Welcome to Bali, where every season brings a spectacular array of events that capture hearts and inspire minds! This wonderful island hosts an incredible mix of celebrations that paint its calendar with excitement all year round. You can enjoy authentic local festivals, lively national celebrations, and prestigious international events that attract visitors from across the globe. Whether you’re a curious traveller or an event enthusiast, you’ll discover an island that beautifully brings together profound village ceremonies with world-class events, creating impressive experiences throughout the year.
Ever wondered how Bali celebrates New Year’s Eve? The island is renowned for its vibrant festivities, and 2025 was no exception. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) hosted an unforgettable countdown event featuring live music, traditional dance performances, and spectacular fireworks. Seminyak’s beach clubs – Potato Head, KU DE TA, and Woobar at W Bali – organized lavish parties with world’s famous DJs and bonfires. Atlas Beach Club in Canggu held Bali’s biggest 2025 NYE party, attracted over 6,000 attendees with AKON’s performance, while Finns Beach Club hosted DJ Flume. In Uluwatu, Savaya featured Black Coffee, and Rock Bar delivered energetic music with magical oceanic views.
The celebrations extended beyond these iconic venues, with resorts and hotels offering gourmet dinners, cultural performances, and private firework shows. In Sanur, the Denpasar government hosted “Panggung Denpasar Sambut 2025” at Pantai Mertasari, featuring local music and a magical fireworks display. Pandawa Beach joined the festivities with the “Warna Warni Pandawa” themed Pandawa Festival XIII. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of police, security forces, event organizers, and other parties, Bali’s New Year’s Eve proved both safe and memorable, setting a high standard for future celebrations.
Indonesia is set to play a pivotal role in the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024, taking place in Bali from September 1-3, 2024. This significant event is organized by the Ministry of National Development Planning and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it will bring together around 1,000 participants, including heads of state, international organizations, civil societies, and academics. The event aims to address global challenges such as the polycrisis, weakened multilateralism, and the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. By focusing on innovative and non-conventional approaches, the forum seeks to accelerate collective efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
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The HLF MSP 2024 will be focusing on three key areas: strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships, promoting sustainable economic development to enhance welfare and sustainability, and advancing development through innovative financing. The forum will emphasize the need for transformative changes in global governance, aiming to narrow the development gap and accelerate global progress towards the SDGs. This initiative also aligns with Indonesia’s broader vision of achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045, showcasing the nation’s leadership in fostering global solidarity and sustainable development.
The prestigious Maybank Marathon 2024, held in Gianyar, Bali, on August 25, 2024, was a resounding success, drawing over 12,700 participants from 57 countries. As Indonesia’s first and only Elite Label Road Race, the event captivated runners and spectators with its high standards and vibrant atmosphere. The marathon began at the Bali United Training Center, where participants eagerly awaited the flag-off for categories like the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Wheelchair, and Children Sprint races. This event was a true celebration of endurance and community spirit, uniting elite athletes and amateur runners on a global stage.
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The competition concluded with a jubilant award ceremony, where 83 winners were honored for their exceptional performances, sharing a total prize over IDR 2.4 billion. Notable victors included Paul Tiongik and Aurelia Kiptui from Kenya, who triumphed in the Marathon Open categories. Maybank Indonesia’s President Director, Steffano Ridwan, emphasized safety, comfort, and participant enthusiasm as key success indicators. Supported by various sponsors and local authorities, the event reaffirmed its status as a premier sporting event. As preparations for the Maybank Marathon 2025 begin, this year’s race sets a high benchmark for future events, promising even greater achievements ahead.
The Bali International Airshow 2024, set to take place from September 18-21 at Ngurah Rai International Airport, is poised to be Southeast Asia’s premier aerospace event. Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the globe, this event will showcase cutting-edge aerospace technology and defense advancements. Organized in collaboration with key Indonesian ministries, the airshow aims to elevate Indonesia’s position in the regional aerospace sector.
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The airshow will attract participants from several countries, enhancing Bali’s status as an international destination for major events. Attendees will experience a unique blend of aviation excellence and Balinese culture, with exhibitions and entertainment showcasing the island’s rich heritage. This event is expected to draw significant attention from both aviation professionals and the general public, contributing to tourism and economic growth in the region. Bali International Airshow 2024 is not just an airshow but a celebration of Indonesia’s progress and potential in the aviation sector.
The 10th World Water Forum is taking place in Bali on May 18-25, 2024 to address global water management challenges, sustainable water management, climate change impacts, and innovative solutions. As the forum unfolds, the island is transformed into a hub of cultural collaboration, adorned with handcrafted decorations that echo Bali’s rich heritage and commitment to sustainability. Against the backdrop of intricate designs fashioned from coconut leaves, rattan, and bamboo, delegates from different countries converge to explore innovative solutions under the theme of “Water for Shared Prosperity.” With over 13,000 registered participants, including heads of state, ministers, and international organizations, the event promises meaningful discussions and collaborative solutions to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
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Ensuring the safety of participants is paramount, with over 5,000 police officers deployed across key areas. This robust security effort, reminiscent of measures employed during the G20 Summit, aims to safeguard the 33 heads of state and thousands of other delegates in attendance. Among the distinguished guests are seven heads of state/government, including leaders from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Hungary, and Morocco, along with 105 ministers and notable figures like Elon Musk. Some of the highlighted events during the forum included a gala dinner welcoming participants, and President Jokowi introducing the traditional Subak irrigation system to attendees. Key discussions included policy frameworks, technology integration, community involvement, and international cooperation to ensure water security and resilience.
The Ubud Writers Festival has announced its program for this year’s event, showcasing a diverse array of literary talent from Indonesia and around the world. The four-day festival from 23 to 27 October, set in the cultural heart of Bali, aims to bring together influential figures who are shaping contemporary creative and intellectual discourse. This year’s lineup features prominent Indonesian authors alongside international publishing sensations, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with a broad spectrum of literary voices. The program is structured to provide a full day of activities, from morning to night, encompassing a variety of formats, including readings, panel discussions, and provocative conversations.
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Festival organizers have made the complete schedule available on their official website, allowing participants to plan their attendance in advance. The event offers flexible ticketing options, with both 4-Day Festival Passes and 1-Day Passes available to accommodate different preferences and schedules. Attendees can expect to explore enthralling stories and participate in thought-provoking discussions across the festival’s duration. The organizers emphasize the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange and intellectual stimulation, positioning the Ubud Writers Festival as a significant platform for literary discourse in Southeast Asia. For those interested in attending, detailed information about the program and ticketing options can be found at https//:ubudwritersfestival.com.
FreedBallet invites you to witness an extraordinary fusion of dance on December 6th at 7:00 PM in the Nusa Pujian Convention Center, Bali, featuring two remarkable productions that showcase ballet’s evolution. The neoclassical masterpiece “The Beginning” explores creation and love through innovative choreography and English dialogue, displayed by international ballet stars, Vitally Amialishka, Maria Martynova, and Oleg Demchenko, whose artistry brings this philosophical journey to life.
The evening continues with the timeless “The Nutcracker,” featuring talented ballerina Lyudmila Khitrova, Honored Artist of the Republic of Belarus. This beloved holiday classic comes alive through spectacular corps de ballet (group show) performances and outstanding solo acts that it feels like a magical world comes to life on the stage. The attendants really enjoyed the spectacular show and craved for more. The enthusiastic response prompted FreedBallet to schedule an additional final show at the same stage, the Nusa Dua Convention Center on January 4th, 2025. Book the event early to secure the best seats, with a special 20% group discount available when purchasing four or more tickets. The FreedBallet show offers a perfect blend of innovation and tradition, promising an unforgettable celebration of dance that will touch hearts and inspire minds.
Start your epic NYE 2025 Journey at Bali’s Hottest Venues! Atlas Beach Club leads the island’s celebrations with an extraordinary party featuring global R&B superstar AKON and Indonesia’s revolutionary bounce DJ Whisnu Santika, who just smashed the stage of Tomorrowland recently. The party continues at FINNS Beach Club, where Grammy Award-winning producer Flume takes center stage for a spectacular beachfront performance, complete with mesmerizing fireworks and drone shows across three unique stages. Adding to the night’s excitement, Savaya Bali presents legendary South African DJ Black Coffee, alongside Gioli & Assia and Sona, for a joyful sunset-to-sunrise experience.
For those craving the perfect blend of beachside ambiance and world-class music, The Lawn Canggu welcomes electronic music virtuoso What So Not from 2 PM onwards, promising an all-day event and celebration against the stunning Canggu shoreline. Meanwhile, Luna Beach Club, Bali’s newest party destination, offers an immersive experience with international DJs PIEM, Carlos Chaparro, and Sergio Cucalon, creating the perfect soundtrack as you dance under the stars. Each venue brings its unique color and atmosphere to the NYE festivities, ensuring a remarkable start to 2025 no matter where you choose to celebrate.
The diverse events and festivals in Bali reflect the island’s unique ability to embrace both its sacred traditions and its role as a modern global destination. Local ceremonies continue to fill the air with incense and prayer, keeping ancient customs alive, while national celebrations showcase Indonesia’s amazing heritage and unity. International events like marathon, literary festivals, environmental forums, and cultural exhibitions, bring the world to Bali’s island, fostering a dynamic atmosphere of wisdom and innovation. As you plan your visit to this Indonesian wonderland, remember that each season offers its own special blend of experiences – from authentic cultural rites to grand international gatherings. In Bali, every event and celebration becomes part of a larger story, inviting visitors to be part of something truly extraordinary, no matter when they choose to visit.