Bali Events

Siwa Ratri

All Over Bali, Celebrations Occuring at Temples, All Around Bali

Siwa Ratri, also known as the Night of Siwa, is a key part of Bali’s event calendar. The popular event is dedicated to the god known as Siwa. Siwa is known to devout Balinese as the destroyer.

Tumpek Uduh

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Tumpek Uduh, also referred to as Tumpek Pengatag or Tumpek Wariga, is an event dedicated to Sanghyang Sangkara, the god of food on Bali Island. These offerings constitute crops and farm products from the many plantations scattered across the island.

Galungan

Galungan, one of the most important Balinese festivals, is the culmination of celebrations held in honour of the creator and ancestral spirits. According to Balinese-Hinduism, the creator of the universe is Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

Mekotekan Rituals

Munggu Village, Munggu, Mengwi

The Mekotekan Rituals are part of the traditional Kuningan Festival that is celebrated to battle evil spirits that are said to attack Munggu Village. The Kuningan Festival is held every six months according to the Bali calendar.

Bali Spirit Festival

ARMA & Bhanuswari Resort, Gianyar, Bali

The Bali Spirit Festival is a fun festival that brings together yoga, music and dance into one fun event. Held in Ubud each year, this event has grown over the years, so much so that it attracts thousands of visitors.

Nyepi

All Over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

No shopping at all during Nyepi Day.

Nyepi is an important Hindu holiday in Bali one that is usually referred to as the ‘Day of Silence’. It is held at the start of the Balinese year, usually around March or April. The evening before Nyepi, you may find a parade through the streets of Bali with locals carrying large Ogoh Ogoh statue.

Ngembak Geni

All Over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Ngembak Geni is a day of self-introspection where locals take time to contemplate on their values about tolerance love, patience and kindness. Most of the shops will be closed on this day, however, some restaurant will open, it might for short day.

Omed Omedan

Kaja Sesetan, Sesetan, South Denpasar

Omed Omedan is one of Bali’s most exciting events where thousands of unmarried youth come together for a mass kissing festival. For about 100 years, unmarried men and women aged between 17 to 30 have participated in this event.

Tumpek Krulut

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Tumpek Krulut, also known as Compassion Day, is an event that is celebrated after every 210 days on the island. The event’s name says it all. As a day when locals express their gratitude for life and life’s blessings...

Purnama Kedasa

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Purnama Kedasa is a Balinese celebration which is held following the appearance of the full moon. It is an elaborate affair for the locals with thousands coming outside to pay their respects. The appearance of the full moon marks a special day for various traditional festivities. This is evident with the resplendent ceremonies at the island’s innumerable Hindu Temples. The reason for this is that locals believe this is the day that God comes down on earth in order to bless its inhabitants.

Ubud Food Festival

Multiple Venues in Ubud, Ubud, Kedewatan

The Ubud Food Festival is a three-day event that will tantalise your taste buds with a huge variety of Balinese and international cuisines. Ubud is regarded as the cultural heartbeat of Bali and is a prime destination of food and art. Moreover, there are also culinary talks and a number of workshops for those who would like to learn to cook from scratch or to further their skills.

Kartini Day

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Kartini Day is an Indonesian holiday celebrated in memory of Ajeng Kartini’s birth, a national heroine honoured for her efforts in fighting for women’s rights. Raden Ajeng Kartiniwas born on the 21st of April and is one of the country’s most recognizable faces.

Waisak Day

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Waisak Day, also referred to as Vesak Day, is a national holiday observed by locals in both Bali and Indonesia as a way to honour and celebrate Buddha. As one of the common religions on mainland Indonesia, the celebrations attract pilgrims from all over the world as Vesak Day is the holiest day on the Buddhist calendar.

Tumpek Kandang

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Tumpek Kandang is a prominent day of celebration for Balinese locals as this is the time when locals show their gratitude for domestic animals. Traditionally, Balinese locals used an array of domestic animals to help them get on with their daily activities. Some of these animals included bulls, cows, ducks, pigs as well as goats. The festival, which is also referred to as Tumpek Andang, is one of the ways in which locals show their appreciation for these animals.

Idul Fitri Festival

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Idul Fitri Festival (also known as Lebaran) is a popular religious holiday in Bali. It is a unique holiday because its annual dates are determined by the Islamic Calendar. Idul Fitri marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims across the world. The fasting which spans about 30 days, comes to an end following the sighting of the moon on the island.

Bali Arts Festival

Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre, Panjer, Denpasar

The Bali Arts Festival brings the island’s cultural scene to life for a whole month of daily exhibitions, performances and an array of art-related activities. The festival is held to celebrate arts in Bali, as well as bring together art lovers from across the country and beyond.

Banyu Pinaruh

Multiple Beaches in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Banyu Pinaruh is one of the key events held during Saraswati celebrations in Bali. The event is celebrated every 210 days in accordance with the Balinese Calendar. The festival is held to celebrate arts in Bali, as well as bring together art lovers from across the country and beyond.

 As a cultural ritual that is part of the traditions in Bali, the event is characterised by gathering of the locals in the early morning at any of the following locations: the river banks, the shores of the lake or at the beach. Taking a bath at these locations is believed to rejuvenate the body and get rid of the mundane feeling that comes from day to day activities.

 Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most famous sea temple, is a favourite destination for Banyu Pinaruh, so visitors who would like to join the locals can make a stopover at this intricate sea temple.

Soma Ribek

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Soma Ribek is a key festival in Bali commonly referred to as Soma Pon Wuku Sprott. The festival is all about appreciating food and occurs every 210 days. The feast during this ceremony  is closely tied to the Saraswati Feast. As a result, there are divine teachings that the devout locals will adhere to. These teachings will involve gaining knowledge about sustaining life with rice and rice products and this is key for the community because the abundance of rice symbolises prosperity in the community.

Sabuh Mas

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Sabuh Mas is a Balinese holiday set aside for the worship of Mahadeva where they ask for blessings of various precious metals, jewellery and for wealth and occurs every 210 days. It is interesting to note the derivation of the name’s meaning; Sabuh means ‘belt’, while Mas translates to ‘gold’ in the local language. As such, the direct meaning of this holiday is ‘gold belt’.

Pagerwesi

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Pagerwesi is a Balinese ceremony celebrated every 210 days according to the traditional Balinese calendar, just three days after the Saraswati festivities.

The name of this ceremony is obtained from two local words: pager and wesi. Pager is a local word that translates to ‘fence’, while wesi means ‘iron’. The full word’s literal meaning is iron fence and is when the Balinese people strengthen their minds and souls against evil forces.

Makepung Bullock Races

Multiple Venues in Jembrana, Negara, Jembrana

Bull racing is an age-old tradition across generations in Bali and the Makepung Bullock Races (aka Negara Bull Races) is one of the most popular bull races on the island. The name of this bullock race is derived from the local Balinese word, ‘kepung’ which translates to ‘chasing’. The word is comparable to ‘steeplechase’, and simply means that it is a race that involves bulls ‘chasing’ each other in the race.

Makepung Bullock Races run each year and kick off early, usually by 7:30am, so if you would like to attend, make your way to the circuit in good time.

Tumpek Landep

All Over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Tumpek Landep is a Balinese festival that is held to celebrate divine inspiration as a way to honour the god of taksu. The name of the festival is derived from two words: tumpek and landep. Tumpek translates to ‘nearby’ in the local dialect, while the latter means ‘sharp’. This manifests itself in the festival where offerings are made for objects that are made of metal including cars, motorcycles, computers and even refrigerators and others.

Saraswati Day

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Saraswati Day is held in honour of Saraswati who is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom and learning is held every 210 days. Saraswati is said to help the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to create, maintain and regenerate the universe. Thanks are given to her on this holy day.

The symbol of this goddess is a pretty four-armed goddess illustrated as playing the zither and holding up scriptures. This illustration is demonstrative of the thirst of knowledge.

Bali International Choir Festival

Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, South Kuta, Bali

The Bali International Choir Festival brings together the best of choir performances on the island concerts and workshops for choir lovers. The aim of the festival is to allow singers and conductors to gain experience, to build their skills and knowledge in workshops, formal rehearsal spaces and concert settings.

Bali Kite Festival

Multiple Locations, Kesiman, East Denpasar

The Bali Kite Festival is an annual festival held on the island from July to October. The event highlights Bali’s unique culture, drawing thousands of visitors each year. History has it that the festival started off as a colourful fanfare to thank the gods for bountiful harvests and fertility, but has since grown to become one of the most remarkable events on Bali’s event calendar. Prizes are given to the most distinct and creative kites. If you love kites and are a fan of the outdoors, then the Bali Kite Festival is perfect for you.

Ubud Village Jazz Festival

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Ubud, Kabupaten Gianya

The Ubud Village Jazz Festival is a huge community concert held over two days in Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali. The festival traces its humble beginnings to 2013 following the gathering of artists in an intimate gathering. The very first event featured 20 performances on three platforms over a period of 2 days, bringing together 100 musicians.

Indonesian Independence Day

All over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Indonesian Independence Day is a public holiday in Indonesia which is celebrated on the 17th of August each year and marks Indonesia’s Independence Day. This national holiday is celebrated in Bali with various festivities including parades, community events and cultural and art exhibitions.

Sanur Village Festival

Maisonettee Area Inna Grand Bali Beach, Sanur, South Denpasar

The Sanur Village Festival is a yearly event held in the coastal village of Sanur. It is a festival that celebrates arts, great food, culture and the environment. Some of the highlights of the Sanur Village Festival include fashion shows, culinary displays, sports competitions, environmental conservation programs and yoga demonstrations. Head to the different culinary stands and sample delicious local cuisine prepared by Balinese experts.

Balinale

Multiple Locations, Jimbaran, Badung Regency

Balinale is a film festival held in Bali each year and brings together local and international film industry players as well as film lovers everywhere. Balinale offers local filmmakers the chance to showcase their work to a wider international audience as well as allowing international filmmakers to display their work in a unique location.

Ujung Water Palace Festival

This three-day festival features a cultural parade by the local youth community, art installations around the square Dirah pool, and a Mebat competition. Visitors can experience the spacious park at the water palace and the festivity, relaxing on the grass while enjoying the many performances.

Balinale

Don’t miss the 12th edition of the Bali International Film Festival or Balinale this year with another outstanding lineup of intriguing documentaries, shorts and fiction features representing tens of different countries.
www.balinale.com

Lovina Beach Festival

Lovina Beach, Singaraja, Kaliasem

The Lovina Beach Festival is held in September each year along Kalibukbuk Beach on the northern part of the island near Lovina. The Festival is a 3-day festival that highlights the traditions and cultural practices of the Balinese people. An opening ceremony opens the event with a parade which features music and dance.

Nusa Dua Fiesta

Nusa Dua Peninsula, Nusa Dua, Benoa

The Nusa Dua Fiesta is an event that effortlessly fuses music, culture, arts and sports to create an amazing experience for all visitors. Live entertainment is a big part of the festival with local and international acts playing across all days of the festival. You will also find fashion shows and competitions including a ‘latte art’ competition and body painting artists.

The event also promotes environmental causes, so you will also notice locals cleaning up the streets and beach areas in honors of this event.

Nusa Dua Run Festival

The sensation of running in the early hours of the night with a nish to the rising sun is an experience that will be given to runners. Nusa Dua’s pristibe beach presents a view that can be enjoyed by runners when after running. The race presents 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon competition.

Ketipat War

A unique festivity, Ketipat War is an annual event that was first held in 1337 by the villagers of Kapal village in Mengwi. Ketipat is a typical Indonesian rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves, and during this event the villagers throw the Ketipat at each other.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

From humble beginnings in 2004, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) has evolved into one of the world’s most celebrated literary and artistic events – an annual pilgrimage for lovers of literature and conversation. Bringing together some of the world’s most powerful voices in a melting pot of artists, authors, thinkers and performers, the festival is a platform for meaningful exchange and cross-cultural dialogue. A place where artists and audiences alike can discuss shared inspirations, ideas and concerns, UWRF transcends cultural and geographical borders to create a truly global community.

Across five days, UWRF delivers an eclectic program of events – from fiery conversations to intimate literary lunches, gripping live performances to hands-on workshops. This year, the festival celebrates its 16th year as Southeast Asia’s leading festival of words and ideas.

www.ubudwritersfestival.com

Nusa Dua Fiesta

Taking place in the peninsula of Nusa Dua, Nusa Dua Fiesta showcases traditional handicraft exhibition, art and musical performances from across the Indonesian archipelago, and culinary stalls. Other activities include beach clean up, along with competitions such as kids drawing and even selfie contest.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

Multiple Venues in Ubud, Kedewatan, Ubud

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is an event held in the central Bali town of Ubud that celebrates all things about literature, reading, writing, film and culture. The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is a yearly pilgrimage for experts and lovers of the literary world, ranging from readers, authors, musicians and chefs.

Bali International Triathlon

Courses are based in Sanur, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan

The 10th Bali International Triathlon will be held again in 2020 at Sanur Beach and the surrounding area. There are categories of races for both men and women, individual and team relay races. STAY TUNED!

Tumpek Wayang

All Over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Tumpek Wayang is a traditional Balinese holiday and sacred festival of Hindus on the island which is celebrated every 6 months. This festival brings together puppeteers who perform purification rites (ruwatan) to purify their bodies both physically and mentally.

Another reason why Tumpek Wayang is important for the locals is that it represents various transitions on the traditional calendar and is a connection between the following days: Saniscara, Kajeng, Kilown and Wayang. As a transitional point, this holiday plays a sacred role for locals.

New Years Eve

All Over Bali, Bali, Indonesia

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Bali is one one of the best experiences you will have as the island turns into a huge party for those holidaying here. To enjoy, can be started from a sunset cocktail to a fancy dinner, to dancing the night away in a club. There are so many ways to celebrate in Bali with food, drink, music and fireworks.