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12 Epic Bali festivals to plan your trip around in 2026
Discover the top Bali festivals in 2026, from cultural rituals to music and art events, plus travel tips for a hassle-free and memorable trip in Bali.
Bali’s calendar is defined by ritual and celebration. From religious ceremonies to cultural parades and contemporary festivals, there’s always something happening on the Island of the Gods.
While many travelers consider March to July the best time to visit Bali, you’ll find celebrations happening all year round. Here are 12 Bali festivals in 2026 that you shouldn’t miss.
Before that, though, make sure to check out our Bali travel guide for 2026 to know the ins and outs of your next Bali trip.
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The best Bali festivals for every month of the year
Regardless of your travel preferences, Bali is sure to have something for you. If you’re heading back to Bali or just want to see something new, here’s when to go and what not to miss.
January: Odalan Temple Ceremonies
Rather than a single celebration, Odalan ceremonies take place across Bali throughout the year, and January often sees dozens of them. These temple “birthdays” are held every 210 days, with rituals, offerings, traditional dress, and community parades.
These Odalan Temple ceremonies reflect the Balinese belief in balance between humans, nature, and the divine. And because there are at least three major temples per village in Bali, or over 4,500 temples, there is always a temple birthday somewhere on the island.
The Komu Canggu Bali, for example, celebrates Odalan on January 8.
February: Lombok Bau Nyale Festival
The term Bau Nyale, from the local Sasak language, means “to catch Nyale,” with Nyale referring to a type of seaworm. And that’s exactly how people celebrate this festival. Each year, thousands gather along Lombok’s southern beaches to catch the Nyale, honoring her memory with rituals, horse racing, storytelling, and cultural performances.
This tradition, which takes place from February 7 to 9, 2026, originates from the legend of Princess Mandalika, who sacrificed herself for the good of her people and was believed to reincarnate as the colorful seaworms.
Although this is not in Bali itself, the Bau Nyale Festival draws many visitors from the island since Loombok is only a short trip away. Many combine their Bali holiday with a visit to Lombok during this time, making it both a spiritual and cultural highlight of their trip.
March: Ogoh-Ogoh Parade and Nyepi Day
Taking place one after another, the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade and Nyepi Day are the centerpiece of the Balinese New Year.
On March 19, 2026, the eve of Nyepi, the streets of Ubud come alive with noise and excitement as communities unveil their Ogoh-Ogoh—giant, brightly painted effigies made from bamboo and papier-mache.
These figures, often inspired by demons from Balinese mythology, are paraded through the streets in a display of creativity and storytelling.
The following day is Nyepi, the Day of Silence. In contrast to the chaos of the parade, the island falls completely quiet for 24 hours. No lights, no travel, and even the airport shuts down, as Balinese people dedicate the day to meditation, self-reflection, and renewal.
April: Galungan and Kuningan
Galungan and Kuningan are celebrated together as they tell the story of the triumph of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).
During Galungan, families pray, make offerings at their doorsteps, altars, and temples, and gather to share meals. The streets are lined with tall penjor (decorated bamboo poles), and you’ll see women in sashes and men in traditional headscarves participating in morning rituals.
Kuningan, held 10 days later, marks the end of the festival and is filled with the color yellow, which is seen in rice dishes, flowers, and ceremonial dress. The word kuning itself means “yellow” in Bahasa Indonesia, symbolizing prosperity and blessing.
In 2026, Galungan and Kuningan are celebrated in a single cycle rather than two. The 10-day festival begins with Galungan on June 17, 2026, and concludes with Kuningan on June 27, 2026.
May: Bali Spirit Festival
From April 22 to April 25, 2027, Ubud hosts the Bali Spirit Festival, a four-day, five-night celebration of yoga, dance, music, healing, and spiritual practices. With classes, workshops, and performances, each day offers something new and engaging, attracting participants from around the world.
Aside from the sessions, there’s a lively marketplace featuring organic food, sustainable products, handmade crafts, and souvenirs at this Bali festival. Visitors can also join meditation circles, enjoy live music, and connect with a global community.
Planning ahead? Check the official Bali Spirit Festival website early to grab early-bird passes and weekend music tickets before they sell out.
June: Bali Arts Festival
From June 13 to July 11, 2026, the Bali Arts Festival transforms the Denpasar Arts Center into a month-long celebration of the island’s cultural heritage.
The event showcases traditional dances, cultural parades with floats and costumes, music, theater, and even Balinese culinary arts. Visitors can also take part in workshops like wood carving, weaving, jewelry making, and cooking, offering a hands-on way to experience Bali’s artistry.
With performances, exhibitions, and community events, the festival is both a showcase and a living expression of Balinese culture.
July: Bali Kite Festival
The Bali Kite Festival is a cultural and spiritual event held each July, when strong winds sweep across the island. Dedicated to Dewa Bayu, the god of wind, the festival is a way for Balinese communities to give thanks for the harvest and pray for balance in nature.
Villages and kite clubs build giant kites, some more than 10 meters wide, in traditional shapes like fish (bebean) or birds (jangan), with each carrying a symbolic meaning. The main official international competition takes place from July 20 to 21, 2026, at Padanggalak Beach and Mertasari Beach in Sanur, drawing local teams and international visitors.
Beyond competition, this Bali festival is a communal celebration filled with music, rituals, and displays of craftsmanship.
August: Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Now in its 13th year, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival brings together jazz musicians from Indonesia and around the world for two days of live performances in Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud.
Known for its intimate atmosphere, the festival showcases a wide range of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.
Beyond the concerts, the festival also serves as a platform for Indonesian musicians, offering workshops, collaborations, and opportunities to connect with international artists. Tickets are available as one-day or two-day passes, and the event will take place from August 7 to 8, 2026.
September: Minikino Film Week
Minikino Film Week, Bali’s International Short Film Festival, takes place from September 11 to 18, 2026. Screenings are held across venues like MASH Denpasar Art House Cinema and Dharma Negara Alaya, showcasing short films from Indonesia and around the world. The program includes filmmaker Q&As, discussions, and workshops.
Now in its 12th year, the festival highlights a wide range of genres and themes, from experimental shorts to documentaries. It has become a hub for networking and collaboration among filmmakers in Southeast Asia, while giving visitors in Bali a chance to experience world cinema in an intimate, community-based setting.
October: Nusa Penida Festival
The Nusa Penida Festival, held every October, combines cultural performances, music, and environmental activities on the island of Nusa Penida.
The program, which takes place from October 5 to 8 in 2026 at several venues like Sampan Field, Tanjung Keramitan Beach, and Dalem Setra Batununggul Temple area, includes Balinese dances, temple ceremonies, costume parades, and concerts ranging from traditional gamelan to modern genres like reggae and EDM.
This Bali festival also focuses on conservation, with activities such as coral restoration, sea turtle protection, beach clean-ups, and eco-tours. Visitors can take part in water sports, canoe races, and boat parades, making it both a cultural and outdoor experience.
November: Makepung Lampit Festival
The Makepung Lampit Festival in Jembrana, West Bali, is an annual competition where farmers race pairs of buffaloes pulling wooden plows along dirt tracks. The buffaloes are decorated with vibrant ornaments, and teams often represent different villages.
The tradition began as a way to celebrate the rice harvest and highlight the importance of farming in Balinese life. The festival usually starts early, past 7:00 a.m., and includes multiple heats that lead up to a grand final later in the season.
While the preliminary heats and circuit trials take place on alternating Sundays throughout September and October, you can watch the highly anticipated main Makepung Lampit event on November 15, 2026.
December: Denpasar Festival
The Denpasar Festival, held from December 20 to 23, 2026, at Kilometer Zero Point in West Denpasar, is one of Bali’s biggest year-end cultural events.
The festival highlights the city’s heritage through exhibitions of local products, food stalls, art workshops, and performances of traditional music and dance. Visitors can also enjoy cultural shows around landmarks like the Catur Muka Statue and Puputan Square.
The main events of this Bali festival include the colorful Mask Parade, traditional games such as Tajog (a bamboo-stilt race), and exhibitions featuring Balinese handicrafts and books.
Food is also central to the event, with stalls offering specialties like Laklak Bali (sweet rice pancakes), Lawar (spiced vegetable and meat mix), and Nasi Campur Bali (rice with assorted side dishes).
Top tips to make the most of your Bali festivals
Here are some things to keep in mind, from what to wear to how to get internet in Bali, as you prepare for your Bali festival.
- Dress modestly at temples: Wear a sarong, cover your legs, and avoid sleeveless tops.
- Book accommodation early: Reserve the best places to stay in Bali before they sell out during festival season.
- Plan around Nyepi and traffic: Expect island-wide closures on Nyepi and heavy traffic during major festivals.
- Stay updated: Follow local tourism accounts, and use Google Maps and Grab for real-time travel updates.
- Pack smart & stay connected: Check what to pack for Bali, and use a Bali SIM card or Holafly eSIM for reliable internet throughout your trip.
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Need help anytime? Holafly offers 24/7 live chat support, so you can quickly get help with installing, activating, or using your eSIM in Bali whenever you need it. You can also get an eSIM for Asia if you plan on traveling to other destinations in Indonesia and the rest of Asia.
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