Additional Information About Bali Arts Festival & Bali Spirit Festival

Bali Arts Festival

What Makes It Special

• Duration & Venue: Takes place over a month, primarily at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, Denpasar.

• Grand Opening Parade: A vibrant procession at Renon Square, featuring artists in traditional attire, lavish floats, and music. This parade is a key visual highlight and brings together cultural delegations from all over Bali.

• Dance & Music: See iconic performances like Legong, Barong, Kecak fire dance, Gamelan orchestras, and Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry. Both classic and new artistic creations are presented.

• Art Exhibitions: Paintings, carved masks, wood sculptures, and textiles are displayed. You can browse and even buy traditional Balinese arts and crafts at handicraft markets.

• Workshops & Demos: Take part in hands-on sessions for batik painting, offering-making (canang sari), local dance, and music. These allow for direct interaction with Balinese artists.

• Culinary Experience: Enjoy Balinese cuisine—Babi Guling, Satay Lilit, and Lawar—at vibrant food stalls.

• Inclusive Atmosphere: Both locals and tourists are welcomed, making the festival a bridge between cultures.

• Closing Ceremony: Features a spectacular dance-drama, typically at the Ardha Candra amphitheater, providing a grand conclusion to the event.

Tips

• Arrive Early for Parades: Good spots fill up quickly, especially along main roads in Denpasar.

• Plan for Hot Weather: The parade and outdoor performances can be hot—bring sunscreen and a hat.

• Souvenirs: Support artisans by purchasing unique crafts as memorable gifts.

Bali Spirit Festival

What Makes It Special

• Dates & Venues: Happens May 7–11, 2025, mainly at The Yoga Barn and Puri Padi Hotel, Ubud.

• Diversity of Activities: Includes yoga (vinyasa, yin, etc.), dance, sound healing, meditation, martial arts, and Balinese culture workshops. The program is curated for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners.

• Music & Dance: Evening concerts, ecstatic dance sessions, Bhakti music, and DJ performances fuel the festival’s vibrant energy.

• Wellness & Healing: Personal development sessions cover communication, nutrition, self-growth, and astrology. Professional healers offer Reiki, massage, craniosacral therapy, and more in the festival’s Wellness Area.

• Marketplace & Food: The Dharma Fair Marketplace hosts over 30 vendors with health-focused food, crafts, clothing, and wellness products. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful.

• Spirit Pool: Refresh and relax at the pool during breaks in the festival schedule.

• Community Focus: Offers the chance to connect with people from over 60 countries; the festival actively raises funds for local charities and green initiatives.

Practical Info

• Packing Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, yoga mat, reusable bottle, mosquito repellent, layers for cool evenings, splash of glitter or organic makeup, and a rain poncho.

• Tickets: Choose an all-access pass for workshops, wellness, and music events; music-only passes are available for evening concerts.

• Where to Stay: Lodging near The Yoga Barn is recommended to avoid Ubud’s traffic; eco-friendly options like Dijiwa Sanctuaries are close by.

• Getting There: Central Ubud, about 90min from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Parking is limited—walk or use ride-hailing apps.

Community Impact

• Charity: Since 2010, the festival has raised substantial funds for HIV/AIDS education and reforestation projects in Bali.

• Inclusive & Supportive: The festival prioritizes inclusivity, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all backgrounds and experience levels.

Both festivals are signature Bali experiences—one rooted in cultural heritage and the other in global wellness and conscious living. Whether you seek tradition, self-growth, or connection, each offers a memorable way to engage with the island’s rich spirit.