Bali Art Festival 2025 is not just another event on the island. When most people think of Bali, they imagine golden beaches, rolling waves, beach clubs, and delicious food. But Bali is more than a tropical paradise. It’s a land rich in tradition and culture. One of the best ways to witness this is by attending the Bali Arts Festival 2025. Known locally as Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB), this annual celebration brings the heart of Balinese art and culture to life. From June 21 to July 19, 2025, visitors can experience a vibrant month full of parades, dance, music, exhibitions, and traditional workshops.
The History and Importance of Bali Art Festival
The Bali Arts Festival began in 1979 under the leadership of Governor Ida Bagus Mantra. His vision was to create an event that could preserve Bali’s diverse artistic traditions. Over the past 46 years, Bali Art Festival has become Indonesia’s longest-running cultural festival. It has helped protect Balinese culture and introduced local art to the world.
Each year, the festival features thousands of performers, from seasoned professionals to young learners. It is a rare chance to see both traditional and modern interpretations of Balinese culture in one place. More than just a show, Bali Art Festival is a reflection of the Balinese way of life.
Bali Art Festival 2025 : What to Expect
The 47th Bali Arts Festival will take place from June 21 to July 19, 2025. Organized by the Bali Provincial Department of Culture, the festival will include a wide range of activities and performances.
Here are the main highlights of the program:
- Peed Aya: The grand opening parade
- Rekasadana: Live performances
- Utsawa: Cultural parades
- Wimbakara: Artistic competitions
- Bali World Culture Celebration (BWCC): International performances
- Kandarupa: Visual arts exhibitions
- Kriyaloka: Workshops
- Widyatula: Cultural dialogues and seminars
- Adi Sewaka Nugraha: Awards for contributions to art
- Jantra Tradisi Bali: Regional cultural week
This year’s theme is “Jagat Kerthi: Lokahita Samudaya”, meaning “Harmony of the Universe.” It represents balance and unity, central values in Balinese culture.
Experience the Colorful Opening Parade
The festival kicks off with Peed Aya, the opening parade. It starts from Jalan Ir. H. Juanda and ends near the Ministry of Finance in Denpasar. New this year, spectators will enjoy the view from a specially built grandstand. All regencies and cities in Bali will take part, each presenting a pair of Jegeg Bagus (local cultural ambassadors) and unique traditional dances brought from their respective regions. The parade also features themed costumes and creative performances, making it the perfect opportunity to witness the vibrant diversity of Balinese heritage in one spectacular event. It’s a must-see Festival Parade attraction for any visitor.
Music, Dance, and Performances
Throughout the month, the Bali Art Centre becomes the heart of Bali’s cultural scene. Visitors will hear the rhythms of gamelan orchestras and see a wide variety of dance styles. Every performance is a window into Balinese culture, beliefs, stories, and everyday life.
Traditional dances like Barong, Pendet, and Joged are performed alongside contemporary acts. The mix keeps the tradition alive while inviting fresh interpretations.
Explore Visual Arts, Local Crafts, and Flavors of Bali
Walk through Kandarupa, the visual arts area, and meet local artists. Here, you can admire everything from ancient-style paintings to modern art installations. Alongside the stunning visuals, you’ll find local crafts such as jewelry making, wood carving, and weaving and textile arts. The Kriyaloka workshops let visitors try these crafts firsthand—learn how to carve wood, weave traditional patterns, or shape silver with skilled artisans guiding you every step of the way.
As you take in the art and craftsmanship, don’t miss the culinary delights on offer. Balinese cuisine plays a major role in PKB, turning the festival into a complete cultural experience. Local chefs and food vendors present iconic island dishes such as Babi Guling (suckling pig), Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck), and Lawar (spiced vegetable and meat mix). Enjoy these delicious bites while watching traditional performances or wandering through art displays—it’s a feast for all your senses.
Why You Should Visit Bali Art Festival 2025
The Bali Arts Festival 2025 is more than an event—it’s your chance to dive deep into the soul of the island. Whether you’re drawn to music, dance, food, or art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By attending Bali Art Festival 2025, you not only support the preservation of Balinese culture but also experience one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular Festival Parade attractions.
This year, take your cultural journey even further by booking our Denpasar City Tour. Explore where this vibrant festival takes place, witness incredible performances firsthand, and connect with Bali’s local spirit in the most immersive way possible. Let this be more than just a visit—make it a cultural adventure you’ll never forget.