Top Things to Do In Phnom Penh THIS Weekend

Ooooh, it’s a great one this weekend. We have markets at the French Embassy, a whole bunch of fantastic live music and even a chance to support community initiatives in Kampong Speu by simply drinking beer and watching people kick each other in the head. 

Friday

What’s On Screen

Seekers Screening of Wakanda Forever

Now, this is a fun one. Wakanda Forever, the 2022 latest in the Black Panther series, screens in ultimate luxury at Legend cinema. Seekers will then complete your viewing pleasure with unlimited cocktails being served during the screening. What a way to start the weekend!

$40 per person. 6:30pm, Friday 18th November, Legend Cinema Exchange Square

What’s On Stage 

19th International Music Festival Phnom Penh

This is one for those hoping for a fancier music sesh this weekend. Piano four hands, Katy Lo Wing and Issei Sakano perform a wide range of classical bangers including: Debussy, Bosba Panh, Maurice Ravek, Arvo Paert, Colin McPhee, Darius MIlhaid and Eric Satie.

Tickets are only available at the door: $10 adults or $3 for (fancy) kids. 7pm, Friday 19th November, Raffles

Grass Snake Revival

Joe Wrigley brings the tunes to this evening of blue grass, country and folk. There will also be Broken Cymbal, Miserable Man and Andriana and Gabi. 

 FREE. 7pm, Friday 19th November. Craft, St 244

What’s On Late 

Boogie Revolution

Make sure you go over the top with your outfits, enthusiasm on the dance floor and sweat it out like you are on a bad pill in 1974! DJ Chill Bill brings some of the coolest tunes to backstreet with llya on sax and Gabi on Darbuka to turn it all into a fantastic live show. 

FREE. 9pm, Backstreet Bar, St 308

DJ Panora

DJ Panora kicks off a late night session with various forms of underground beats and Groovy Funk House. 

FREE. 9pm, La Petanque Bar and Kitchen, St 02A

Saturday

What’s On Screen

Return to Seoul 

Beloved Phnom Penh favourite Davy Chou’s Return to Seoul screens from 6:30pm. In the follow up to Diamond Island Chou’s latest explores one women’s crisis of identity in Korea. 

FREE. 6:30pm, Saturday 19 November, Institut français du Cambodge

What’s On Stage 

Broken Cymbal

Enjoy some chilled out acoustic feels in this French bistro with a California feel. Anthony is on guitar and Cati will lead the vocals for this evening of 1920s style. 

FREE. 8pm, Saturday 19 November, Perch Restaurant & Lounge Bar, St 282

Spiked Gravy

Spiked Gravy returns to Sunset for a night of brand new acoustic material with a surprise act from Singapore joining to bring some fun covers to get you all warmed up. Happy Hour is from 8pm and the Spiked Gravy begin at 9pm. 

FREE. 9pm, Sunset Boulevard, Saturday 19 November, St 460

What’s On Late 

No Problem Disco

Get ready for that late night disco jam into the wee hours of Sunday morning with DJ Jack Malipan and Dr Wah Wah taking us through the Backstreet disco sesh. 

FREE. 9pm, Backstreet Bar, Saturday 19 November, St 308

What Else

French Market

Take a peek at some of the best culture, craftsmanship and, of course, gastronomy the French have to offer in Phnom Penh. From 10am, the Embassy will open its doors and its A/C to a full day of discovering the very best of what the French are up to in Cambodia. It’s also an opportunity to explore the park, just opened for this occasion, which happens to be one of the biggest gardens and centres of biodiversity in the city!

FREE. 10am-6pm, Saturday 19 November, The French Embassy, Monivong Boulevard

A Hand-Crafted Holiday 

Oh what’s that? Is it already the most wonderful time of year? You bet your adorable reindeer socks it is! For those wanting to get some more personal gifts this year, this one’s for you. Various artists will help you on your way to making that perfect little something for grandma who has had enough pots of Kampot pepper. The options today are: 

9:00 – 11am: Brush Calligraphy with Letter + Adore | $35

1:00-1:45pm: Mosaic Coasters with Khraft for kids 8+ | $5

2:30 – 4pm: Polymer Clay Ornament with Lucy Ze | $10

Get in touch to reserve a space. 

9am-4pm, Saturday 19 November, Khraft-Cambodia’s Art and Craft Store, St 440

Page2Stage Stand-Up Comedy Course

Ever grimaced at a dodgy stand-up act and thought, I could do better than that? Well, now’s your chance to prove it. Comedy in Cambodia is running a two-day course (held over two consecutive Saturdays) to teach you the basics of what works in comedy and help you polish your jokes and anecdotes. Then, on Saturday 10th December, you put your skills to the test – live – at a charity stand-up gig in support of the NGO Inclusive Cambodia. Will the heckler become the hecklee? There’s only one way to find out! Spaces are limited so email the team ASAP at livecomedyincambodia@gmail.com if you want to take part.

$20. 1pm, Saturday 19 & 26 November (+ show on the 10th December). Speakeasy Theatre, St 244

Cambodia Interclub Martial Arts Fight Night 

This is your chance to support local MMA and combat sport talent while also help fund a fantastic new community initiative and martial arts training programmes in Kampong Speu. Tickets are $15 and will be well worth it! To book, call +855 12 282 282 or contact the team through their Facebook Page.

Tickets $15. 5pm, Saturday 19 November Cambodia Top Team Fight and Fitness Gym (TTP), St 468. 

Autumn Internationals Rugby

Anyone looking for a pub for this weekend’s rugby need look no further than the Welsh Embassy on Bassac Lane from 8pm. They’ll be screening Wales vs Georgia (obviously), Scotland vs South Africa and England vs New Zealand today.

FREE. 8pm, Saturday 19 November, The Welsh Embassy, Bassac Lane

Gypsy Swing Jazz Cruise Vol 2

Okay, so this is actually sold out. But, it’s such a fantastic event we thought we should share and you can all keep an eye out for similar jamming gypsy events – or pester your friends to see if there are any spare tickets going. Basically, some of the most fun music in Phnom Penh will be performed live while you cruise down the Mekong/Tonle Sap. Amazing. 

$15. 8:30pm, Saturday 19 November, Crocodile River Cruise, Sisowath Quay

Sunday

What’s On Stage 

Phare Circus

The Phare Circus is simply one of the greatest performance arts groups to watch and support in Cambodia, showcasing award-winning circus skills combined with brilliant and often very moving storytelling. On Sunday you will have the chance to go and see this unbelievable experience. Tickets start at $15 and you can reserve here. 

$15. 5pm, Sunday 20 November, Factory, National Road 2

What Else

Odom Farmers’ Market,

If you didn’t get your fill of markets at the French embassy on Saturday, then oh boy, are you in luck! The monthly market returns to give you a fill of Phnom Penh’s best handicrafts, food and custom made threads. 

FREE. 9am-4pm, Sunday 20 November, Odom Park

Flying Dodgeball Tournament

If you can dodge a wrench, then you can dodge a ball, right? Well, let’s find out. A massive dodgeball tournament at the Factory open to all. So get off your hangover couch and cancel the Nham order! You and your team can sign up here.

FREE. 9am, Sunday 20 November, Fly Phnom Penh @ Factory, National Road 2

DJ Bree and all day sesh for Randy’s Birthday,

Usually seen brewing up his famous jungle juice or blasting out some world class international journalism, co-owner Randy will be bringing an all-day party to the Deck to celebrate his birthday. Two rules to remember: 1) Dress like Randy and get a free shot. 2) Act like Randy and get kicked out. DJ Bree will take the decks and an odd one man band from Italy will make an appearance. 

11am-chaos ensues, Sunday 20 November, The Deck, St 135. For reference, this is Randy:

Free shot material right there. Nicked from Randy’s Facebook.

A Hand-Crafted Holiday, 1:30pm, Khraft- Cambodia’s Art and Craft Store

The opportunity to make creative gifts full of love and Christmas spirit continue today with the following options:

9 -10:30am:Acrylic Pouring Art with Scarlett

1 – 2:30pm: Strawberry Sugar Scrub with Love & Lotus for kids 8-15 years old

3:00 – 4:30pm: Candle Making with Magik Glow | $10

Get in touch to reserve a space. 

9am-4.30pm, Sunday 20 November, Khraft-Cambodia’s Art and Craft Store, St 440

That’s all for now, folks!