Bali is full of amazing cultural and religious festivals and events throughout the year. Make sure to include some of these unique happenings in your holiday, as they are what make Bali special. Talk to our staff or keep an eye on this page for updates, as the dates of these events change each year according to the Balinese lunar calendar.

The Balinese are always more than happy to welcome visitors to their festivals.But please do remember that many Balinese festivals are Hindu religious events. Please dress respectfully with covered shoulders and legs, and be mindful of your behavio

Upcoming events

  • Tumpek Kandang – Oct. 21, 2023
  • Tumpek Wayang – Nov. 25, 2023
  • Saraswati Day – Dec. 16, 2023
  • Banyu Pinaruh – Dec. 17, 2023
  • Soma Ribek – Dec. 18, 2023
  • Sabuh Mas – Dec. 19, 2023
  • Pagerwesi – Dec. 20, 2023
  • Tumpek Landep – Dec. 30, 2023
  • New Years Eve – Dec. 31, 2023

BIGGER FESTIVALS & EVENTS DETAILS

Nyepi

On Nyepi day, which is New Year’s day in the Balinese Saka Calendar, the island of Bali turns off all lights and sounds, stops all traffic, deserts all worldly activities, and meditates, while complete silence and serenity reigns over the entire island. On this day, the entire island of Bali will come to a complete standstill, to allow all to follow the prescribed rituals. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport will be closed. No planes will land or take off for 24 hours. All traffic across Bali will be stopped. All shops are closed. No pedestrian traffic is allowed on the beach or on the streets. There will be local watchmen known as pecalang to ascertain that this rule is strictly obeyed. At night, all lights will have to be turned off. Hotels will close all curtains so that no ray of light shines to the outside.

On the eve of Nyepi, on 16th March, however, celebrations are held with large papier-mache giants, called Ogoh-Ogoh, paraded on the beach accompanied by loud gamelan music. These are then torched and, it is believed, that with the conflagration, any evil spirits that have brought disease and misery to the island during the past year will have also been banished.

Galungan

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 throughout Bali.

Negara Bull Races

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

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 bringing together art lovers from across the country and beyond

The Bali Kite Festival

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.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is an event held in the central Bali town of Ubud, with international attendants, that celebrates all things about literature, reading, writing, film and culture. The festival is the brainchild of Janet De Neefe, an Australian-born woman who envisioned a literary space where talented artists could express themselves.

Ubud Food Festival

Local and internationally-acclaimed chefs, foodpreneurs, writers, producers, farmers, film-makers and food scientists will descend on Ubud in a collection of diverse flavours, cultures and food-based conversations.

Over three action-packed days, chefs will dish up their cutting-edge innovations and time-honoured, well-tuned flavours. At the same time, food experts shine a light on the latest food technology, sustainable practices and methods for soil conservation.

Waisak Day

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

Indonesian Independence day

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