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Bali Festivals & Events 2026: A Year of Culture, Celebration & Adventure

AR
Atha Rafif
16 min read
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In 2026, 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!

February 2026

What?Chinese cultural new year celebrated across the country
When?February 17th, 2026

Chinese New Year in Bali is celebrated with a vibrant mix of tradition, color, and shared joy. Temples and Chinese heritage areas are filled with lion and dragon dances, lanterns, and prayers for prosperity, health, and harmony in the year ahead.

The celebration also carries historical meaning in Indonesia. Chinese New Year was officially restored as a public celebration during Abdurrahman Wahid’s administration, marking a return of cultural recognition and inclusivity. Today, the festival is widely embraced across the country, with Bali offering a unique setting where multicultural traditions come together to welcome a new beginning.

March 2026

Melasti Ceremony

What?Purification ritual before Nyepi
When?A few days before the Ogoh-Ogoh parade.

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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 (Tawur Kesanga)

What?Giant effigy parade before Nyepi
When?To be confirmed (est. between March 16th-18th, 2026)

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The Ogoh-Ogoh parade is one of Bali’s most iconic and anticipated events, held on the eve of Nyepi (this year will be commemorated on March 19th, 2026). 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 20th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: liputan6.com

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 2026

Bali Spirit Festival

What?Ubud’s global yoga, music and wellness gathering
When?April 15th - 19th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: balispiritfestival.com

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.

Day Zero

What?Immersive electronic music event at GWK
When?April 17th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: dayzerofestival.com

Day Zero was born from the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012, evolving into one of the world’s most transformative gatherings. With boundary-pushing production, visionary performances, and Damian Lazarus’ inimitable curation, it creates a universe where ancient myth and futuristic sound collide.

Learn more about this festival.

Semarapura Festival

What?Celebrating Klungkung’s heroic past
When?To be confirmed (previously held on April 28 – May 01, 2025)

blog-picture Image source: lovebali.baliprov.go.id

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.

May 2026

BTR Ultra 2026

What?Trail running challenge in Mount Batur, Kintamani
When?May 15th - 17th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: balitrailrunning.com

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.

Learn more about this event.

Ubud Food Festival

What?Celebrating Indonesia’s culinary diversity in Ubud
When?To be confirmed (previously held on May 30th – June 01st, 2025)

blog-picture Image source: Instagram @ubudfoodfest

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.

Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF)

What?Indonesia’s leading tourism trade fair
When?May 27th - 31st, 2026

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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.

Learn more about this event.

June 2026

Bali International Film Festival (Balinale)

What?Showcasing global cinema in Bali
When?June 01st – 07th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: balinale.com

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.

Learn more about this event.

Ubud Open Studios

What?Behind the scenes of Ubud’s art world
When?June 05th – 07th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: Instagram @ubudopenstudios

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.

Learn more about this event.

Galungan & Kuningan

What?A Major Balinese Hindu festival
When?June 17th – 27th, 2026

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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.

Locus Drum ‘n’ Bass

What?Loud drum ‘n’ bass events at Nuanu
When?June 18th - 21st, 2026

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Locus Drum’n’Bass returns to Bali for four days of high-energy sound, cutting-edge production, and deep bass culture, set inside the creative grounds of Nuanu. Bringing together international and regional Drum’n’Bass artists, the festival transforms the space into a pulse-driven playground where music, art, and nature collide.

Beyond the dancefloor, Locus is about community and culture. Expect immersive stages, curated visuals, and moments that connect underground music with Bali’s forward-thinking creative scene.

Learn more about this event.

Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali)

What?Bali’s grandest cultural festival in Denpasar
When?To be confirmed (previously held on June 21 – July 19, 2025)

blog-picture Image source: kemenparekraf.go.id

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.

Learn more about this event.

Tenganan Pegringsingan Culture Festival

What?Cultural pandan fight
When?To be confirmed (previously held on 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.

Mekotek

What?A sacred ritual in Munggu Village, Badung
When?June 27th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: kompas.com

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.

July 2026

Penglipuran Village Festival

What?A cultural festival in Bali’s most pristine village
When?July 10th - 12nd, 2026

blog-picture Image source: unsplash.com

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.

Learn more about this event.

Lovina Festival

What?A cultural festival in north Bali’s dolphin bay
When?To be confirmed (previously held on July 24 - 26, 2025)

blog-picture Image source: rimba.events

Lovina Beach will come 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 offers an unforgettable North Bali experience.

Learn more about this event.

Bali Kite Festival

What?A sky full of stars kites, in Padang Galak, Sanur
When?To be confirmed (est. between July - August)

blog-picture Image source: balitravelhub.com

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 2026

Ubud Village Jazz Festival

What?A world-class jazz event in Ubud
When?August 07th – 08th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: ubudvillagejazzfestival.com

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.

Learn more about this event.

Independence Day Celebrations

What?Get ready for your red-white outfit for Indonesia’s independence day
When?August 17, 2026

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?To be confirmed (previously held on August 22nd - 24th, 2025)

blog-picture Image source: detiksport

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.

Learn more about this event.

October 2025

Bali Rockin Blues Festival

What?Waves, guitars & soulful vibes!
When?To be confirmed (Est. will be held on October)

blog-picture Image source: kemenparekraf.go.id

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.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

What?A global gathering of literary minds
When?October 21st - 25th, 2026

blog-picture Image source: ubudwritersfestival.com

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.

Learn more about this event.

November 2025

Sanur Village Festival

What?A coastal celebration of music, art, food, and nature
When?To be confirmed (est. will be held on November 2026)

blog-picture Image source: sanurvillagefestival.com

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.

Learn more about this event.

Nusa Penida Festival

What?Festivity in one of Bali's beautiful satellite island
When?To be confirmed (Est. will be held on November 2026)

blog-picture Image source: triptrus.com

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.

Pemuteran Bay Festival

What?Eco-tourism and marine conservation event
When?To be confirmed (Est. will be held on November 2026)

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.

December 2025

Christmas & New Year’s Eve Celebrations

What?Island-wide festivities and fireworks
When?December 25 & 31, 2026

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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.

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Bali Festivals & Events 2026: A Year of Culture, Celebration & Adventure