Bali’s annual culinary celebration brings celebrity chefs, foodie icons, famous restaurateurs and delicious eats to the heart of Ubud.
Bali isn’t just about sun, surf, and stunning sunsets – it’s also a foodie’s paradise. And if you’re a big foodie like me, then the Ubud Food Festival is where you need to be in May 2026. This annual Bali event brings together the best of Bali’s food scene, with a dash of culture, creativity, and a whole lot of deliciousness.
It’s not every day (or four…) that Bali and Asia’s best-known chefs and food critics assemble in paradise for a program of events like this. Ubud’s iconic foodie legend and founder of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Janet DeNeefe of Casa Luna Bali (Ubud’s famous restaurant and cooking school), is Festival Founder & Director – so you know you’re in experienced hands.
Ubud Food Festival at a glance
When: Thursday May 28th 2026 – Sunday May 31st 2026
Where: Taman Kuliner in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Price: Admission to Ubud Food Festival is free, but you’ll need to book tickets for special events, dinners, and tours.
Transport: Free shuttle bus every 30 minutes from Lapangan Lavolla Lungsiakan.
Parking: There are three parking areas available (with very limited capacity!)
– Car parking lot at Taman Kuliner
– Motorcycle parking, Left Bank of Taman Kuliner
– Central car parking at Lapangan Lavolla Lungsiakan
What’s cooking at the Ubud Food Festival 2026?
The Ubud Food Festival 2026 will run from Thursday May 28th to Sunday May 31st 2026. It will mark the festival’s 10th anniversary, and will be held at the vibrant Taman Kuliner in Ubud. This year’s theme is “Farmers: Guardians of Land and Sea”. It will pay homage to the hardworking local farmers, fishers and producers. Balinese chocolate farmer Agung Widyastuti will be at the heart of this year’s festivities. She will highlight her dedication to cultivating local cacao, promoting sustainable practices and showcasing deep generational knowledge.
The 2026 festival programme will feature food stalls, hands-on masterclasses led by renowned chefs, and live demonstrations at the Teater Kuliner stage. The festival will also host insightful discussions at the Food for Thought stage, where culinary experts, environmentalists, and local producers explore the future of sustainable gastronomy.
Why we love the Ubud Food Festival
Imagine a four-day feast where the island’s top chefs, foodies, and culinary artists come together to showcase their skills and share their love of food. That’s the Ubud Food Festival in a nutshell. But this isn’t just any food festival, this is where Balinese flavours collide with international influences.
At the heart of the festival are the cooking demos, where you can watch culinary maestros whip up their signature dishes right before your eyes. And it’s not just about watching, you’ll also get to taste their creations too…
The Flavours of Ubud: Local and International Eats
One of the best things about the Ubud Food Festival is the sheer variety of food on offer. You’ll find everything from local warungs dishing out nasi campur, to Bali’s top fine dining restaurants serving up gourmet delicacies.
For those with a sweet tooth, the festival’s dessert stalls are a must-visit too. Think artisanal chocolates, fruity desserts, and pastries that look almost too good to eat (but don’t worry, I’ll be eating them anyway). And if you’re into healthy eating, there are plenty of plant-based and organic treats too.
Food for Thought: Talks, Workshops, and Masterclasses
The Ubud Food Festival isn’t just about eating (though I’d be perfectly happy if it was). It’s also about learning, sharing, and connecting with other food lovers. The festival features a range of talks, workshops, and masterclasses where you can dive deeper into the world of food. Ever wondered how to make the perfect sambal? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to know the secrets behind Balinese cooking? The festival’s got you covered.
And let’s not forget the panel discussions, where industry experts chat about everything from sustainability in the food industry to the future of Balinese cuisine.
Beyond the Plate: Culture, Art, and Music
The Ubud Food Festival is a celebration of Balinese culture, with performances, art exhibitions, and live music that add to the vibrant atmosphere. You might find yourself watching a traditional dance performance one minute, and grooving to live tunes the next. It’s all part of the festival’s charm – food, culture, and fun, all rolled into one.
How to get to Ubud Food Festival 2026
If you’re coming from the south of Bali, like Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta, driving is your best bet. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. You can either hail a ride via online taxis like Grab, GoJek or Bluebird, or rent a vehicle if you prefer to drive yourself.
Once in Ubud, head to Lapangan Lavolla Lungsiakan (Festival Central Parking) and hop on the free shuttle bus to the festival site at Taman Kuliner. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 8.30am to 11pm.
However, coming from someone who’s been to the festival before, the best way to maximise the experience is by booking a stay at one of Ubud’s best hotels. That way, you can spend the whole day hopping between food stalls, talks and masterclasses without worrying about the drive back.
Note: Grab is also the festival’s official transportation partner, and a special promo code for festival visitors will be shared on their social media and website just before the event weekend.