Bali Festivals Calendar by Month – Dates, Meanings & Travel Tips

Bali celebrates life every day, but its festival calendar offers some of the most spectacular, culturally rich experiences you can have on the island. This guide takes you through Bali’s major festivals month-by-month, with dates, meanings, activities, and practical tips so you can plan your trip to match the events that inspire you most.

Introduction to Bali’s Festivals

This 2025 guide provides verified, up-to-date festival dates and practical information to help you plan your cultural journey through Bali. Whether you're seeking spiritual experiences like Nyepi's island-wide silence, artistic immersion at the month-long Bali Arts Festival, or joyful celebrations during Galungan when the entire island decorates with bamboo penjor poles—this comprehensive calendar ensures you don't miss Bali's most meaningful moments.

Important: Balinese festivals follow traditional calendars (Pawukon and Saka systems), so dates change annually. All dates listed here are accurate for 2025 and verified from official sources as of [current date]. We recommend confirming exact times and locations with local sources 2-3 weeks before your visit.

Balinese festivals are vibrant combinations of religious devotion, artistic performance, and communal joy. Many are rooted in Hindu traditions from the island’s unique interpretation of faith, blended with influences from Buddhism and local folklore. Ceremonies often take place in temples and villages but spill into streets, beaches, and public squares, turning them into living stages. For locals, festivals mark spiritual milestones and community unity; for visitors, they’re an open invitation to witness Bali’s cultural heartbeat.

How to Use This Guide

• Organized by month so you can match your travel dates to events.
• Tags indicate if a festival is Religious, Cultural, Modern, or Nature-themed.
• Some dates shift annually due to the Pawukon (Balinese ceremonial calendar). Always confirm with local sources before booking.
• Each entry covers meaning, main activities, and tips for joining in respectfully.

Important Notes for 2025:

Festival Date Changes: Many Balinese festivals follow the 210-day Pawukon calendar or lunar Saka calendar, so dates change annually. The dates listed here are accurate for 2025 but always confirm with local sources 2-3 weeks before your trip.

Official Public Holidays: Galungan, Kuningan, and Nyepi are official Bali holidays when many local businesses, shops, and offices close. Plan accordingly for supplies and services.

Verification: Always check with your hotel, local tourism boards, or official websites closer to your travel date for final confirmation of festival times and locations.

Ticket Information: Most traditional/religious festivals are FREE. Modern festivals (music, food) may require tickets or have VIP options.

Bali Festivals Month-by-Month

January

1. Suwat Water Festival (Siat Yeh) – River water cleansing ritual turned joyful water fight in Gianyar. Wear quick-dry clothes; protect electronics.
2. Mekotek – Munggu village ceremony with bamboo pole parades and human ladders symbolizing unity. Join respectfully and follow locals’ leads.

February

1. Chinese New Year – Lion dances, lanterns, temple visits. Best spots: Ling Gwan Kiong Temple.
2. Balingkang Festival – Fusion of Chinese-Balinese traditions in Kintamani with decorated streets.
3. Berawa Beach Festival – Beach stage for music, art displays, food bazaars.

March

1. Nyepi Day (March 29, 2025) – Bali's Day of Silence. The entire island shuts down for 24 hours from 6 AM March 29 to 6 AM March 30. Airport closed, no traffic, lights must be kept off. All visitors must stay indoors and observe silence. This is the Balinese New Year and a unique cultural experience.
   
2. Melasti Ceremonies (March 27-28, 2025) – Pre-Nyepi purification rituals at beaches and water sources across Bali. Processions of devotees in white carrying temple heirlooms for cleansing.
   
3. Ogoh-Ogoh Parade (March 28, 2025, evening) – Giant demon effigies paraded through streets on Nyepi Eve. Spectacular displays with music and fire before statues are burned to drive away evil spirits. Best spots: Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur.
   
4. Omed-Omedan (March 30, 2025) – Post-Nyepi "kissing festival" with water-throwing in Sesetan village. Young people participate in this unique tradition.
   
5. Bali Spirit Festival (Late March 2025, dates TBA) – Week-long yoga, dance, meditation, and wellness events in Ubud. International teachers and performers.

April

1. Galungan (April 23, 2025) – Bali's most important Hindu celebration marking the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). Streets are adorned with tall bamboo penjor poles decorated with offerings. Ancestors are believed to descend to Earth during this 10-day period. Families dress in traditional attire, make temple offerings, and visit relatives.
   
2. Ubud Food Festival (Date TBA) – Three-day culinary celebration with cooking demonstrations, chef talks, food markets showcasing Indonesian and Balinese cuisine.
   
3. Gianyar Festival (Date TBA) – Cultural parades, art exhibitions, and traditional performances celebrating Gianyar Regency's heritage.
   
4. Semarapura Festival (Date TBA) – Honors Klungkung's royal history with traditional dances, temple tours, and historical exhibitions.

May

1. Kuningan (May 3, 2025) – Ten days after Galungan, this day marks when ancestral spirits return to heaven. Balinese prepare yellow rice offerings (nasi kuning) and make final prayers. The celebration concludes the Galungan festival period.
   
2. Festival Bahari Badung (Date TBA) – Coastal celebration with traditional boat races, maritime parades, and beach activities in Badung Regency.
   
3. Bali Blues Festival (May 2025, date TBA) – Two-day blues music festival in Nusa Dua featuring Indonesian and international blues artists.
   
4. Buleleng Art Festival (May 2025, date TBA) – North Bali's showcase of traditional and contemporary arts, crafts, and performances.

June

1. Bali Arts Festival (June 15 – July 13, 2025) – Bali's largest and longest-running cultural festival, held at Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre in Denpasar. Month-long celebration featuring daily traditional dances (Legong, Barong, Kecak), gamelan music, art exhibitions, craft workshops, and cultural competitions. Opens with a grand parade at Bajra Sandhi Monument in Renon Square. FREE ENTRY. 2025 Theme: "Jagat Kerthi: Lokahita Samudaya" (Universal Harmony for the Common Good).
   
2. Tenganan Pandan War (June 21-23, 2025, dates TBC) – Ancient ritual combat using thorny pandan leaves in Tenganan Village, one of Bali's oldest traditional communities. Part of the Usaba Sambah ceremony. Witness this unique tradition where men engage in ritual battles to honor the gods.

July

1. Bali Arts Festival continues (until July 13, 2025) – See June entry for full details.
   
2. Bali Kite Festival (July 20-21, 2025) – Spectacular giant kites (up to 10 meters) fly over Padang Galak Beach in Sanur. Traditional kite designs include Bebean (fish), Janggan (bird), and Pecukan (leaf). Teams compete while the sky fills with colorful displays. Best viewing time: 10 AM - 3 PM when winds are strongest.
   
3. Makepung Buffalo Races (July onwards, Sundays) – Traditional buffalo chariot races in Jembrana, West Bali. Decorated water buffaloes race along 2-kilometer dirt tracks. Races occur throughout July-October, culminating in the Jembrana Cup (Bupati Cup on August 24, 2025).
   
4. Penglipuran Village Festival (July 7-9, 2025) – Heritage village celebration with traditional markets, cultural performances, and crafts in one of Bali's most well-preserved traditional villages.
   

August

1. Ubud Village Jazz Festival (August 1-2, 2025) – Intimate, eco-friendly international jazz festival at Sthala Ubud. Over 100 talented jazz artists from Indonesia and around the world perform across two nights in a jungle setting. Focuses on sustainability and cultural celebration.
   
2. Indonesia Independence Day (August 17, 2025) – National holiday celebrating Indonesia's 1945 independence. Island-wide flag ceremonies, traditional games (panjat pinang, balap karung), parades, and decorations. Bali celebrates with smaller events compared to Jakarta but still festive.
   
3. Lovina Festival (August 23-25, 2025) – Three-day celebration of north Bali's culture and natural beauty in Lovina Beach area. Features dolphin watching tours, cultural parades, traditional Bungbung dance, puppet shows, music performances, and fireworks. Highlights black sand beaches and sunset views.
   
4. Sanur Village Festival (Late August 2025, dates TBA) – Week-long beach festival with traditional boat races, cultural performances, food bazaars, and beach activities along Sanur beachfront.
   

September

1. Balinale Film Festival (September 2025, dates TBA) – International short film festival with pop-up cinemas in malls, hotels, and beaches around Denpasar and Sanur. Screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and workshops celebrating global cinema.
   
2. Mas Village Festival (September 2025, dates TBA) – Celebration in Mas Village (Ubud area) highlighting traditional wood carving craftsmanship. Features carving competitions, art exhibitions, kecak dance competitions, and evening music festival with local DJs and performances.
   
3. Waterbom Weekender (September 21-22, 2025) – Music and entertainment event at Waterbom Bali water park.
   
4. Bali Carnival (September 26 – October 2, 2025) – Week-long cultural carnival with colorful costumes, parades, and performances.
   

October

1. Sanur Village Festival (October 16-20, 2025) – Five-day beach celebration featuring traditional boat races, cultural parades, food stalls, art exhibitions, and musical performances along Sanur Beach.
   
2. Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (October 23-27, 2025) – Southeast Asia's premier literary festival. Five days of author talks, readings, workshops, panel discussions, and book launches. International and Indonesian writers gather in Ubud for intellectual exchange and storytelling.
   
3. Nusa Penida Festival (October 2025, dates TBA) – Eco-tourism festival on Nusa Penida island highlighting marine conservation, cultural performances, and sustainable tourism practices.
   
4. Perang Tipat Bantal (October 2025, dates TBA) – Traditional rice cake throwing ritual at Kuningan celebration in Kapal Village. Villagers throw tipat (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves) at each other in a harvest thanksgiving ceremony.
   

November

1. Galungan (November 19, 2025) – Second Galungan celebration of 2025 (first was in April). This 10-day festival celebrates the victory of Dharma over Adharma. Streets adorned with penjor poles, families in traditional dress make temple offerings, and visit relatives. Believed that ancestral spirits descend to Earth during this time.
   
2. Kuningan (November 29, 2025) – Marks the end of the second Galungan period when ancestral spirits return to heaven. Yellow rice offerings and final prayers conclude the festival cycle.
   
3. Legian Beach Festival (November 2025, dates TBA) – Beach celebration from Stones Hotel to Padma Resort Legian. Over 100 booths with local handicrafts, music performances, bartending shows, fashion shows, and culinary competitions.
   

December

1. Denpasar Festival (Late December 2025, typically Dec 27-29) – Three-day annual celebration in Bali's capital around Catur Muka Statue. Features traditional dances, art displays, cultural performances, games, competitions, and food stalls showcasing Balinese cuisine. Family-friendly event with activities for all ages.
   
2. Pemuteran Bay Festival (December 2025, dates TBA) – Marine conservation festival in northwest Bali celebrating coral reef restoration and sustainable tourism in Pemuteran Bay.
   
3. New Year's Eve (December 31, 2025) – Island-wide celebrations ranging from beach club parties and exclusive events to intimate dinners. Major celebration areas: Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua. Note: Heavy traffic around midnight; stay within walking distance of your celebration venue.
   

Best Months to Visit for Multiple Festivals

Month	Festival Count	Highlights
March	4+	Nyepi (Mar 29), Ogoh-Ogoh, Melasti, Omed-Omedan | Unique silent day experience, spectacular parades
April-May	3-4	Galungan (Apr 23), Kuningan (May 3), Ubud Food Fest | Most important Balinese Hindu celebration, penjor decorations island-wide
June-July	4–5	Bali Arts Festival (Jun 15-Jul 13), Kite Festival (Jul 20-21), Pandan War | Longest cultural festival, peak tourist season, best weather
August	3–4	Ubud Jazz (Aug 1-2), Independence Day (Aug 17), Lovina Fest (Aug 23-25) | Mix of international and local events
October	3-4	Sanur Village (Oct 16-20), Ubud Writers Fest (Oct 23-27) | Literary and cultural immersion
November	2-3	Galungan (Nov 19), Kuningan (Nov 29) | Second cycle of most sacred festival
December	3–4	Denpasar Fest, Penglipuran Village

Pros: Rich cultural variety, authentic ceremonies, photogenic events, deep spiritual experiences.

Cons: Crowded venues during peak festivals, accommodation rates 20-40% higher, roads congested on festival days, some businesses close for religious holidays.

Planning Your Festival Trip to Bali

Best Booking Timeline:

3-6 Months Before: Book flights and accommodation for major festivals (Nyepi, Galungan, Bali Arts Festival). International flights and popular hotels fill quickly.

2-3 Months Before: Research specific festival events, book villa/hotel with festival packages (especially for Nyepi), arrange private transport if needed.

1 Month Before: Confirm exact festival dates with local sources, book any ticketed events, plan daily itinerary around festival schedules.

2 Weeks Before: Stock up on information about festival locations, times, etiquette. For Nyepi: buy snacks, books, entertainment as you'll be indoors 24 hours.

Budget Impact by Festival Type:

Religious Festivals (Nyepi, Galungan, Kuningan):

- Accommodation: +20-30% premium

- Transport: Limited availability, +20% surge pricing

- Dining: Some closures, normal prices where open

- Activities: Free temple ceremonies, no entry fees

Cultural Festivals (Bali Arts Festival, Village Festivals):

- Accommodation: +30-50% in festival areas

- Transport: Heavy traffic, book drivers early

- Dining: Normal to +10%

- Activities: Mostly FREE entry

Modern Festivals (Jazz, Blues, Food Festivals):

- Accommodation: +20-40% in nearby areas

- Transport: Normal rates

- Dining: Festival food premium pricing

- Tickets: 150,000-1,500,000 IDR depending on event

Transportation During Festivals:

Heavy Traffic Days: Galungan Eve, Nyepi Eve (Ogoh-Ogoh), Bali Arts Festival opening, major ceremony days.

Solutions: Stay within walking distance of festival venues, rent scooter (international license required), book private driver for full day (600,000-800,000 IDR), use Grab/Gojek apps but expect surge pricing.

Road Closures: Nyepi Day (all roads closed), Ogoh-Ogoh parade routes (evening closures), major procession routes (temporary closures).

Where to Stay for Major Festivals:

For Nyepi: Any hotel/villa with pool, entertainment, meal service. Request "Nyepi Package" - usually includes 2 nights minimum, all meals, activities.

For Bali Arts Festival: Denpasar area hotels, or Sanur (20 min drive). Avoid Ubud/Canggu (45+ min in traffic).

For Beach Festivals (Sanur, Legian): Beachfront hotels for walking access.

For Ubud Festivals: Central Ubud for walking to venues.

What to Pack for Festival Season:

Clothing: Sarong + sash (can buy locally 50,000-150,000 IDR), modest cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes, hat for outdoor events.

Essentials: Sunscreen SPF 50+, insect repellent, small backpack, reusable water bottle, cash in small bills (many vendors don't accept cards).

For Nyepi: Books, tablets with downloaded content, games, snacks, full phone charge (limited electricity use).

Photography: Camera with good zoom for ceremonies (don't get too close), extra batteries, respectful shooting (always ask permission).

Cultural Etiquette for Attending Balinese Festivals

• Dress appropriately – Wear a sarong and sash for temple events; modest beachwear for coastal festivals.
• Photography – Ask before taking close-ups, especially during prayers.
• Respect offerings – Never step over or move temple offerings; walk around them.
• Donations – Small cash contributions show respect; use provided boxes.
• Follow local instructions – Festival marshals or temple guards guide visitors on behavior.
  [Icon: Warning – inappropriate dress or behavior can lead to denial of entry]

Practical Travel Tips for Festival-Goers

• Confirm dates a few weeks before travel; some shift with lunar calendars.
• Book accommodation early for popular events.
• Use motorbikes or shuttle buses to avoid traffic jams.
• Pack light: festival gear, sun protection, rain jacket, comfortable shoes.
• Keep small bills for donations or purchases.

FAQ about Bali Festivals

Can tourists join all festivals?

Most are open to visitors; temple rituals require modest dress (sarong, sash, covered shoulders) and respectful behavior. Some temple ceremonies may be closed to non-Hindus during prayer times.

How do I check exact festival dates for my travel dates?

Ask your hotel concierge, check Bali tourism board websites (disparda.baliprov.go.id), or follow official Bali event social media accounts. Many dates shift due to the Pawukon and Saka calendars.

What should I wear to temple events?

Sarong and sash (selendang) are mandatory for temple visits. Cover shoulders and knees. Traditional attire is often available for rent/loan at temple entrances for 20,000-50,000 IDR. Women on their period should not enter temple premises (traditional rule).

Are there entrance fees?

Traditional religious festivals are FREE. Cultural festivals like Bali Arts Festival are also FREE. Modern music/food festivals may charge 100,000-500,000 IDR or more depending on the event.

Which festivals are most photogenic?

Bali Kite Festival (colorful sky displays), Ogoh-Ogoh parades (giant demon statues), Galungan decorations (penjor poles), Bali Arts Festival opening parade, Melasti processions (white-clad devotees).

How does Nyepi affect my travel plans?

Nyepi (March 29, 2025) means NO flights in/out of Bali for 24 hours, no taxis/transport, you must stay indoors at your hotel/villa. Book accommodation with entertainment/activities. Stock up on snacks before Nyepi Day. It's a unique experience but requires planning.

Do hotels/restaurants close during Galungan and Kuningan?

Tourist areas (Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud) stay mostly open but with reduced hours. Family-run local businesses often close for 1-3 days. Large hotels and international restaurants remain operational. Plan ahead for dining options.

How far in advance should I book accommodation for major festivals?

Book 2-3 months ahead for Nyepi, Galungan, and Bali Arts Festival. Prices increase 20-40% during peak festivals. Last-minute bookings may be limited or very expensive.

Can I participate in religious ceremonies as a tourist?

Observation is welcome with respect. Active participation (making offerings, joining prayers) is at the discretion of temple priests. Always ask permission, dress properly, and follow local guidance. Never step over offerings on the ground.

What's the difference between Galungan and Kuningan?

Galungan marks when ancestral spirits descend to Earth (celebration begins). Kuningan, 10 days later, marks when spirits return to heaven (celebration concludes). Both require offerings and temple visits but Galungan is the bigger, more festive day.

Key Takeaways

Bali's festivals follow multiple calendars: Most major religious festivals use the 210-day Pawukon calendar or lunar Saka calendar, meaning dates change yearly. Always verify 2025 dates before booking travel.

Two peak festival seasons: April-May (Galungan cycle 1 + food festivals) and June-August (Bali Arts Festival + kite festival + jazz festival) offer the densest cultural experiences but also highest prices and crowds.

Nyepi is non-negotiable: March 29, 2025 - the entire island shuts down for 24 hours. Airport closed, no movement allowed. Plan accommodation carefully with entertainment options or embrace the unique silent meditation experience.

Book early, save money: Accommodation rates jump 20-40% during major festivals. Booking 2-3 months ahead secures better prices and availability.

Free cultural immersion: Most traditional festivals (Galungan, Bali Arts Festival, temple ceremonies) are FREE to attend. You only pay for modern music/food festivals.

Respect equals access: Proper dress (sarong, covered shoulders), polite behavior, and cultural sensitivity ensure you're welcomed at ceremonies. Never step over offerings, ask before photographing prayers, and follow temple etiquette.

Transportation planning is key: Festival days mean heavy traffic and road closures. Stay near venues, rent scooters, or book private drivers in advance.

Experience authentic Bali: Festivals reveal the spiritual heart of Balinese culture beyond beaches and clubs. They're your chance to witness living traditions and connect with local communities.

Plan your Bali trip now around the festivals that excite you most and immerse yourself in the island’s living culture.

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