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
- Galungan and Kuningan | 27 Feb – 9 Mar 2024
- Mekotek Festival | Mar 9, 2024
- Ogoh-ogoh Parade | Mar 10, 2024
- Omed-omedan | Mar 12, 2024
- Ubud Open Studios | 21 – 23 Mar 2024
- Tulamben Festival | Apr, 2024
- Bali Trail Run (BTR) 2024 | 11 – 12 May 2024
- Penglipuran Village Festival | 7 – 9 Jul, 2024
- Ubud Village Jazz Festival | 2 – 3 Aug 2024
- Sanur Village Festival | Middle of Aug, 2024
EVENTS & FESTIVALS DETAILS
Mekotek Festival
Mekotek, a tradition in Munggu Village, Bali, involves rejecting bad luck and seeking safety through a ceremony known as ngerebek. This ancestral heritage dates back to the Mengwi Kingdom soldiers’ victory over the Blambangan Kingdom in Java. Initially paused during Dutch rule in 1915, Mekotek resumed due to a disease outbreak. Held every 6 months on the Hindu calendar, the ceremony features participants wielding wooden sticks instead of iron spears. Clad in traditional attire, they gather at Munggu dalem temple, express gratitude for crops, and march to the village water source. Divided into groups, participants form stick bundles, climb to the top, and engage in a spirited, gamelan-accompanied clash with opposing groups, symbolizing unity and resilience.
Galungan and Kuningan
Galungan and Kuningan, crucial Balinese ceremonies, span ten days in the pawukon calendar, occurring every 210 days. Celebrating the arrival of deified ancestors, the festivals involve entertainment, prayers, and offerings, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Streets adorned with penjor, representing Mt Agung and rivers flowing to the oceans, create a culturally significant experience in Bali.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.
Ogoh-ogoh Parade
The night before Nyepi, Balinese youth showcase the Ngrupuk Parade, parading towering ‘ogoh-ogoh’ effigies inspired by demons and folklore. These gigantic and sometimes humorous figures, reaching up to 12 meters, aim to purify streets of negative forces. Evolving from the Ngerupuk ritual, this communal activity, introduced in the ’80s, involves planning and creating the effigies months in advance by the youth of Banjar village communities.
Omed-omedan
Omed-omedan, the kissing ritual, is celebrated the day after Nyepi to welcome the Saka new year. Exclusive to Sesetan Village in Denpasar, bachelors and bachelorettes aged 17-30 gather on the main street for a unique celebration. Divided into men and women, they approach the center of the street at a signal, with male participants pulling and kissing the female participants while villagers pour buckets of water over them. This ritual is considered a celebration of fertility.
Ubud Open Studios
Ubud Open Studios returns this year, granting exclusive access to Bali’s creative industries. The event showcases Ubud’s creative wealth with public entry to studios of renowned artists, designers, and craftspeople. Creators will be present over three days, offering a rare chance for participants to engage, learn, and explore their creative processes. With over 50 studios in various fields, participants can customize their experience, visiting architects, glassblowers, painters, or other artisans based on their interests. Workshops and private learning experiences are available in selected venues.
Tulamben Festival
This East Bali event will highlight a variety of competitions, exhibitions and art and culture parades. Traditional Jukung wooden boat races using wind power will also be held to showcase the skills of the local fishermen.
Bali Trail Run (BTR) 2024
BTR (Bali Trail Running) is more than a race; it’s a community of passionate runners brought together by their love for the sport and Bali’s breathtaking beauty. Since its inception in 2020 with a small 20KM event, BTR has evolved into a vibrant community offering diverse challenges for runners of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, BTR provides engaging opportunities. Notably, it marks the first cross-country running event on Mount Batur, Kintamani, resulting from collaboration between the Balinese cross-country runner community, Bali Trail Running, and the Government of Bangli Regency.
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Ubud Village Jazz Festival, established in 2013, is a festival designed by and for jazz enthusiasts, providing a ‘pure’ musical experience in the artistic ambiance of Ubud, Bali. Over two days in early August, the event transforms the traditional grounds of the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) into a captivating venue. Showcasing top jazz performers from around the world with an eclectic lineup of musicians, composers, singers, and performers, the festival’s musical experiences are enhanced by a bazaar, a food and drinks market, and a roadshow of performances around Bali leading up to the festival. It has become one of Bali’s favorite annual music events.
Sanur Village Festival
The Sanur Village Festival, the most anticipated event in Sanur and a major community gathering in Bali, unfolds along the beach with diverse offerings such as food, markets, bazaars, sports events, artistic showcases, cultural performances, and music. Spanning several days from morning to night, the event’s agenda includes activities for all ages and interests, such as yoga, water sports, a jukung boat parade, a kite festival, photo competitions, environmental initiatives, and talk shows. As the evening approaches, the atmosphere transforms with dances, live bands, and beer and wine tents, creating a vibrant buzz. The festival emphasizes local inclusivity, offering a range of food and beverage options from local eateries to five-star tastes at affordable prices, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich blend of Bali’s traditional and modern communities.
Penglipuran Village Festival
The Penglipuran Village Festival, set in one of Bali’s serene villages in the Bangli Regency, celebrates Balinese arts with cultural parades, traditional dance competitions, and traditional cooking competitions. Penglipuran Village serves as an authentic example of Bali’s village compounds, preserving the original layout and traditional way of life. This festival is a must for those who appreciate cultural events in Bali.