.
Come join us"Playing with Things"and bring new life and color back to Kad Luang Chiang Rai from 24 July to 2 August 2026, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Chiang Rai Municipal Fresh Market 1 (Kad Luang Chiang Rai) in Chiang Rai Province. This event is a must for art lovers and those who cherish local atmosphere.