The Bali Arts Festival is a major cultural event. Music, dance, puppet theatre, exhibitions, parades and crafts: for four weeks each summer, the Indonesian island celebrates its cultural traditions through an impressive programme... Interested in attending? Discover the venues and must-see performances!

Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali): History

The Bali Arts Festival takes place each year during summer, in the city of Denpasar – the capital of Bali province. The event was created in 1979 by former governor Ida Bagus Mantra, who wanted to preserve and perpetuate Balinese culture during an era of rapid modernisation…

This event celebrates art's place in Indonesian culture and reconnects with its customs and traditions through performances and parades that celebrate Balinese heritage. Running for over four decades, this cultural festival is Indonesia's oldest!

Over the course of a month, various types of events are organised. Exhibitions, parades, performances: the Pesta Kesenian Bali – PKB (its Indonesian name) is an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and mingle with locals through numerous festive events. Each year, the festival features a different theme.

When Does the 2025 Bali Arts Festival Take Place?

In 2025, the Bali Arts Festival runs from 21 June to 19 July under the official name "Pesta Kesenian Bali XLVII". For this session, events will take place primarily at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, both indoors and outdoors (daily from morning to evening).

As each year, the festival opens with a spectacular parade starting from the Bajra Sandhi monument. Composed of artists from Bali's eight regencies (administrative divisions equivalent to counties), the parade will be accompanied by gamelan orchestras – traditional instrumental ensembles.

Bali Arts Festival: Information on the Main Venues

While many performances take place in the streets of Denpasar, certain shows are held at emblematic cultural venues in the city. Regardless of the festival year, events are scheduled at these two key sites:

Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

Built in 1973, Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre is a venue dedicated to Balinese art. Spanning five hectares, the building, featuring traditional Balinese architecture, includes several exhibition halls, two theatres (one open-air and one covered), as well as a library, a Hindu temple and beautiful gardens.

The centre showcases both classical and contemporary Balinese artists, encompassing the full richness of local culture across all artistic disciplines – dance, painting, music, sculpture, batik fabric, and more.

Address: Jl. Nusa Indah No.1, Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80236

Bajra Sandhi Monument

Located in the heart of the city in the Renon district, the Bajra Sandhi monument is an imposing structure surrounded by a large park. The building was constructed in honour of Balinese fighters who struggled for independence.

Inside, you'll find numerous paintings in a museum telling the story of the Balinese people. On the top floor of Bajra Sandhi, you can also enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Address: Jl. Raya Puputan No.142, Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar.

What Events Should You See at the Bali Arts Festival?

Before discovering the different types of shows at the Bali Arts Festival, note that all exhibitions and performances offered during the event are completely free! To make the most of it, you'll need to arrive early (and bring sunscreen).

The PKB Opening Parade

The Pesta Kesenian Bali opens with a massive opening parade. Composed of 300 dancers dressed in traditional headdresses and costumes, the procession marches through the streets of the Balinese capital to the rhythm of local music.

Named Pawai Pembukaan, this parade is also an opportunity to discover some traditional dance steps – before experiencing the full breadth and richness throughout the festival…

Traditional Music and Dance

During the numerous parades, you'll be able to admire various types of choreography (often inspired by rituals).

Dance is very widespread in Indonésie. Consequently, many schools have opened in major cities such as Java, Yogyakarta and Surakarta. At the Bali Arts Festival, you can notably discover:

• Janger Dance: Emerging in the 1920s, this social dance depicts the flirtation between young men and young women through singing and choreography, representing the beginnings of a romantic relationship... The Janger dance is traditionally followed by a theatre piece on a domestic theme.
• Sendratari Dance: Inspired by the wayang kulit shadow theatre, this type of dance brings to life the greatest tales of Hindu mythology!
• The Kecak Fire Dance: Also called "the monkey dance", this variant is a performance born in the 1930s, which blends percussion, rhythmic chanting and staging of the mythological epic Ramayana.

A secret? After watching a few performances, you'll want to take some traditional dance classes!

Wayang Kulit Puppet Theatre

If you attend the festival, don't leave without watching a wayang kulit performance. These puppet theatres, which illustrate Balinese and Hindu legends, have been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2003!

Exhibitions and Art Markets

In addition to presenting temporary exhibitions, the Bali Arts Festival also celebrates local craftsmanship through the stalls and artistic workshops offered during the event. An opportunity to find lovely Bali souvenirs (jewellery, sculptures, textiles, etc.) at the craft markets.

Azimuth: An English-speaking Local Agency

Azimuth is a local agency keen to showcase the richness of Indonésie while applying Western standards for quality of service. In addition to highlighting the country's must-see sites, we offer itineraries and activities off the beaten path…

An example? Our half-day "Javanese Dances" experience, which allows you to learn Indonesian dances alongside renowned artists such as Didik Nini Thowok – an Indonesian dancer known for his commitment to transgender dance.

Our agency is run by passionate English-speaking guides who will be delighted to accompany you during Pesta Kesenian Bali. The programme? Visiting Bali's most beautiful sites and participating in the festival's best moments!