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...
Bali Events
There are so many events held throughout the year in Bali, so make sure to check the calendar to see what is on during your next trip.
From cultural and religious festivals to art exhibitions, sporting competitions and film festivals, Bali has a huge range of events for all to enjoy.
Cultural & Religious Events in Bali – 2019/2020 Festivals & Exhibitions
Galungan is one of the most important Balinese festivals and is the culmination of celebrations held in honour of the creator and ancestral spirits. At the core of the festival is the celebration of good and the overcoming of evil; the victory of Dharma and the defeat of Adharma. The festival usually runs for around 10 days in April each year at various locations around Bali. Visitors touring Bali during Galungan will notice the tall bamboo poles that line the streets and roads. The bamboo poles, locally referred to as ‘penjor’, are used to hang offerings as a kind gesture towards the spirits.
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. Held between July and November each year, the bull races are a popular attraction for both visitors and locals to Bali island.
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 in June each year and celebrates the arts in Bali, as well as bring together art lovers from across the country and beyond.
The Bali Kite Festival is an annual festival held on the island in July and August. The event highlights Bali’s unique culture, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The timing of the kite festival in July and August is key, as this marks the start of the windy season in Bali. In addition to this, both months are peak season for tourists, which means that attendance is full, making it a fun and interactive festival.
There are so many more events held in Bali, too many to mention, but make sure to view the calendar to see if any events coincide with your next holiday!
Makepung Bullock Races
Multiple Venues in Jembrana, Negara, Jembrana14 July 2019 to 17 November 2019
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...
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...
The Lovina Beach Festival is held in September each year along Kalibukbuk Beach on the northern part of the island near Lovina. One of the reasons why this festival attracts many tourists is that it remains true to the...
Tumpek Kandang is a prominent day of celebration for Balinese locals as this is the time when locals show their gratitude for domestic animals. Typically, the celebrations occur every 210 days. Traditionally, Balinese...
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Multiple Venues in Ubud, Kedewatan, Ubud23 October 2019 to 27 October 2019
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 festival is the brainchild of Janet De Neefe, an...
The Nusa Dua Fiesta is an event that effortlessly fuses music, culture, arts and sports to create an amazing experience for all visitors. You will find art exhibitions, cultural performances and sporting events held...
The 10th Bali International Triathlon will be held again in 2019 at Sanur Beach and the surrounding area. The event gets larger every year, so those wanting to participate are advised to register early to avoid...
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...
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...
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. At the core of this event is the celebration of the...
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. It is an obvious fact that food is an integral part of daily life...
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...
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:...
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’...
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. With food, drink, music and fireworks, there are so many ways to...
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. According to religious...
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. This event is held 25 days prior to Galungan, a significant festival held...
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...
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...
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 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. Nyepi is a public holiday in 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, many restaurants will...
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...
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...
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...
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 Kartini was born on the 21st of April...
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...
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...
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...
Bali International Choir Festival
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, South Kuta, Bali28 July 2020 to 01 August 2020
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...
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. The timing of the kite festival in July and...
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...
Indonesian Independence Day is a public holiday in Indonesia which is celebrated on the 17th of August each year and marks Indonesia’s independence from Dutch colonial rule. Interestingly, while the country gained...
Sanur Village Festival
Maisonettee Area Inna Grand Bali Beach, Sanur, South Denpasar21 August 2020 to 25 August 2020
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. The festival has different themes each year and draws...
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...
