Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Bali's Annual Events
Bali, a captivating island renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, offers a unique backdrop for your studies. To maximize your experience, consider aligning your stay with the island's vibrant calendar of events. From the spiritual reverence of Nyepi to the pulsating energy of the Bali Arts Festival, Bali offers a diverse array of festivals, cultural celebrations, and sporting events. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you plan your itinerary and fully engage in the island's dynamic lifestyle while pursuing your academic goals.
Cultural Festivals
Nyepi (Day of Silence)
When: March (date varies based on the Balinese lunar calendar)
Description: Marking the Balinese New Year, Nyepi is a Hindu celebration where the entire island observes a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The day before, a vibrant parade called Ogoh-Ogoh features large, colorful statues paraded and then burned to drive away evil spirits.
Galungan and Kuningan
When: Galungan occurs every 210 days based on the Pawukon calendar; Kuningan is celebrated 10 days after Galungan.
Description: These festivals celebrate the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). Families visit temples and make offerings. Streets and temples are beautifully decorated with penjor (bamboo poles with offerings).
Saraswati Day
When: Occurs every 210 days based on the Pawukon calendar
Description: A day dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. Books and sacred texts are blessed, and there are prayers and offerings made at temples and schools.
Tumpek Landep
When: Occurs every 210 days based on the Pawukon calendar
Description: A unique celebration dedicated to metal objects, especially weapons and vehicles. Balinese Hindus make offerings to these objects to ensure they remain strong and beneficial.
Tumpek Kandang
When: Occurs every 210 days based on the Pawukon calendar
Description: A ceremony dedicated to domesticated animals. Offerings and prayers are made to thank and bless the animals for their role in human life.
Educational Festivals
Bali International Film Festival (Balinale)
When: September
Description: An annual event showcasing local and international films, attracting filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The festival features screenings, workshops, and seminars.
Bali Spirit Festival
When: March - April
Description: A holistic festival in Ubud focusing on yoga, dance, music, and wellness. It attracts a global audience for its diverse workshops, concerts, and activities.
Bali Vegan Festival
When: October
Description: A festival promoting veganism and a sustainable lifestyle, featuring workshops, cooking classes, food stalls, and talks by renowned speakers in Ubud and Canggu.
Denpasar Festival
When: December
Description: A cultural and arts festival held in Denpasar featuring art exhibitions, traditional dance performances, culinary events, and various cultural activities celebrating the city's heritage.
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
When: October
Description: An internationally renowned literary festival held in Ubud, featuring a diverse range of writers, readers, and thinkers who gather for discussions, workshops, and readings.
Sporting Events
Bali Marathon
When: August
Description: An annual marathon event attracting runners from all over the world. The race includes various distances such as full marathon, half marathon, and 10K, offering scenic routes through the island’s landscapes.
Mekepung (Buffalo Races)
When: July to November (specific dates vary)
Description: Traditional buffalo races held in Jembrana, West Bali. This unique and thrilling event sees decorated buffaloes and their jockeys racing in muddy tracks.
Bali Surfing Championship
When: July - August (dates vary)
Description: Held at various surfing spots around Bali, this championship attracts top surfers from around the globe. Locations include Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Keramas.
Art and Musical Events
Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali)
When: Mid-June to mid-July
Description: A month-long festival held in Denpasar featuring daily performances, handicraft exhibitions, and cultural activities showcasing Balinese art, dance, and music.
Bali Kite Festival
When: July - August (dates vary)
Description: A traditional festival where teams from various villages compete by flying giant, colorful kites. It is held in Padang Galak, Sanur, and attracts participants and spectators from all over the island.
Denpasar Festival
When: December
Description: A cultural and arts festival held in Denpasar featuring art exhibitions, traditional dance performances, culinary events, and various cultural activities celebrating the city's heritage.
Forever Young Festival
When: September 27-28, 2024
Description: The Forever Young Festival in Bali offers a nostalgic trip back to the golden days of pop music. Featuring a star-studded lineup of pop legends, attendees can enjoy timeless hits at Locca Sea House. The festival promises an electrifying atmosphere filled with music, delicious food, and drinks.
Nusa Dua Fiesta
When: October
Description: A cultural and art festival held in Nusa Dua, featuring exhibitions, art performances, cultural parades, and various sports and culinary events.
Sanur Village Festival
When: August
Description: Held in the coastal village of Sanur, this festival includes various activities such as traditional dance, music performances, food festivals, water sports, environmental conservation activities, and more.
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
When: August
Description: An annual jazz festival in Ubud featuring performances by international and local jazz musicians. The event is a vibrant celebration of jazz music in an artistic setting.Suara Festival