Thailand LGBTQ+ Events Calendar 2026: Full Guide to Pride, Festivals, and Drag Shows

Thailand’s buzzing LGBTQ+ scene is a vibrant tapestry of parades, drag shows, cultural festivals, and joyful celebrations that take place nationwide. With 2026 shaping up to be a landmark year for queer events — including expanded Pride parades, themed parties, inclusive festivals, and much more — it’s the perfect time to plan your year around Thailand’s best LGBTQ+ happenings. Whether you’re a visitor, expat, or local, this comprehensive calendar highlights the must-attend events for every month.

Why Thailand is a Top LGBTQ+ Travel Destination

Thailand’s inclusive culture, iconic nightlife, and growing list of Pride and queer festivals make it one of the top choices for LGBTQ+ travel in Asia. While Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are famous LGBTQ+ hubs, unique events now light up everywhere from Pattaya and Koh Samui to the Northeast. Allies are warmly welcomed, and you’ll find a diversity of events, from full-blown marches to more intimate drag brunches, pageants, art weeks, and wellness retreats.

Thailand LGBTQ+ Events Calendar 2026

Below is a curated, month-by-month guide to Thailand’s major LGBTQ+ events in 2026. Many events have yet to announce exact dates, so be sure to follow their official pages for updates and ticket information as the year unfolds.

January

• Bangkok Winter Pride – Bangkok’s Pride celebrations often kick off early, with music festivals and rooftop drag shows setting the tone for the year.
• Usually held at venues along Silom and Sukhumvit; follow the Bangkok Pride Official.
• Chiang Mai Rainbow New Year – Embrace the new year in style with events and parties at Old City’s LGBTQ+ venues.
• Follow Chiang Mai Pride.

February

• Bears in Paradise Pattaya – A friendly bear gathering featuring poolside parties, themed karaoke, and beach fun in Thailand’s gay capital, Pattaya.
• For updates: Bears in Paradise.
• LGBTQ+ Art Weeks – Gallery exhibitions and queer film nights pop up in Bangkok and Chiang Mai this month.

March

• Bangkok Drag Parade – A spectacular city-center parade with top Thai drag stars and afterparties at renowned venues like Maggie Choo’s.
• Watch for updates from Maggie Choo’s Bangkok.
• Chiang Mai Drag Fest – Drag brunches, competitions, and workshops celebrate northern Thailand’s vibrant drag scene.
• Check schedules at Chiang Mai Pride.

April

• Songkran LGBTQ+ Parties – Thailand’s water festival is one of the biggest annual highlights: Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket are known for multi-day queer dance parties, foam raves, and drag shows.
• Check Thailand’s best Songkran destinations for updates.

May

• Bangkok Pride (Bangkok Naruemit Pride) – Thailand’s premier Pride parade is now a can’t-miss international event, drawing thousands to march from Pathumwan to Silom with music, floats, and rainbow everything.
• Official page: Bangkok Pride.
• Phuket Pride – Patong’s beachfront explodes with colorful parades, drag contests, beach parties, and a Pride fair.
• Find event info at Phuket Pride.

June

• Chiang Mai Pride – Northern Thailand’s standout Pride parade, bringing inclusive flair and dazzling costumes to the city’s streets.
• Learn more at Chiang Mai Pride.
• Pattaya Pride – A Pride parade along Beach Road, with afterparties at Sunee Plaza and Jomtien Complex.
• See Pattaya International Pride.

July

• Khon Kaen Equality Fest – Isan’s rising LGBTQ+ festival with panel talks, queer film screenings, and parties.
• For events, check Equality Khon Kaen.

August

• Bangkok Drag Brunch Series – Summer means weekly themed drag brunches at luxury hotels and major clubs.
• Book via your favorite hotel: see Bangkok experiences.

September

• Phuket LGBTQ+ Carnival – A mix of Pride, pageantry, and traditional festival along Patong’s beach promenade.
• Stay updated with Phuket Pride.

October

• Koh Samui Rainbow Festival – Island Pride with beachfront cabaret, pool parties, and sunset drag performances.
• For updates: Koh Samui Rainbow Fest.
• Bangkok Vogue Ball – Thailand’s answer to ballroom culture: fierce runway, vogueing, and fashion magic.
• Follow Bangkok Voguing Community.

November

• LGBTQ+ Film Festivals – Showcasing queer cinema from Thailand and beyond, Bangkok’s queer film weeks draw cinephiles nationwide.
• Look for news at Bangkok Gay Movie Fests.
• Miss Trans Thailand – Esteemed national pageant and celebration of trans beauty and empowerment; grand finals in Bangkok.
• Watch for updates on Miss Trans Thailand.

December

• Pattaya Year-End Rainbow Festival – End-of-year celebration featuring international DJs, themed beach parties, and fireworks.
• World AIDS Day Events – HIV awareness marches and charity performances are held nationally.

Ongoing LGBTQ+ Nightlife and Drag Shows

In addition to these annual events, Thailand’s LGBTQ+ nightlife sparkles year-round:

• Bangkok: The best bars in Thonglor and drag shows at Silom (DJ Station, Telephone Pub, and Midnight Bar).
• Pattaya: Cabaret and drag at Jomtien Complex, featuring the legendary Tiffany’s Show, and regular events at Sunee Plaza.
• Phuket: Paradise Complex is famous for interactive drag cabarets, pool parties, and late-night discos.
• Chiang Mai: Drag performances and karaoke nights at Ram Bar and Orion Bar.

Tips for Attending LGBTQ+ Events in Thailand

• Follow official event pages and the organizer’s social media for the latest info and ticket links.
• Book accommodations early — especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket during major Pride weeks. Find unique Bangkok hotels for LGBTQ+ visitors.
• Respect local customs and venues — Thailand is very open, but some rural areas or non-LGBTQ+ venues may have different expectations.
• Keep up with legal and safety news; Thailand is moving toward same-sex marriage rights, making it a progressive destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
• Explore the culture between events — from street food to traditional festivals. Try a Thai food adventure on your trip.

Thailand LGBTQ+ Resources

• Bangkok Pride Official
• Chiang Mai Pride
• Phuket Pride
• Pattaya International Pride

Key takeaways

• Thailand is a year-round LGBTQ+ destination with Pride, drag shows, and cultural festivals nationwide.
• Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai are LGBTQ+ event hotspots, but look for unique experiences in regional cities too.
• Book accommodations and tickets early, especially for major Pride festivals in May, June, and April’s Songkran parties.
• Connect with organizers on social media for the latest dates, venues, and lineups.
• Enjoy world-class queer nightlife and drag shows any time of year.
• Always respect local customs and support LGBTQ+ businesses and communities while visiting Thailand.