1. Ubud Village Jazz Festival
It is a music event that was planned with the intention of holding a community concert. Since 2010, this village has hosted these distinctive community concerts with cooperation and assistance from other local artist communities. The lush, open-air setting adds to the magic, attracting both jazz aficionados and casual listeners. The festival usually takes place in mid-August, with events running from afternoon into the night. It’s a unique opportunity to experience world-class music surrounded by rice fields and Ubud’s artistic ambiance.
Location: Ubud, Central Bali
Timings: Typically mid-August, afternoon to late evening
2. Indonesia Independence Day
On August 17th, Bali joins the rest of Indonesia in celebrating Independence Day with parades, traditional games, and cultural performances. Streets are decorated in red and white, and communities come together for flag-raising ceremonies, music, and dance. Visitors can witness unique local traditions, from climbing greased poles (panjat pinang) to lively street parties. The festive spirit is contagious, making it a memorable time to experience Balinese hospitality and patriotism.
Location: Island-wide
Timings: August 17th, all day
3. Tanah Lot Art and Food Festival
With the active participation of the local millennial population, the Tanah Lot Art and cultural Festival is an event that combines art, cultural, gastronomic, and exhibition activities into a single concept that emphasizes Tabanan's unique potential. In addition to indigenous Tabanan food, this event features a variety of classical arts and entertainment. It is anticipated that this festival will increase Tanah Lot's visitor numbers. Both residents and visitors enjoy the festival's offers. As part of its execution, the festival also features an exposition of SMEs (small and medium-sized businesses) with the goal of strengthening the local economy.
Location: Tanah Lot Temple, Tabanan
Timings: Dates vary, typically several days in August
4. Makepung Bupati Cup
The Makepung Bupati Cup is Bali’s famous buffalo race, held in the Jembrana region. Decorated water buffaloes, guided by skilled jockeys, race through muddy fields in a thrilling display of speed and teamwork. The event is deeply rooted in local tradition and draws crowds from across the island. The races are accompanied by gamelan music, dance, and festive markets, making it a unique spectacle for visitors. The Bupati Cup usually takes place in early to mid-August.
Location: Jembrana, West Bali
Timings: Early to mid-August, morning to noon
5. Denpasar Kite Festival:
The Denpasar Kite Festival is one of Bali's most spectacular cultural spectacles, held annually at Mertasari Beach in Sanur. Organized by Pelangi Denpasar, the local branch of the Indonesian Kite Association, the festival showcases traditional giant kites in bebean (fish-shaped), pecukan (leaf-shaped), and janggan (bird-shaped) designs alongside original creative entries. Teams of 70 to 80 people from Denpasar's villages compete, each accompanied by their own gamelan orchestra, flag bearers, and skilled kite flyers.
Date: Different events on different days, event runs whole month
6. Buleleng Festival:
The Buleleng Festival, affectionately known as Bulfest, is North Bali's flagship cultural celebration, centered in Singaraja, the region's historic former colonial capital. This year’s theme is "Samsara: The Cycle of the Starting Point," symbolizing life's continuity between past, present, and future while championing Buleleng's cultural identity. The festival opens with a grand carnival-style parade featuring costumed performers, floats, and marching gamelan, followed by days of traditional Balinese dance, theatre, live music, and bustling markets selling North Balinese specialties and local crafts.
Dates: August 23rd to 28th, 2026