Sala Thai Festival

media release: On September 14, the community is invited to celebrate Thai culture with a day of food, music and dance performances, and workshops and demonstrations. Unique opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage of Thailand will be available for all ages to enjoy.

Olbrich Gardens is partnering with the Royal Thai Consulate-General and The Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute to bring some of Thailand to Madison!

Admission is free and all are invited to take part in the festivities. 

Music and dance performances will take place in the Thai Garden, while the cultural arts activities will take place in the Frautschi Family Learning Center.

Food will be available for purchase on the Great Lawn, with Thai cuisine from Monsoon Siam and Sa-Bai Thong.

Cultural Arts Activities

Learning Center (onsite, day-of registration; while supplies last)

11-11:45 a.m. Khon Mask Craft (Thai-style mask decorating activity)  

12 -12:45 p.m. Pla Ta Pien (Thai-style wind mobiles, shape of a fish)  

1 -1:45 p.m. KraThong (Small lotus-shaped boat)  

2 - 2:45 p.m. Loy KraThong Parade (parade from Learning Center to Thai Garden)

Cultural Performances

Royal Thai Pavilion

12 - 12:15 p.m. Opening Ceremony & Remarks  

12:15 - 1 p.m. Classical Thai Dance and Khon  

1 - 1:45 p.m. Traditional Thai Dance  

2 - 2:45 p.m. Thai Classical Music  

3 - 4 p.m. Amazing Thailand and Muay Thai

The public parking lot surrounding Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers 210 spaces including 12 fully accessible parking spaces near the main building entrance.

With other community events happening in the surrounding area simultaneously with the Gardens' programming, parking lots may fill up at times. Having an alternate plan before arriving is the best strategy!