Bali isn’t just a tropical paradise—it’s a vibrant stage for cultural spectacles, electrifying music festivals, and world-class sporting events.
In 2025, the Island of the Gods is set to host an unforgettable lineup, from traditional ceremonies to modern celebrations that bring people together from all over the world.
Whether you’re craving artistic performances, adrenaline-fueled marathons, or beachfront music fests, Bali’s event calendar has something for every traveler.
Get ready to mark your dates and dive into the island’s most exciting festivals of the year!
March 2025
Melasti Ceremony
| What? | Purification ritual before Nyepi |
| When? | A few days before the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. |
The Melasti ceremony is one of the most sacred purification rituals in Bali, held a few days before the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. The Balinese people, dressed in traditional attire, walk in long processions carrying sacred objects from temples to water sources such as beaches, lakes, and rivers.
Water is considered the ultimate purifier, washing away impurities and negative energies before the Balinese New Year (Nyepi).
This ritual, filled with prayers, gamelan music, and offerings, is a mesmerizing sight that reflects the deep spiritual traditions of the island.
Pawai Ogoh-Ogoh Denpasar
| What? | Giant effigy parade before Nyepi |
| When? | March 28, 2025 |
The Ogoh-Ogoh parade is one of Bali’s most iconic and anticipated events, held on the eve of Nyepi, the Day of Silence. Giant, intricately crafted demon-like effigies are paraded through the streets, accompanied by the sound of gamelan and chants.
These grotesque figures symbolize negative forces and are later burned in a symbolic act of purification to cleanse the island of evil spirits before the sacred day of reflection.
The parade in Denpasar is one of the largest in Bali, attracting thousands of spectators who come to witness the creativity and craftsmanship of the Balinese people.
Omed-Omedan
| What? | The “Kissing Festival” in Denpasar on “Ngembak Geni” (one day after Nyepi) |
| When? | March 30, 2025 |
Omed-Omedan is a tradition in Banjar Kaja, Sesetan, Denpasar, where unmarried young men and women participate in a playful yet meaningful tug-of-war-like embrace.
The event is believed to strengthen bonds within the community and bring good fortune for the coming year. Amid cheers and splashes of water, participants take turns in a fun-filled yet spiritually significant event that attracts both locals and visitors.
April 2025
Semarapura Festival
| What? | Celebrating Klungkung’s heroic past |
| When? | April 28 – May 01, 2025 |
Held annually in Klungkung, this festival commemorates the historic Puputan Klungkung battle of 1908, where Balinese warriors fought against Dutch colonial forces in a final stand for independence.
The festival showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dance performances, historical reenactments, and art exhibitions. Visitors can explore Klungkung’s unique traditions while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere filled with local crafts, culinary delights, and music.
Galungan & Kuningan
| What? | A Major Balinese Hindu festival |
| When? | April 23 – May 03, 2025 |
Galungan marks the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil), when ancestral spirits return to Earth.
Streets are adorned with beautifully decorated penjor (bamboo poles with offerings), and families gather for prayers at temples. Kuningan, which falls ten days later, signifies the departure of these spirits back to their realm.
The entire island comes alive with ceremonies, feasts, and vibrant traditional attire, making this one of the best times to experience authentic Balinese culture.
May 2025
Mekotek
| What? | A sacred ritual in Munggu Village, Badung |
| When? | May 03, 2025 |
Mekotek is a unique Balinese tradition held in Munggu Village, Mengwi, as a ritual to ward off misfortune and bring protection to the community.
Hundreds of men carry long wooden poles and engage in a simulated battle, forming a towering structure resembling a pyramid.
The ritual, which takes place every 210 days on Kuningan Day, is both a spiritual offering and a test of strength and agility.
Bali Spirit Festival
| What? | Ubud’s global yoga, music and wellness gathering |
| When? | May 07 – 11, 2025 |
Bali Spirit Festival is a world-renowned celebration of yoga, dance, music, and holistic healing. Bringing together spiritual seekers, wellness enthusiasts, and international teachers, the festival offers immersive workshops, live music performances, and conscious living discussions.
Rooted in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—harmony between humans, nature, and the divine—the festival fosters personal growth, community building, and cultural appreciation in the lush surroundings of Ubud.
Learn more about this festival.
BTR Ultra 2025
| What? | Trail running challenge in Mount Batur, Kintamani |
| When? | May 09 – 11, 2025 |
BTR (Bali Trail Running) Ultra is the first ultra-trail running event in Mount Batur, challenging runners to navigate Bali’s volcanic terrain.
Organized by Bali Trail Running in collaboration with the Bangli government, the event attracts adventure-seekers who test their endurance while experiencing breathtaking views of the island’s mountainous landscape.
Ubud Open Studios
| What? | Behind the scenes of Ubud’s art world |
| When? | May 22 – 25, 2025 |
This annual event grants exclusive access to Ubud’s most talented artists and their studios. Visitors can engage in conversations with painters, sculptors, and designers, gaining insight into their creative processes.
The event includes guided studio tours, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops, making it a must-visit for art lovers and collectors looking to discover unique pieces directly from the artists themselves.
Ubud Food Festival
| What? | Celebrating Indonesia’s culinary diversity in Ubud |
| When? | May 30 – June 01, 2025 |
A paradise for food lovers, this festival brings together top chefs, food entrepreneurs, and culinary storytellers to showcase the best of Indonesian cuisine.
Expect live cooking demos, food tastings, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
The festival also highlights the stories behind the dishes, from indigenous ingredients to the evolving food culture of Indonesia.
Learn more about this festival.
June 2025
Bali International Film Festival (Balinale)
| What? | Showcasing global cinema in Bali |
| When? | June 01 – 07, 2025 |
Balinale is a prestigious film festival featuring international and Indonesian films across various genres.
The event serves as a platform for filmmakers to present their work, participate in panel discussions, and connect with industry professionals.
Screenings are accompanied by Q&A sessions with directors and actors, offering a deeper understanding of storytelling in cinema.
Lomba Layang-Layang Piala Soekarno
| What? | Traditional kite-flying competition |
| When? | June 08, 2025 |
A spectacular showcase of Bali’s kite culture, this competition honors Indonesia’s first president, Ir. Soekarno. Participants craft elaborate kites of all shapes and sizes, demonstrating artistic skill and aerodynamics.
The event is a visual feast as the skies fill with colorful, soaring kites, accompanied by the sound of gamelan music and cheering crowds.
Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF)
| What? | Indonesia’s leading tourism trade fair |
| When? | June 11 – 13, 2025 |
BBTF is the most prominent travel and tourism exhibition in Indonesia, bringing together international tour operators and local tourism businesses.
The event facilitates networking, business partnerships, and destination promotions, positioning Bali and Indonesia as premier global travel destinations.
Celuk Jewelry Festival
| What? | Showcasing Bali’s jewelry craftsmanship in Celuk village |
| When? | June 15, 2025 |
Held in the renowned silver-making village of Celuk, this festival highlights Bali’s exquisite jewelry artistry. Visitors can witness live demonstrations, take part in jewelry-making workshops, and shop for handcrafted silver and gold pieces.
The event also features cultural performances and culinary experiences, offering a rich dive into Bali’s creative heritage.
Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali)
| What? | Bali’s grandest cultural festival in Denpasar |
| When? | June 21 – July 19, 2025 |
A month-long celebration of Balinese arts, this festival showcases traditional dance, music, and crafts from every region of Bali.
The event features daily performances, art exhibitions, cultural workshops, and parades, making it a must-see for those who want to experience the island’s rich artistic traditions.
The opening parade, held at the Bajra Sandhi Monument, is a spectacle of color, movement, and music, setting the tone for an immersive cultural experience.
Tenganan Pegringsingan Culture Festival
| What? | Showcasing Bali’s jewelry craftsmanship in Celuk village |
| When? | June 21 – 23, 2025 |
The Karangasem Regency administration organizes the Tenganan Culture Festival to promote tourism. This may be observed in the rising number of visitors visiting Tenganan during the big festivities, as well as the Pandan War tradition.
One of the annual highlights at Traditional Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan is Mekare-kare, the bright pandan fights that serve as the ‘climax’ of their ceremonial calendar. Tenganan’s pandan war parade, also known as mekare-kare, is a ceremonial gift to the ancestors and Dewa Indra, the God of War.
The most conspicuous rituals are Manyunan, in which all of the young daha (young women) dress head-to-toe in their best gringsing fabric and other accessories and take their places on age-old ritual swings, which are then rotated by the teruna (young men).
The swing represents the cyclical aspect of life; these youthful Tengananese will keep the wheels moving for another generation.
Semarak Pandawa Festival
| What? | Beach festival at one of the iconic Southern Bali beach |
| When? | June 29 – July 05, 2025 |
In 2025, the Semarak Pandawa Festival is scheduled from June 29 to July 5. This event showcases traditional arts, craft exhibitions, music performances, and Balinese culinary delights, serving both as a cultural preservation effort and a tourism promotion platform.
The festival offers attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in Balinese culture through various activities. Visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances, explore local handicrafts, and savor authentic Balinese cuisine. The event also features live music, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights is experiencing the vibrant activities against the backdrop of Pandawa Beach’s stunning sunsets, providing a unique blend of cultural enrichment and natural beauty.
For more information on the festival schedule and specific events, you can refer to the Bali Government Tourism Office’s official calendar of events.
July 2025
Penglipuran Village Festival
| What? | A cultural festival in Bali’s most pristine village |
| When? | July 03 – 05, 2025 |
Set in the picturesque Penglipuran Village, famous for its well-preserved traditional Balinese architecture, this festival showcases authentic village life.
Visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance, and culinary experiences while exploring one of the cleanest villages in the world.
Lovina Festival
| What? | A cultural festival in north Bali’s dolphin bay |
| When? | July 18 – 22, 2025 |
From July 18–22, 2025, Lovina Beach comes alive with a celebration of nature, culture, and community. This festival showcases Balinese dance, music, arts, and regional collaborations, all set against Lovina’s stunning coastal backdrop.
Enjoy local crafts, North Balinese cuisine, and eco-conscious activities, with a strong focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses. Whether it’s cultural performances, culinary delights, or sunrise dolphin watching, Lovina Festival 2025 offers an unforgettable North Bali experience.
Bali Kite Festival
| What? | A sky full of |
| When? | July 26 – 27, 2025 |
One of Bali’s most iconic events, the Bali Kite Festival sees teams from across the island competing with massive handcrafted kites, some as large as trucks.
These kites, often shaped like dragons, birds, or fish, are flown to honor the Hindu gods and ask for good harvests.
The sky over Sanur Beach is filled with colorful creations, while the rhythmic sounds of gamelan music and cheers from the teams add to the festival’s electrifying atmosphere.
August 2025
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
| What? | A world-class jazz event in Ubud |
| When? | August 01 – 02, 2025 |
This intimate jazz festival features both Indonesian and international jazz musicians performing in the lush surroundings of Ubud. The event attracts music enthusiasts looking for high-quality performances in a laid-back atmosphere.
From modern jazz to fusion and ethnic jazz, the festival offers a unique blend of styles, complemented by gourmet food stalls and local crafts.
Independence Day Celebrations
| What? | Get ready for your red-white outfit for Indonesia’s independence day |
| When? | August 17, 2025 |
Bali joins the rest of Indonesia in celebrating Independence Day with flag-raising ceremonies, community games, and cultural performances.
Villages and cities organize traditional competitions such as panjat pinang (climbing a greased pole for prizes) and sack races, while streets are decorated in red and white, reflecting the national colors.
Maybank Marathon
| What? | World-class road race through Bali’s scenic landscapes |
| When? | August 22 – 24, 2025 |
Held annually since 2012 in Bali, the Maybank Marathon is an internationally recognized road race featuring full marathon, half marathon, and 10K categories.
Known for its scenic course through lush landscapes and Balinese villages, the event attracts elite runners and enthusiasts worldwide. More than just a race, it promotes sports tourism, community engagement, and environmental awareness.
September 2025
Bali International Air Show
| What? | Southeast Asia’s premier aerospace & defense showcase |
| When? | September 10 – 13, 2025 |
The International Bali Airshow is a world-class event spotlighting Indonesia’s growing role in aerospace, aero technology, and defense.
Hosted by key government agencies and industry leaders, this premier exposition brings together global aviation stakeholders to drive innovation and collaboration in Southeast Asia.
With a massive 78,000 sqm exhibition space, including a 70,000 sqm static aircraft display, the event showcases cutting-edge aerospace advancements and Indonesia’s commitment to aviation excellence.
Bali Rockin Blues Festival
| What? | Waves, guitars & soulful vibes! |
| When? | September 26, 2025 |
The Bali Blues Fest, first held in 2015 at Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua, evolved into the Bali Rockin’ Blues Fest in 2022, expanding its scope to include both rock and blues musicians, along with cross-genre collaborations.
Rooted in a “Blues is Making Friends” community-driven concept, the festival brings together not only musicians but also creative communities, including culinary enthusiasts and automotive groups.
The 2025 edition, set against the scenic backdrop of Sanur Mertasari Beach, features top Indonesian blues-rock performers promising an electrifying blend of music and coastal beauty.
October 2025
Nusa Penida Festival
| What? | Southeast Asia’s premier aerospace & defense showcase |
| When? | October 09 – 11, 2025 |
The Nusa Penida Festival is a lively celebration designed to boost tourism while honoring the island’s culture and natural beauty.
Spanning three days, the festival features traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and culinary showcases of Balinese specialties.
It highlights unique local traditions and promotes environmental conservation through community initiatives. Visitors can experience the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Nusa Penida.
Sanur Village Festival
| What? | A coastal celebration of music, art, food, and nature |
| When? | October (tba), 2025 |
This festival brings together art, music, culinary experiences, and environmental awareness in the laid-back seaside town of Sanur.
With beachside yoga sessions, art installations, live music, and food stalls featuring Balinese and international cuisine, the event highlights Sanur’s unique charm.
Environmental activities such as beach cleanups and turtle releases reinforce the festival’s commitment to sustainability.
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
| What? | A global gathering of literary minds |
| When? | October 29 – November 02, 2025 |
One of Asia’s most prominent literary festivals, Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) brings together renowned authors, journalists, and thinkers from around the world.
The festival features panel discussions, book launches, poetry readings, and workshops, covering themes such as culture, politics, and personal storytelling.
With its intimate setting in Ubud, it offers deep conversations and creative inspiration.
November 2025
Pemuteran Bay Festival
| What? | Eco-tourism and marine conservation event |
| When? | November 06 – 08, 2025 |
Held in the tranquil fishing village of Pemuteran, this festival promotes marine conservation and sustainable tourism. It includes snorkeling and diving events, coral restoration workshops, and performances blending Balinese culture with environmental awareness.
Visitors can learn about Bali’s famous artificial reef projects while enjoying the region’s natural beauty.
Mekepung Jembrana Cup
| What? | Traditional buffalo racing in Jembrana |
| When? | November 9, 2025 |
Mekepung is an exhilarating spectacle where pairs of water buffalo, decorated in vibrant ornaments, race along muddy tracks, guided by skilled jockeys.
Rooted in Bali’s agrarian traditions, this competition originally symbolized farmers’ gratitude for a successful harvest.
Today, it has evolved into a major cultural attraction in Jembrana, West Bali, drawing crowds eager to witness the thrilling competition and the beautifully adorned buffalo teams.
December 2025
Christmas & New Year’s Eve Celebrations
| What? | Island-wide festivities and fireworks |
| When? | December 25 & 31, 2025 |
Bali transforms into a festive paradise during the holiday season. Luxury resorts and beachfront clubs host elaborate Christmas dinners, while the island’s top party spots ring in the New Year with spectacular fireworks displays.
Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Sanur are among the best places to celebrate the year’s end with music, dance, and oceanfront revelry.
