From music festivals by the sea to cultural events and summer parties, here are all the best annual events in Bali to look forward to in 2024
Don’t be fooled by the small size of Bali – there’s SO much to experience on this magical little island. We’ve got everything from famous beaches, jungle vistas and Instagrammable hotspots, to art, culture, delicious restaurants and buzzing nightlife too. And if that wasn’t enough to keep you busy, there are also plenty of annual events in Bali that you can catch throughout the year. From cultural ceremonies and rituals, to music festivals and summer parties fronted by the biggest names in the business, there’s always something to add to your Bali itinerary. So, to help you plan your next island party, we’ve rounded up all the best annual events and festivals in Bali for 2024.
ANNUAL EVENTS IN BALI: Music festivals
1. Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Having entertained thousands of music lovers since 2013, Ubud Village Jazz Festival is the artistic annual event in Ubud that’s held to empower the local community. Backed by a team of volunteers and musicians, the festival holds 20 performances and 100 musicians across three stages over two days. Each performance showcases the best of Jazz by national and international musicians, as well as new talents and music students. Enjoy the smooth sounds of piano, cello and saxophone as you browse through the food stalls which serve up Ubud’s best culinary offerings.
When: August 2nd & 3rd 2024
Where: Ubud
2. Burning Beach Festival
A Lombok import, Burning Beach Festival makes its way to some of the best beach clubs in Bali. Bringing its rave party culture, this two-day extravaganza celebrates house and techno music by bringing in a line-up of international DJs. Alongside the heart-pumping music that fills the sandy dance floor, you’ll lose yourself with other party animals thanks to the epic drinks from the bars, bites from the food stalls, and of course, fire dancers by the ocean waves and the stunning golden sunset.
When: December
Where: TBC
3. KU DE TA White Party
Nothing beats the blowouts at KU DE TA, AKA Seminyak’s OG beach club that throws one of the most iconic parties on the island: the annual White Party. Flocked by the most beautiful fashionistas dressed in white, this upscale party hosts world-famous headliners, legendary DJs and producers, as well as wow-worthy entertainment and epic themes that make for an unforgettable evening. This is one for the memory books!
When: August
Where: Seminyak
4. Ultra Beach Bali
From the world’s biggest stages, the worldwide music festival phenomenon, Ultra, draws in EDM lovers from around the world to Bali’s sandy beachfront. The music festival hosts some of the most talented DJs in the industry (the likes of Zedd and Alan Walker!) to bring you party anthems that keep you dancing through the night. This two-day celebration is always fully packed with the wildest Ultranauts, so be sure to nab your tickets early.
When: June 6th & 7th 2024
Where: Canggu
5. Summer Soundwave
Get lost in the Summer Soundwave at W Bali – Seminyak, the resort’s annual festival that celebrates the island’s hot, summer-kissed days. You’ll want to round up your party squad and bring your dancing shoes, as each year the event hosts a line-up of showstoppers with beats ranging from chilled tunes to hip-hop and EDM spread across two stages. Adding to that is the selection of bites and chilled drinks to keep you fuelled up for the night ahead!
When: July
Where: Seminyak
ANNUAL EVENTS IN BALI: Food & cultural festivals
6. Nyepi Ogoh Ogoh Parade
The crux of the Balinese New Year celebration is a day dedicated to complete silence, AKA Nyepi. On this Day of Silence, the island comes to a standstill with no light, no cars, no noise and no one roaming the streets (yep, no flight coming in or out either!). But the big celebration falls on the day before Nyepi, when each village holds a parade of giant, paper maché demonic characters (AKA Ogoh Ogoh) through the streets, then burned in a ceremonial display to banish any evil spirits.
When: March 11th 2024
Where: All over Bali!
7. Ubud Food Festival
Foodies, you’ll want to add this to your culinary tour. Every year, Ubud Food Festival celebrates the diverse cuisines Bali and Indonesia have to offer. There are panels of innovative chefs and food entrepreneurs, cooking workshops and masterclasses, as well as live demos by the industry’s leading experts. Join the thousands of hungry crowds and enjoy three days’ worth of foodie tours, bites at local warungs and tasters of Ubud’s best restaurants. There’s even an array of artisanal products like coffee, wine, cheese and chocolates to shop and take home.
When: May 31st, June 1st & June 2nd 2024
Where: Ubud
8. Bali Kite Festival
Bali Kite Festival started off as an agricultural festival to thank the Hindu Gods for an abundant harvest. Now an annual event and competition that attracts international kite-flyers and spectators to Sanur’s Padang Galak Beach, the festival paints the sky with splashes of colour and all different shapes and sizes. It’s a unique celebration that’s not to be missed!
When: Between July and October
Where: Sanur
9. Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Each year Ubud Writers & Readers Festival brings in thousands of literary fans to the heart of Bali’s cultural capital. The sister of Ubud Food Festival (above) sets to inspire young minds by holding panel discussions and conversations, as well as literary exploration. This global event is made even more special with Indonesian dance performances, luncheons, galas, late-night comedy shows and guided tours to Ubud’s cultural spots, and more.
When: October 23rd to 27th 2024
Where: Ubud
10. IGNITE Fundraising Gala
Once a year, Green School Foundation opens its doors for a dazzling night that is the IGNITE Fundraising Gala. The gala supports education for sustainability across Indonesia through culture-related themes and traditional performances, paired with sumptuous Balinese cuisine, and spotlights on Balinese artistry. Held inside a bamboo building, this magical night promises to entertain whilst helping the Foundation achieve its goal of creating environmentally-conscious minds.
When: TBC
Where: TBC
11. Nusa Penida Festival
Nusa Penida Festival is an annual event that celebrates the richness of Bali’s culture. Established in 2014, the festival promotes nature conservation, local traditions and support of the communities in Nusa Penida and its sister islands. The three-day event begins with an opening ceremony and the traditional Pendet Pasepan Dance which is performed by 500 talented ladies. Then throughout the event, there’ll be traditional performances, stalls selling local produce, fashion shows, concerts, as well as interactive programmes like beach clean-ups, coral planting and sailing competitions using traditional wooden boats.
When: October 4th, 5th & 6th.
Where: Nusa Penida
ANNUAL EVENTS IN BALI: Fitness & wellness festivals
12. Bali Spirit Festival
Five days of spiritual nourishment, Bali Spirit Festival is a global event filled with yoga, music and dance, and a chance to meet like-minded free spirits. Located in Ubud, AKA Bali’s yoga capital, the festival holds hundreds of yoga classes and workshops taught by some of the world’s best. It offers a wide range of styles, from Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Yin, to Qi Gong, Capoeira and more. Not only that, you’ll find dozens of food vendors to keep you energised throughout the festival, as well as plenty of musical performances, ecstatic dancing and Dharma talks. With over 5000 people joining each year, it’s without doubt one of the biggest yoga festivals on the island!
When: May 1st – 5th 2024
Where: Ubud
13. World Wellness Weekend at Fivelements
Fivelements joins the global initiative “World Wellness Weekend” to improve wellness and fitness through mindful movement. The weekend is packed with activities taking place across the resort’s four bamboo shalas, with a wide range of choices – from yoga and breathwork, to combat and sound healing too! Between workshops, you’re free to roam this beautiful eco-friendly resort, and take part in special activities like Jamu-making class, tarot reading, and acro-yoga performances.
When: TBC
Where: Ubud
BONUS: Mark your calendar for more annual festivals & events in Bali
Like the rest of the world, there are events that Bali celebrates regardless of religion or background. There’s Christmas (the tropical version!) that’s celebrated with Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches across the island. Then there is of course New Year’s Eve parties featuring world-famous DJs, and New Year’s Day feasts to cure that hangover. Psst… You’ll also want to look out for family-friendly Easter events as well as Halloween costume competitions with some serious prizes up for grabs!
Love this list of Bali’s best annual events? Check out these top nightlife venues too!
