Phuket's biggest festival of 2026, the Vegetarian Festival, runs from 10 to 18 October. After it comes Loy Krathong on 24 November, the King's Cup Regatta in late November or early December, and New Year's Eve on 31 December. Most of the other big events, including Chinese New Year, Songkran and the Heroines Festival, have already happened this year, and they return on similar dates in 2027.
Phuket festivals at a glance
Still to come in 2026
Phuket Vegetarian Festival, 10 to 18 October. Shrines across the island raise the Go Teng pole on 9 October and then spend nine days on jay food, ceremonies and morning processions. Jui Tui Shrine is usually the largest procession, on Friday 16 October. Kathu Shrine, where the festival began in 1825, holds its long procession into town on Saturday 17 October. Sui Boon Tong Shrine leads the final day, 18 October, ending with a farewell procession to Saphan Hin. Our full guide to the Phuket Vegetarian Festival covers rituals and etiquette. Process dates can shift, so check the official TAT Phuket programme.
Loy Krathong, 24 November. On the night of the full moon, people float small krathongs on rivers, lakes and beaches. Check local rules before releasing anything into the water or the air.
King's Cup Regatta and New Year's Eve. The King's Cup Regatta is usually held from late November into early December. New Year's Eve celebrations run island-wide at hotels, main beaches and beach clubs.
What already happened in 2026, and when to expect it in 2027
Phuket Old Town Festival and Chinese New Year. The 2026 Old Town Festival ran from 12 to 14 February, and Chinese New Year events filled Phuket Town on 22 to 24 February. In 2027 Chinese New Year falls on 6 February, with the Old Town Festival expected in February as well.
Heroines Monument Festival. Usually held on 13 to 15 March in Thalang, north of Phuket Town, it remembers the 1785 defence of Phuket. The highlight is an open-air re-enactment with around 300 amateur actors.
Wat Chalong fair. Phuket's largest temple holds a fair that usually takes place in February. Read the history of the temple in our Wat Chalong guide.
Songkran, 13 to 15 April. The best-known water fights are on Bangla Road in Patong and at Jungceylon. For a calmer version, Phuket Old Town hosts events on Thalang Road and Dibuk Road, and Wat Mongkol Nimit is a site for blessings. Karon and Kata also host organised events. Expect 13 to 15 April again in 2027.
Laguna Phuket Marathon. The 2026 race was held on 13 and 14 June, starting and finishing at Laguna in the Bang Tao area. It is expected on 12 and 13 June in 2027.
Por Tor (Hungry Ghost) Festival. Held in late August and September, when Hokkien families make offerings to the dead.
Planning your visit around festivals
Festival weeks are busy and some roads close for processions, so allow extra travel time and book hotels early. See our guide to where to stay in Phuket for island-friendly bases. Food is a highlight at almost every event; read our guide to Phuket local food before you go.
Check what to eat around Phuket with our local eating guide here.
A day on the water between festivals
When you want a break from the crowds, our Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island tour leaves from Royal Phuket Marina on a speed catamaran for up to 30 guests. It runs for 8 hours with hotel pick-up between 08:15 and 09:15, and the price is 3,900 baht for adults and 2,900 baht for children aged 4 to 11. Our guests rate us 5.0 from 607 Tripadvisor reviews. See the tour page or book now. Learn the park rules in our Phi Phi Island rules guide.
