Songkran Festival planning checklist

A Songkran Festival needs more than food and a playlist: you also need a clear water-activity plan, dry storage and enough places for people to sit and eat. Start by fixing the date, programme and venue, then track registrations, dietary requirements and volunteer roles. In the final week, check the forecast, confirm reservations and count reusable tableware. On the last preparation day, shop, chill drinks, prepare rice and noodles, and keep food protected from water activities.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set the date and program
2 people
Reserve the venue and outdoor area
Draft invitations
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm the number of visitors
Determine the meal layout
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Confirm reservations
Check the shopping list
2 people
Count reusable supplies
2 people
Assign water activities
2 people
Assemble the music playlist
Assign volunteers
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Collect drinks and ice
2 people
Check decorations
2 people
Store dry goods
2 people
Wash fruits and vegetables
3 people
Prepare marinades
2 people
Portion sauces
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Marinate meat and tofu
3 people
Prepare rice and noodles
3 people
Make salads and side dishes
4 people
Portion desserts
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Lay waterproof flooring
3 people
Set up buffet tables
3 people
Lay out crockery and cutlery
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Fill water stations
3 people
Mark off the water area
2 people
Protect electrical equipment
2 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Test sound equipment
2 people
Set up name badges and the welcome table
2 people
Bring food up to temperature
4 people
Review the safety instructions
4 people

Event

Welcome guests
4 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Explain the water zone rules
2 people
Hand out water pistols
3 people
Manage water stations
3 people
Supervise the photo corner
Supervise activities
4 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
3 people
Collect used dishes
2 people
Open the buffet
3 people
Serve the buffet
4 people
Restock the buffet
3 people
Serve special meals separately
2 people
Provide music
Serve dessert
2 people
Announce the final water activity
Collect the water equipment
3 people
See off guests
3 people
Collect waste along the way
2 people
Cover food securely
2 people

Aftercare

Tear down the buffet
4 people
Wash dishes
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Clear the water area
3 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Pack away the music equipment
2 people
Sort and remove waste
3 people
Leave the venue dry and clean
4 people
Distribute leftover food
2 people
Store supplies clean and dry
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Record damage and lost property

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 4
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable bowlsqty 70
Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 50
Table knivesqty 80
Table spoonsqty 80
Table forksqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 50
Serving tongsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 10

Catering

Food warmersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Sauce bowlsqty 10
Drink dispensersqty 4
Water jugsqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Groceries

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 3
Aluminum foilqty 4
Food storage containersqty 20
Kitchen tongsqty 6
Portable cooktopsqty 3

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Waterproof protective coversqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Decorations

Thai flagsqty 8
Colorful garlandsqty 12
Paper lanternsqty 20
Flower bowlsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Photo backdrop
Name badgesqty 80
Badge holdersqty 80

Sports equipment

Water gunsqty 50
Buckets of waterqty 20
Water sprayersqty 4
Inflatable water tubsqty 3
Plastic scoopsqty 20
Safe barrier conesqty 12
Rubber non-slip matsqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3
Disposable glovesqty 10
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Tips

Set the programme before sending invitations, including when water activities start and when food is served. This helps guests bring suitable clothing and gives volunteers clear time slots.
Confirm the visitor count and dietary requirements several days before shopping. Use the final number to portion rice, noodles, sauces and marinades instead of guessing on the day.
Keep dry goods, spare tableware and food-storage containers away from the water area. A separate dry table or covered storage point prevents plates, napkins and ingredients from becoming unusable.
Check the weather forecast at least 48 hours before the festival and confirm the outdoor area. If rain is likely, place party tents and buffet tables before guests arrive, not during the first water activity.
Assign volunteers to water activities, food service, drinks and waste before the event starts. Fill coolers and drink dispensers shortly before opening so drinks stay cold without blocking the preparation area.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a Songkran Festival?: Set the date, programme and venue at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Send invitations after the venue and water-activity arrangements are confirmed, then close registrations early enough to plan food and equipment.
How many drinks should I prepare for a Songkran Festival?: Plan around 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra drinking water because guests lose more fluids while spending time outdoors and getting wet.
When should I check the weather for a Songkran Festival?: Check the forecast 7 days before the event for an early warning, then make the final decision 48 hours before. Confirm whether party tents, outdoor tables and water activities still fit the conditions.
What should I prepare the day before Songkran?: Wash fruit and vegetables, prepare marinades, portion sauces, and prepare rice and noodles as far ahead as food-safety rules allow. Also count reusable plates, bowls, glasses and serving utensils, then collect drinks and ice on the final preparation day.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.