December already has a confirmed anchor for independent music in Chiang Mai. LABBfest, now in its sixth edition, has opened its application period for the 2026 International Music Showcase, running 5 and 6 December in the city.
LABBfest is a platform for generating opportunities in the music business, featuring live music performances and Speed Meeting activities that connect artists with festival organisers, promoters, record labels, and media. The Speed Meeting format is the distinguishing feature of the event, separating it from a standard live showcase by building structured face-to-face time between artists and industry figures into the programme alongside performances.
The festival provides opportunities for artists in Chiang Mai and throughout Thailand who create their own music, whether signed to a label or independent, with no restrictions on age, nationality, gender, performance style, or music genre.
Selected artists participate in live performances and Speed Meeting sessions with music festival organisers, promoters, record label representatives, and media, with the aim of opening doors for artists’ music to develop nationally and internationally.
Now entering its fifth year, LABBfest has established itself as the International Music Showcase Festival bringing artists, audiences, and music industry figures from around the world together, with a track record of artists from its stage going on to build careers internationally.
The programme includes business matching, Speed Meetings, delegate sessions, session talks, and the music showcase itself.
Applications are open from Monday, 11 May to Sunday, 5 July 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+7). Selection takes place within July, with results announced the same month. Artists can apply via the official form at labbfestival.com or directly at https://forms.gle/pvse7b6M6E3uXkX38.
One practical note worth flagging: the LABBfest team does not offer compensation or artist fees, but artists receive a live performance platform and Speed Meeting access to festival organisers, promoters, record label representatives, and media. The value exchange is exposure and direct industry contact rather than a performance fee.
For artists based in Chiang Mai or operating out of Thailand who want to move beyond the domestic circuit, the July announcement leaves five months to prepare before the December dates.
