Pinlora

What’s on · next 30 days

Bali this month

Festivals worth timing a trip around, holy days that change the mood of the island, and big events that fill roads and hotels. Dates checked against official sources; anything not yet confirmed is marked.

Next week

8 Oct to 10 Oct

Worth planning around Festival Dates to be confirmed

Nusa Penida Festival

8–10 Oct · Nusa Penida · Free

The island’s yearly festival of culture and conservation: parades, dance and music, traditional rituals and outdoor sports, with mangrove planting, coral restoration and a baby turtle release. Local makers sell food and coastal crafts.

Plan it: Indonesia’s tourism site lists 8–10 October, Bali’s January calendar had 5–7 October: check before you buy boat tickets. Fast boats run from Sanur, Padangbai and Kusamba (30–45 minutes).

Source: Indonesia Travel (Ministry of Tourism)

10 Oct

Good to know Balinese holy day

Tumpek Wayang

10 Oct · Across Bali

Every 210 days Bali blesses its performing arts. Puppeteers make offerings to their shadow puppets, and gamelan sets, masks and costumes are blessed in homes, banjar halls and temples. It is also Kajeng Kliwon, so expect many offerings in the streets.

Plan it: A religious day, not a show: don’t step over offerings, and ask before photographing puppets or ceremonies up close.

Source: detikBali, Balinese calendar 2026

10 Oct to 11 Oct

Worth planning around Festival

Klungkung Heritage Festival

10–11 Oct · Semarapura, Klungkung

Two days of heritage in Bali’s old royal capital. Event listings mention walks through the historic centre, dance and music at Kertha Gosa, the former royal court of justice with its wayang-style painted ceilings, and a food fair.

Plan it: Semarapura is on the way to the Kusamba and Padangbai harbours, so it pairs well with a Nusa Penida trip.

Source: Bali Tourism Office event list (via Tempo)

Week of 12 October

12 Oct

Good to know Remembrance

Bali bombings anniversary: Memorial Garden open

12 Oct · 9:00–14:00 · Australian Consulate-General, Denpasar

12 October marks the anniversary of the 2002 bombings in Kuta. The Australian Consulate-General opens its Memorial Garden for private reflection and remembrance of the 2002 and 2005 attacks.

Plan it: The consulate asks visitors to register by email before coming.

Source: Australian Consulate-General Bali

17 Oct to 22 Oct

Expect crowds Conference

ICANN87 Annual General Meeting

17–22 Oct · Bali International Convention Centre, Nusa Dua

The global body that runs the internet’s address system holds its annual meeting in Nusa Dua, moved here from Muscat. A large international delegation will be staying in and around the Nusa Dua enclave.

Plan it: Staying in Nusa Dua that week? Book early and allow extra time on the roads around the enclave.

Source: ICANN

Week of 19 October

21 Oct to 25 Oct

Worth planning around Festival

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

21–25 Oct · Ubud

The 23rd edition of Southeast Asia’s best-known literary festival, under the theme Samarasā: talks, book launches, long-table lunches, workshops, readings, music and village walks across Ubud.

Plan it: Ubud fills up: book a bed within walking distance of the centre, and check which sessions are free before buying passes.

Source: Bali Tourism Office event list (via Tempo)

25 Oct

Good to know Balinese holy day

Full moon (Purnama Kelima)

25 Oct · Across Bali

Full-moon days are prayer days. Temples are busier with families in white and ceremonial dress bringing offerings, especially in the morning and evening.

Plan it: Visiting a temple that day? Wear a sarong and sash, and give way to people coming to pray.

Source: detikBali, Balinese calendar 2026

Week of 26 October

31 Oct

Good to know Balinese holy day

Saraswati, the day of knowledge

31 Oct · Across Bali

The day honouring Dewi Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and the arts. Books, palm-leaf manuscripts and schools receive offerings; students and teachers pray in school temples in the morning. Many Balinese avoid reading and writing on the day itself.

Plan it: Mornings near schools and temples are busy with students in ceremonial dress.

Source: detikBali, Balinese calendar 2026

31 Oct

Worth planning around Music & nightlife Dates to be confirmed

Day of the Dead party

31 Oct · From 18:00 in past years · Motel Mexicola

Motel Mexicola’s yearly Día de los Muertos party, held on 31 October in past years at its Seminyak and Canggu venues, with costumes, face painting and DJs.

Plan it: The 2026 date and tickets were not announced when we checked. Look at Motel Mexicola’s own channels before you plan the night.

Source: Coconuts Bali (past editions)

1 Nov

Expect crowds Balinese holy day

Banyu Pinaruh: cleansing at the sea and springs

1 Nov · Early morning · Across Bali

The day after Saraswati, many Balinese go to the sea, rivers or holy springs at dawn to bathe and purify themselves. Beaches and water temples are crowded with families early in the morning.

Plan it: Planning a sunrise swim or a visit to a water temple? Go later in the morning, and give families space at the water’s edge.

Source: detikBali, Balinese calendar 2026