Bangkok's biggest celebration of drawing and design is back for a sixth round. The Bangkok Illustration Fair (BIKBF) takes over Centralworld PULSE from October 22–25, 2026, running daily from 11am to 8pm, with the first day opening at 2pm.
What started as a platform for Bangkok-based illustrators has grown into a recognised gathering for the wider illustration scene across Asia and beyond. This edition keeps that international bent: alongside long-standing Thai artists, the line-up draws creatives from Europe and the Americas. Five guest artists add extra pull — Nithi Sathitpaitoon, Tum Ult, Pod ModerDog, Vikki Zhang and Mactarella Liunic.
The programme goes well beyond hanging art on walls. Visitors can sit in on B2B matching sessions, portfolio reviews, talks and workshops, plus the BIKBF candidate showcase put on with JCATS Portfolio Lab. For working illustrators and design studios, that's the real draw: a chance to get feedback, meet industry people and scout collaborators. For casual visitors, it's an easy way to see how illustrators actually work and maybe discover a new favourite before they get famous.
There are a few perks worth planning around. The first 200 attendees each day get a free Po-y-nai tote bag with exclusive fair packaging. Tickets come in several flavours: a one-day pass costs 150 baht, while the NOM pass costs 300 baht and throws in two entry tickets plus two limited-edition gifts illustrated by South Korean artist NOM. Prices include VAT and booking fees, and tickets are sold through Eventpop. Kids under 130cm get in free.
If you're in Bangkok in late October anyway — shoulder season, between the rains and the peak cool months — this is a cheap, air-conditioned cultural stop in the middle of the city's busiest shopping district. Art students, freelance creatives and anyone who collects prints or zines will get the most out of it, but the entry price is low enough for a spontaneous drop-in between shops.
