Bali Arts Festival 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Colour, and Community

For one glorious month every year, the Island of the Gods in Indonesia transforms into a vibrant stage where art, tradition, and community come alive. The Bali Arts Festival is not just another island event – it’s is a Rio-level cultural extravaganza. From dance and music to crafts, costumes, and ritual performances, Bali invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions and dazzling contemporary expressions. The festival is celebrating its 47^th edition with even more spectacle and soul.

When is the Bali Arts Festival?

This year, it will run from June 21 – July 19. This annual celebration typically begins in mid-June and stretches over four festive weeks, making it one of Indonesia’s longest-running cultural events.

Where is the Bali Arts Festival?

The heart of the festival is Taman Budaya Provinsi Bali, also known as the Bali Arts Centre in Denpasar. Locally referred to as the Kawasan Art Centre, this cultural complex houses 15 unique venues, including open-air amphitheatres, indoor stages, exhibition halls, and seminar rooms. Key performance venues include the Panggung Terbuka Ardha Candra (the main open-air stage), Kalangan Ayodya & Angsoka (covered performance spaces), and the Gedung Ksirarnawa (theatre and seminar hall).

What will be Bali Arts Festival’s theme in 2025?

The 2025 theme is ‘Jagat Kerthi: Lokahita Samudaya Harmoni Semesta Raya’, which translates to ‘World Harmony for Collective Well-being’. This theme is rooted in ‘Tri Hita Karana’, the Balinese Hindu philosophy emphasising balance between the divine, nature, and humanity. It reflects a call to preserve cultural identity, while embracing togetherness in a global community.

What to Expect at the Bali Arts Festival?

Visitors can expect a cultural kaleidoscope of performances, exhibitions, and community-driven celebrations. The festival is organised into 10 main categories:

• Wimbakara – Art competitions across genres

• Rekasadana – Cultural performances by regencies and cities

• Utsawa – Themed parades through Denpasar

• Peed Aya – The official opening parade

• Kandarupa – Art and culture exhibitions

• Widyatula – Symposiums and cultural dialogues

• Kriyaloka – Hands-on cultural workshops

• Bali World Culture Celebration (BWCC) – International cultural showcases

• Jantra Tradisi Bali – Regional culture week

• Adhi Sewaka Nugraha – Awards for arts contributors

In total, there have been over 150 events spread across the festival’s 29-day duration, including over 60 scheduled performances, 45 parades, and numerous exhibitions and forums.

From traditional showcases to hands-on experiences, each event category at the Bali Arts Festival offers something unique. Wimbakara competitions provide a glimpse into the Balinese youths and artists’ remarkable skill and creativity, while Rekasadana performances reveal lesser-known traditional dances, dialects, and costumes from the island’s diverse regencies.

The colourful Utsawa and Peed Aya parades bring the streets of Denpasar alive with floats, live music, and dramatic reenactments of historical and mythological tales. At Kandarupa, visitors can admire intricate paintings, wood carvings, masks, and textiles — ideal for collectors and those interested in Balinese craftsmanship. Those looking to engage more deeply can join Kriyaloka workshops, where they can try their hand at batik painting, gamelan drumming, or the delicate art of Canang Sari (offering-making).

Meanwhile, the BWCC nights introduce an international dimension, featuring cultural performances from guest countries like Japan, India, South Korea, and Australia.

This immersive format, spread over nearly a month, ensures that visitors leave with a richer understanding of Bali’s traditions and culture. 

How to Experience the Bali Arts Festival

To make the most of the Bali Arts Festival, try to arrive early for the popular shows at Ardha Candra. Be sure to catch the Peed Aya opening parade, which marks the start of the festival with colourful costumes and lively performances. This year, the parade started from the Niti Mandala Renon field and ended near the Regional Finance Ministry Office.

Watch the Wimbakara competitions to see young Balinese artists showcase their talent, and explore Kandarupa to enjoy beautiful art displays. In the evenings, don’t miss the BWCC nights, where performers from other countries bring a global touch to the celebration. Most events are free and open to everyone, so it’s easy for both planned and last-minute visitors to join in.

Is the Bali Arts Festival an Annual Event?

Yes, the festival has been held every year since 1979, making 2025 its 47^th edition. It is Indonesia’s longest-running arts and culture festival, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Balinese culture through the decades.

A Brief History of the Bali Arts Festival

Launched in 1979 as a part of Governor Ida Bagus Mantra’s vision to revive and preserve traditional Balinese arts, the festival has grown from a local initiative to a globally-renowned cultural event. Today, the Bali Arts Festival bridges the past and present, drawing participation from every corner of the island and beyond.

Where to Stay During the Festival

While Denpasar offers the most convenient access to the festival, travellers can also stay in nearby areas such as Sanur or Seminyak. There are a variety of options including boutique hotels, beach resorts, guest houses and homestays. To compare, contrast and figure out which accommodation type suits your needs best, check out all our Bali hotels and resorts. Also, it’s advisable to book early, especially if attending opening and closing ceremonies are on the cards. 

Tips for Visitors — Seasoned Veterans and First-Timers Alike

When visiting the Bali Arts Festival, it is important to be mindful of local customs. Wear appropriate clothing – knees and shoulders covered, especially for events which have a religious tone. Sarongs and long scarves are often available at the venue, in case visitors forget to carry their own. Also, beachwear is a strict no-no, both for men and women of all ages. 

Secondly, use local transport for quicker mobility. Motorbikes and scooters are suggested, given that this period usually sees a surge in traffic. However, cars remain the best option for families, and for couples seeking to arrive comfortably.

Planning on riding a two-wheeler? Know the local laws, wear a helmet, and carry your international drivers’ licence! 

Thirdly, the festival is an excellent opportunity to try out various regional cuisines from Bali as well as popular staples like babi guling and nasi goreng. Make sure to carry some cash and stock up on change, you are going to need it. However, make sure to secure your valuables when out and about and always keep an eye on your children. Plus, choose hygienic food stalls when eating out because Bali Belly is not a conspiracy theory.

Fourthly, while June-July are some of the best times to visit Bali – the temperature rarely crosses 30°C – it’s important to remember that Bali is a tropical wonder. Sunburns, dehydration and heat strokes are very real. Therefore, wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, apply generous amounts of sunscreen lotion, put on sunglasses and hats, and make sure to carry plenty of drinking water. 

Lastly, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the locals. Most locals can understand English and will be delighted to share folktales and cultural tidbits. Plus, learning a word or two in the local lingo will definitely earn you brownie points.   

Bali Arts Festival: A World of Culture, Colour and Celebration

Ready to step into a world of colour, culture, and celebration? The Bali Arts Festival 2025 is a deep dive into Bali’s artistic soul and a tapestry of experiences for locals and international visitors alike. If you are in Bali during this period, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind cultural experience. And if you are planning your Bali holiday, our travel specialists can help with your itinerary — call 1800 991 751! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Bali Arts Festival

1. Is the Bali Arts Festival free to attend?

Yes, most events and performances are free and open to the public. Some exhibitions or workshops may have nominal entry fees.

2. Do I need tickets for specific performances?

While most shows are unticketed, high-profile performances or closing events may require advance registration or entry passes. It’s best to check the official schedule closer to the event.

3. What time of day are the main performances held?

Evening performances, especially those at Ardha Candra, are the most popular. Daytime slots often feature competitions and workshops.

4. Can tourists participate in the workshops?

Absolutely! Kriyaloka workshops are open to the public and designed for hands-on learning. No prior experience is needed.

5. What should I wear to the festival?

Smart casual is fine, but modest clothing is appreciated, especially during temple-linked or ceremonial events. A sarong and sash are often provided at key venues if needed.

6. Is the festival family-friendly?

Yes. The festival includes many family-friendly performances, workshops, and food stalls, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.