Bali Events July & August 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Festivals & Parties

Introduction: Feel the Pulse of a Bali Summer

There are times of the year when Bali is simply a destination, and then there is summer, when it becomes a feeling. As July gives way to August, a palpable energy settles over the island. The skies clear to a brilliant, uninterrupted blue, and the days are filled with golden sunshine and gentle breezes. This isn't just a season; it's a spectacle. The air itself seems to hum with anticipation, alive with the rhythm of Gamelan orchestras, the roar of cheering crowds, and the beat of world-class DJs.

This is Bali at its most vibrant, a time when ancient traditions and modern celebrations exist in beautiful harmony. The island’s calendar brims with events that speak to its very soul, from sacred rituals played out on a grand scale to electrifying parties on cliff tops overlooking the Indian Ocean. This guide is your exclusive invitation to it all. It is your insider's map to navigating the island's most unforgettable experiences, helping you craft a summer story filled with moments of pure joy and gratitude.

The Soul of the Island: Unforgettable Cultural Festivals

To truly understand Bali, you must experience its culture not as a relic in a museum, but as a living, breathing force. The summer festivals are where this spirit is most powerfully felt. These events are a spectacular showcase of community, artistry, and a deep, abiding connection to the land and the divine.

 

The East Coast Spectacle: The Bali Kite Festival (July 20-21, 2025)

Every year, the skies above Sanur’s Padang Galak Beach erupt in a kaleidoscope of colour and motion for the Bali Kite Festival. This is no ordinary kite-flying picnic. This is a magnificent contest where teams from villages (banjars) across Bali compete, flying handcrafted giants that are marvels of artistry and engineering. Some kites stretch over 10 meters in length, with intricate tails that can trail for a staggering 100 meters.

The festival's timing is intrinsically linked to the island's natural rhythms. July and August are Bali's driest and windiest months, providing the perfect powerful updrafts needed to lift these colossal creations into the air. This harmony with nature is at the heart of the event's origins. Traditionally, the festival was an agrarian celebration, a way for farmers to send a message of thanks to the Hindu gods for bestowing abundant crops and harvests.

 

As you watch, you’ll see three dominant traditional kite designs, each with its own character. The Bebean, shaped like a giant fish, is the most common. The Pecukan is shaped like a leaf and is known to be the most difficult to fly. But it is the Janggan, a majestic dragon or bird with a flowing tail, that is the most awe-inspiring sight, commanding the sky with its presence. The entire spectacle is set to the powerful, rhythmic pulse of competing Gamelan orchestras on the sand, creating an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated excitement.

 

Insider Tip: The event takes place on an open beach with very little shade. Sun protection is essential, so be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses. You'll also want to have some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) cash on hand for the many local vendors selling delicious food and cold drinks. While the main dates are set for July 20-21, 2025, it's always wise to check official sources closer to the time, as schedules can be adjusted for ideal wind conditions.

 

The Wild West: Makepung Buffalo Races (Jembrana, Heats in July & August)

Venture to the rural landscapes of Jembrana in West Bali to witness one of the island's most thrilling and unique traditions: the Makepung Buffalo Races. This high-speed spectacle sees farmers, transformed into daring jockeys, guiding pairs of decorated water buffaloes down a 125-meter dirt track at incredible speeds. The racing season runs through the summer, with official heats taking place on Sundays throughout July and August.

This is far more than a simple race. Its roots lie in the agrarian practice of ploughing rice fields, and it has evolved into a celebration of community and heritage. The competition is not about prize money but about honour, village pride, and the coveted Governor's Cup trophy. The atmosphere is electric. Competing teams, distinguished by their red and green uniforms, are accompanied by the thunderous sounds of the Gamelan Jegog, a unique orchestra of giant bamboo instruments that is native to the Jembrana region. It is a raw, powerful, and unforgettable glimpse into the heart of rural Bali.

The 2025 schedule includes heats on July 13 and 27, with the prestigious Bupati Cup (Regent's Cup) taking place on August 24. 

 

Central Bali's Heartbeat: Culture in the Highlands

While the coast thrums with energy, Bali's central highlands around Ubud offer a different kind of cultural nourishment, one focused on art, sustainability, and refined creativity.

• Jatiluwih Festival (July 19-20): Nestled among the breathtaking, UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, this festival is a beautiful tribute to Bali's ancient agricultural wisdom. It celebrates the traditional Subak irrigation system through art installations, hands-on workshops, and culinary events, all set against one of the most stunning backdrops on the island.
• FOTO Bali Festival (July 26 – August 17): For lovers of visual arts, this international photography festival at the innovative Nuanu Creative City is a must-visit. The 2025 theme is "LIFE," explored through multimedia exhibitions, film screenings, public talks, and interactive workshops with photographers from around the world. It’s a perfect opportunity to see Bali through a creative and contemporary lens.

The concentration of these artistic and thoughtful events in Central Bali distinguishes the region from the high-octane party hubs of the south or the raw traditional power of the west. It offers a haven for the traveler who seeks to connect with the island's creative soul.

 

More Cultural Highlights

• Medewi Festival (July 25-27): A laid-back celebration on the black-sand shores of West Bali, blending a surfing competition on its famous long left-hand wave with Balinese music, art, and food.
• Sanur Village Festival (End of August): A week-long community event promoting local culture with a cultural parade, food bazaars, traditional boat races, and musical performances.
• BPD Bali Culture Run (August, Date TBC): A unique event that combines sport with cultural promotion and sustainability. Runners race along the stunning cliffs of Pandawa Beach, and finishers receive eco-friendly medals made from recycled materials.

The Sound of Summer: Bali's Hottest Music Festivals & Parties

As the sun sets, a new rhythm takes over Bali. The summer season is a magnet for music lovers, drawing an incredible lineup of international DJs and hosting festivals that cater to every taste, from intimate jazz sessions in the jungle to all-night raves.

 

Major Music Headliners

• Ubud Village Jazz Festival (August 1-2): Described as an "intimate, eco-friendly International Jazz Festival," this beloved event takes place at the Sthala Ubud, surrounded by lush jungle. It’s known for its incredible atmosphere and a stellar lineup of both world-renowned and local jazz talents.
• Omega Music Festival (August 9): For the dedicated electronic music fan, this is the main event. An eight-hour, non-stop party at Istana Taman Jepun in Denpasar, featuring 18 artists from the international rave scene, promising an ultimate dance music experience.
• PICA Fest (July 24-27): Experience Indonesia's vibrant local music scene at this outdoor festival in Denpasar. It features some of the country's best indie bands, such as Dialog Dini Hari, offering an authentic taste of contemporary Indonesian culture.
• Bali International Choir Festival (July 29 - August 2): A truly different and uplifting musical experience, this festival brings together talented choirs from around the globe for a series of stunning performances, workshops, and competitions.

An Insider's Calendar to Bali's Best Parties

Beyond the major festivals, Bali's world-class beach clubs and venues host an relentless schedule of top-tier talent. The southern peninsula, particularly Uluwatu, has firmly established itself as a premier destination on the global DJ circuit, a place where clifftop amphitheatres and infinity pools become the stage for the world's biggest names. Navigating the sheer volume of events can be overwhelming, so here is your curated guide to the must-see parties of the summer.

 

Date	Event / Artist	Venue (Location)	Vibe / Good For
Wed, July 16	NIGHTSHIFT with Jazzerimo	Red Ruby (Petitenget)	Intimate club night with local radio talent
Fri, July 18	Defected	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Legendary house music label, big party vibes
Sat, July 19	REBUKE Techno Flower Party	El Kabron (Uluwatu)	High-energy clifftop techno with ocean views
Sat, July 19	Zakes Bantwini	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Soulful South African house music superstar
Sun, July 20	Vanco	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Deep and spiritual afro-house journey
Fri, July 25	Disko Afrika with 2wo Bunnies	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Vibrant Amapiano and Afrobeats party
Sun, July 27	Aaron Sevilla	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Hypnotic afro-house sunset session
Fri, Aug 1-2	Ubud Village Jazz Festival	Sthala (Ubud)	Intimate and sophisticated jungle jazz
Sat, Aug 2	R&B Boat Vibes Sunset Cruise	The Shivanna (Benoa)	Smooth R&B grooves on the water
Sat, Aug 9	Da Capo	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Another icon of the South African house scene
Sat, Aug 9	Omega Music Festival	Istana Taman Jepun (Denpasar)	All-night electronic music rave
Sun, Aug 17	Bonobo (DJ Set)	Mrs Sippy (Petitenget)	Iconic daytime pool party with a legendary artist
Sat, Aug 23	Peking Duk	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Epic mainstage energy from the Australian duo
Sat, Aug 30	Dombresky	Savaya (Uluwatu)	Funky, feel-good house music master

 

The Grazie Bali Touch: Start Your Festival Day in Style

 

After a long night dancing under the stars or in anticipation of a vibrant day of cultural exploration, there is no better way to recharge and feel utterly pampered than with a serene, luxurious start to the day. This is where the art of gratitude meets the art of relaxation.

Imagine waking up in the comfort of your private villa in Canggu, Uluwatu, or Seminyak. The Bali sun is warming your skin as a stunning, artfully arranged tray of gourmet breakfast floats gently towards you in the cool, clear water of your pool. This is the Grazie Bali experience—a moment of pure tranquility and indulgence. It is the perfect antidote to a late night or the perfect kickoff to a day of adventure. We deliver this unique joy directly to your villa, resort, or hotel, allowing you to begin your day not with a rush, but with a beautiful moment of peace, creating a memory that is as delicious as it is delightful.

 

Conclusion: Create Your Unforgettable Summer Story

The beauty of a Bali summer lies in its incredible diversity. It is an island where you can witness a sacred, centuries-old bull race in the morning and dance to a world-famous DJ on a cliff top at sunset. It is a place where the vibrant energy of a thousand kites soaring in the sky is matched by the soulful melodies of a jazz quartet in the jungle.

This summer, the island invites you to do more than just visit. It invites you to participate, to explore, and to feel its unique pulse. Dive into the whirlwind of colour, sound, and celebration. This summer, don't just visit Bali—create moments of joy and gratitude that will last a lifetime.