Thailand’s premier cultural festival returns with 14 global performances, offering new opportunities for travel professionals and cultural tour planning.
Bangkok is set to welcome the world once again with the return of the 27th International Festival of Dance & Music, taking place from 6 September to 15 October 2025 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. This year’s edition will feature 14 performances from over 10 countries, marking a significant moment for cultural tourism in Thailand.
Organised with support from public and private partners, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Culture, the festival is designed to offer a wide array of globally recognized productions. The lineup includes opera, ballet, contemporary dance, acrobatics, and orchestral performances, offering travel professionals and tour operators new content to integrate into high-value cultural travel packages for long-haul and regional markets.
Key performances and highlights
One of the most anticipated events of this year’s programme is the debut of Plácido Domingo in Thailand. Recognized as one of the world’s most renowned opera singers, Domingo will perform alongside soprano Monica Conesa and conductor Beatrice Venezi. This performance is expected to draw significant international attention and is positioned as a cultural milestone for the country.
In a first for Thai audiences, India’s “Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era” will be staged by Prabhat Arts International. The large-scale production combines classical Indian themes with modern stagecraft, offering a contemporary take on one of South Asia’s most iconic epics.
From China, the National Ballet of China will present A Dream of Red Mansions, a ballet adaptation of one of the Four Great Classical Novels. Over 80 dancers will perform in a production that blends Western ballet technique with Chinese cultural themes.
Additionally, Russia’s Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre will deliver four major performances, including Tosca, Aida, The Nutcracker, and Three Masks of the King, the latter being a contemporary ballet exclusive to the Samara company.
The festival also showcases acrobatics by the China National Acrobatic Troupe, celebrating 50 years of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. Another contemporary highlight is Pixel, a multimedia French production that fuses street dance and advanced digital visuals.
Global presence across genres
A diverse range of international acts will also appear, including Cuba Vibra!, a Cuban dance performance; Nocturna, a contemporary flamenco production from Spain; and The Prague Philharmonia, featuring guest soloist George Li. These performances aim to cater to multiple cultural preferences and provide a cross-section of global performing arts.
Industry relevance
With its diverse lineup and growing international reputation, the festival reinforces Bangkok’s position as a regional cultural hub. Travel trade professionals are encouraged to incorporate the event into itineraries for both short-term city breaks and broader Southeast Asia cultural circuits.
Tickets are available from 14 June 2025, with early-bird and group packages offered for one month. A dedicated “Platinum Package” will be available for early-access patrons.
