Phuket Parkland Festival Returns to Mai Khao with Music, Food and Family Fun

The Phuket Parkland festival has officially returned to Mai Khao, bringing music, local cuisine and family entertainment back to northern Phuket. Although rainy weather affected the opening day, the event remains one of the region’s biggest annual attractions.

The three-day festival began on July 24 at Phuket Gateway, also known as Phuket City Gate. The opening ceremony was attended by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, mayors from several local subdistricts and other provincial officials.

Like last year, the festival is being held at the same venue. However, while the previous edition took place during the final weekend of August, this year’s event was moved to late July. Organizers have retained the successful three-day format, combining live music, a large community fair, local food, cultural activities and colorful festival decorations.

The 2026 edition carries the theme "Sugar Candy," transforming the venue into a candy-inspired park filled with vibrant decorations, art installations and themed photo spots. One of the festival’s most recognizable attractions—the colorful hot air balloons—has also returned.

Entertainment is spread across two performance stages, featuring artists including Atom Chanakan, Pu Puchan Long Mic, RachYO, Waiwit, and Watcharawalee.

Visitors can also explore a marketplace with more than 140 booths, offering handmade products, local crafts, cafés, baked goods, regional specialties and traditional Phuket cuisine.

Another highlight is the Candy Costume 2026 competition, where participants showcase creative outfits inspired by sweets and fantasy-themed designs.

According to the PPAO, Phuket Parkland is intended not only as an entertainment festival but also as a way to support small businesses in the island’s northern communities, where visitor numbers remain relatively low even during the tourism season.

Rewat Areerob said the event is designed to attract more visitors to Mai Khao while expanding Phuket’s calendar of festivals beyond the island’s most popular tourist areas.