Bali is a vibrant cultural hub where centuries-old traditions come to life through a myriad of festivals. In 2025, the island’s festive calendar offers tourists a unique opportunity to witness authentic Balinese traditions, partake in spiritual rituals, and enjoy colorful cultural displays. This guide not only lists the festivals month by month but also suggests curated tours and nearby accommodations to help you fully immerse yourself in the celebration.
Bali Festival Calendar – Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Major Festivals |
| January | Galungan & Kuningan – Hindu celebrations marking the victory of dharma over adharma. |
| February | Bau Nyale Festival – A traditional sea worm-catching festival celebrated in Lombok. |
| March | Nyepi (Day of Silence) – Bali’s Hindu New Year. Ogoh-Ogoh Parade – A night-before-Nyepi procession of giant demon effigies. Omed-Omedan – The traditional “kissing festival” following Nyepi. |
| April | Usaba Sambah – A traditional warrior ritual held in Tenganan village. |
| May | Festival Teluk Jailolo – A cultural festival in West Halmahera showcasing local music, dance, and crafts. |
| June | Bali Arts Festival – A month-long celebration of Balinese arts and culture featuring performances, exhibitions, and workshops. |
| July | Bali Kite Festival – A traditional kite-flying competition at Sanur Beach. Penglipuran Village Festival – Celebrating local culture and traditions in one of Bali’s most pristine villages. |
| August | Nusa Dua Festival – A vibrant display of cultural performances, exhibitions, and culinary events. |
| September | Bali Carnival is the first Trinidad and Tobago-themed carnival in Southeast Asia |
| October | Makepung Bullock Races – Traditional buffalo races in Jembrana that showcase rural customs. |
| November | Mekotek – A tradition where villagers carry bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves, chanting as they create human towers |
| December | New Year’s Eve Celebrations – A fusion of beach parties and cultural performances to ring in the New Year. |
January – Galungan & Kuningan
- January 14th, 2025 (Galungan)
- January 24th, 2025 (Kuningan)
Galungan and Kuningan are sacred Hindu festivals celebrating the triumph of dharma over adharma. During Galungan, families prepare elaborate offerings and traditional dishes such as nasi kuning (yellow rice) and lawar (a mixed vegetable and meat salad) to honor ancestral spirits. Kuningan, observed ten days later, continues this culinary tradition with festive feasts that bring communities together.
February – Bau Nyale Festival
The Bau Nyale Festival (February 27th, 2025) is a unique cultural event in Lombok where locals catch sea worms, believed to be reincarnated spirits, from the pristine coastal waters. This festival is intertwined with the region’s love for fresh seafood and local specialties like grilled fish and spicy sambal, providing visitors with a taste of traditional coastal culinary practices.
Explore more: Things To Do in Lombok, Indonesia
March – Nyepi, Ogoh-Ogoh Parade & Omed-Omedan
March in Bali is marked by a series of contrasting celebrations.
- Nyepi (Day of Silence): March 29th, 2025
A day dedicated to introspection and fasting, where the meals are simple yet symbolic, often featuring steamed rice and light vegetable dishes.
- Ogoh-Ogoh Parade: March 28th, 2025
On the eve of Nyepi, vibrant demon effigies are paraded through the streets. After the procession, local vendors offer an array of street foods such as satay, jajan pasar (market snacks), and refreshing drinks to break the day’s quietude.
- Omed-Omedan: March 30th, 2025
The following day, the playful “kissing festival” is celebrated with the communal sharing of treats and local sweets that reflect the joyous spirit of the occasion.
April – Usaba Sambah
Usaba Sambah (April 9th, 2025) is a traditional warrior ritual held in Tenganan village, deeply rooted in Bali’s martial heritage. During this event, communities come together for ritual dances and martial arts demonstrations, often accompanied by communal feasts featuring hearty dishes like ayam betutu (slow-cooked spiced chicken) and jamu (herbal drinks) that energize participants and honor ancestral traditions.
You might be interested in the Perang Pandan Festival (Held annually during the Usaba Sambah festival)
May – Festival Teluk Jailolo
Festival Teluk Jailolo (May 15th –17th, 2025) in West Halmahera is a vibrant cultural celebration showcasing indigenous music, dance, and crafts. Central to this festival is the display of local cuisine—fresh seafood, locally grown spices, and traditional sweets that highlight the region’s maritime heritage and agricultural abundance, inviting visitors to savor the authentic flavors of the area.
June – Bali Arts Festival
- 2025: Dates TBD
- 2024: June 15th – July 13th
The Bali Arts Festival is a month-long tribute to the island’s rich artistic legacy. Alongside dazzling performances and art exhibitions, the festival is famous for its food bazaars that offer an extensive range of Balinese culinary delights—from aromatic satays and babi guling (suckling pig) to traditional desserts like jaja Bali. These food offerings provide a delicious complement to the artistic experiences on display.
July – Bali Kite Festival & Penglipuran Village Festival
July brings two distinct festivals with a strong culinary connection.
Bali Kite Festival:
- 2025: Dates TBD
- 2024: July 20th – 21st
At Sanur Beach, this colorful kite-flying competition is not only a visual spectacle but also a gastronomic delight, with food markets serving local snacks, fresh coconut water, and Balinese treats that add to the festive atmosphere.
Explore more hotels in Sanur.
Penglipuran Village Festival:
- 2025: Dates TBD
- 2024: July 7th – 9th
In the picturesque Penglipuran Village, traditional food preparation is a communal affair. Visitors can enjoy authentic rural dishes such as nasi campur and jamu, reflecting the village’s commitment to preserving its cultural and culinary heritage.
August – Nusa Dua Festival
- 2025: Dates TBD
- 2024: August 17th
The Nusa Dua Festival is a dynamic cultural event that brings together performance art, exhibitions, and a wide array of culinary experiences. Food is a central feature, with gourmet stalls offering both contemporary twists on classic Balinese dishes and time-honored recipes. The festival serves as a celebration of Bali’s culinary evolution, where tradition meets modernity on every plate.
Check out: Best Things To Do in Nusa Dua
September – Bali Carnival
- 2025: Dates TBD
- 2024: September 26 – October 2
Bali Carnival is the first Trinidad and Tobago-themed carnival in Southeast Asia.
Taking place across 6 days, the festival centers around the New Renaissance Bali Hotel in Nusa Dua and includes parades, pool parties, and its own color festival. This vibrant celebration brings together the energy of Caribbean culture with Bali’s unique charm, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors.
October – Makepung Bullock Races
- 2025: Dates TBD
- 2024: October 6th & October 20th
Makepung Bullock Races in Jembrana are a thrilling display of rural Balinese customs. These traditional buffalo races are a cornerstone of the local agrarian lifestyle and are typically accompanied by festive food stalls offering hearty, rustic dishes. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as sate lilit (minced meat satay) and traditional desserts, which encapsulate the flavors of rural Bali.
November – Mekotek
Held in the village of Munggu (Mengwi District), Mekotek (November 29th, 2025) is a tradition where villagers carry bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves, chanting as they create human towers. The event symbolizes community strength and the ability to ward off evil spirits. The celebration continues with traditional Balinese dances, gamelan music, and a lively festival atmosphere.
December – New Year’s Eve Celebrations
December 31, 2025
Bali’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations mark the end of the year with a dazzling display of beach parties, cultural performances, and elaborate feasts. The festivities are celebrated with a mix of modern entertainment and traditional Balinese cuisine. Lavish banquets, street food festivals, and communal meals featuring local delicacies create an unforgettable culinary experience to welcome the New Year with joy and abundance.
Discover 20 Best Things To Do in Bali
Practical Travel Tips for Travelers
Can Tourists Join These Festivals?
Many of Bali’s festivals welcome tourists with open arms. Public events like the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade, Bali Arts Festival, and Bali Kite Festival offer immersive cultural experiences. However, some religious ceremonies and temple rituals are reserved for locals, so please observe respectfully.
What’s Open & Closed During Festivals?
During Nyepi, the entire island observes a 24-hour silence—airports, roads, businesses, and attractions are closed. Other festivals may cause temporary disruptions, so be sure to check local advisories and plan your travel accordingly.
How to Plan a Trip Around Bali Festivals
- Book Early: Secure your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak festival seasons.
- Check Logistics: Look into road closures, public transport schedules, and any festival-specific restrictions.
Dress Appropriately: Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious events.
Best Ways to Experience Festivals as a Tourist
- Stay Nearby: Choose accommodations close to the festival venues for easy access.
- Join Cultural Tours: Enhance your understanding by joining guided tours that explain the traditions and significance behind each festival.
- Respect Local Customs: Always observe local etiquette, whether it’s maintaining silence during Nyepi or following temple protocols.
By understanding the cultural significance and festive flavors that define each event, visitors can plan a meaningful journey that respects local customs while indulging in Bali’s dynamic culinary scene. Embrace the opportunity to experience these authentic cultural celebrations, and let Bali’s vibrant festivals transform your travel experience into a feast for both the senses and the soul.
