Summertime, and the livin’ is easy – especially if you find yourself on holiday in Bali! High season means the island is bustling with parties and events. Confused about the what, where and whens? We’ve got you covered. From local festivals to the best parties and from the most tempting happy hour promos to magical movie nights on the beach, check out our picks for the best summer events in Bali.
Music Festivals
Sunny Side Up Festival
Is this the coolest festival of them all? Sunny Side Up Festival is a tropical celebration of music and culture which takes place in Bali’s most sought-after beach club: Potato Head. If the beachfront venue and Potato Head’s award winning design don’t do enough to impress you, then simply sit back and enjoy the tunes provided by Detroit rapper Big Sean and French indie giants Phoenix.
Sunny Side Up Festival
Location: Potato Head Beach Club, Jalan Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak
When: August 11 – 12, 2017
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Ubud Village Jazz Festival is an atmospheric music festival set in Ubud, Bali’s artistic and spiritual hub. The event brings together international and local jazz talents and promises to be a truly magical evening with music flowing through the palm trees, under the starlit skies. In 2017, highlights include performances from Gearald Clayton Trio and Benny Brown. There are plenty of stalls serving food and beverages on the premises.
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Location: Agung Rai Museum of Art, Jalan Raya Pengosekan Ubud
When: August 11 – 12, 2017
Jazz Market By The Sea
Another jazzy affair, Jazz Market By The Sea brings 37 live acts and over 70 sellers and stalls to the upmarket area of Tanjung Benoa just north of Nusa Dua. The three-day event is a also very family-friendly happening and performers range from jazz pianist Erik Sondhy to indie band White Shoes & The Couples Company.
Jazz Market By The Sea
Location: Taman Bhagawan, Tanjung Benoa
When: August 19 – 21, 2017
Ultra Beach Bali
Ultra Beach Bali is a beachfront festival filled with some of the best EMD music on the planet. The electronic music bash takes at Potato Head Beach Club. This is the Bali edition of the global Ultra Music Festival, with past performers including Deadmau5, Martin Garrix and more.
Ultra Beach Bali
Location: Potato Head Beach Club, Jalan Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak
When: 14 – 15 September, 2017
Community Festivals
Bali Kite Festival
If you visit Bali during the summer months, you can’t help but notice the kites flying over the island. The kite flying season reaches its peak with Bali Kite Festival. Balinese kites are huge and the local banjars (village communities) take great pride in constructing and flying the kites. The main events take place in Sanur, but local events take place throughout the island, spanning from early July until late October.
Bali Kite Festival
Location: Padanggalak Beach, Sanur
When: July 7-9, 2017, until 29 October
Legian Beach Festival
Legian Beach Festival takes place right on Legian Beach and offers four days of fun and games in the sand. The festival offers a range of activities, performances and a bazaar. Local bands take the stage and attract big crowds – the event even prides itself as being “the biggest summer festival in Bali.”
Legian Beach Festival
Location: Legian Beach, between The Stone Hotel and Padma Resort
When: August 3-6, 2017
Sanur Village Festival
Sanur Village Festival is a vibrant community event taking place in the seaside Sanur area. The event offers a good old market feel with countless food and beverage stalls lining multiple stages where you can catch live music performances, fashion shows and more. This is of the best events in Bali to get a feel of local culture, as the performances include Balinese dance and fashion.
Sanur Village Festival
Location: Jalan Danau Bunyan (several locations), Sanur
When: August 9-13, 2017
Parties
Full Moon White Dance Party
Dance the night away on Mertasari Beach in Sanur during the full moon. Dj Poyan Shifter will provide the tunes while happy hour drinks flow and the guests dance on the beach. There aren’t big full moon events in Bali like those you’ll find in Thailand, so this beachy soiree is a welcome surprise. Dress code? All white, of course!
Full Moon White Dance Party
Location: Genius Café, Mertasari Beach, Sanur
When: 6 – 9 pm on June 10, 2017
El Kabron 6th Anniversary Party
El Kabron turns six! The clifftop venue celebrates the occasion in style by hosting a lavish soiree with live music sets, a water drum performance and fireworks. Guests can except amazing views of the Indian Ocean and a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival. Entrance is priced at IDR 650,000, which includes a IDR 300,000 food credit.
El Kabron 6th Anniversary Party
Location: El Kabron, Jalan Pantai Cemongkak, Uluwatu
When: From 4pm on June 14, 2017
Rimba – Jungle & Circus
“Exciting by day, electric by night.” So goes the slogan for Finns Beach Club and at their Rimba Jungle & Circus party, things are bound to get very sizzling indeed. The party at Canggu’s most famous beach club doesn’t stop until the small wee hours of the night. And why is this one of our favourite events in Bali? Free entry for all!
Rimba – Jungle & Circus
Location: Finns Beach Club, Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu
When: 9 pm – 3 am on June 23, 2017
Summer Series Foam Party
A foam party at Karma! Things get nice and bubbly at the luxe Karma Beach in Ungasan during their Summer Series Foam Party. DJ sets include DJ Heidy, Joshua D and more. In true Karma Kandara style, it’s set to be one the most lavish events in Bali this summer.
Summer Series Foam Party
Location: Karma Beach, Jalan Villa Kandara, Ungasan
When: June 25, 2017
Ku De Ta White Party
Every year, Ku De Ta’s annual White Party is one of the most highly anticipated events in Bali. Throw on your best snow white ensemble and head to Seminyak’s premier beach club to dance the night away.
Ku De Ta White Party
Location: Ku De Ta, Seminyak
When: TBA (August 2017)
Best Happy Hour Promos
Sippy Sundays at Mrs Sippy
Mrs Sippy is a brand-new pool club and bar in the heart of Seminyak. Their very appealing happy hour, Sippy Sundays, means 2-for-1 cocktails all day long! Before getting your drink on, head to the dive tower and impress your mates with a flawless dive.
Mrs Sippy
Location: Jalan Taman Ganesha, Gang Gagak 8, Seminyak
When: All day, every Sunday
Free Flow Fridays at Watercress
The happy hour at the hip Watercress is really something to mark on your calendar. Every Friday between 7-8 pm, this chic watering hole offers free flow margaritas and tapas. You better get there early – a deal this good packs in a full house.
Watercress
Location: Jalan Balu Belig No. 21 a, Seminyak
When: Every Friday between 7-8 pm
One Eyed Jack
One Eyed Jack’s unique happy hour offers 2-for-1 drinks for the parents and free food for the kids. That’s right: every day during happy hour, kids eat for free at this popular Japanese eatery. Definitely the most family friendly happy hour in Bali!
One Eyed Jack
Location: Pantai Berawa, Canggu
When: Every day between 5 – 7 pm
Woo Bar
W Resort’s Woo Bar lures patrons in with an intriguing happy hour combo. From Monday to Friday between 4 – 6 pm, the super popular venue offers 2-for1 signature cocktails… and a complimentary pizza!
Woo Bar
Location: Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak
When: Monday – Thursday between 4 – 6 pm
Sundays Beach Club
Now this must be the most beautiful happy hour in Bali. Sundays Beach Club occupies one of the most beautiful beaches in South Bali and every night at sunset, that beach is lit up by romantic bonfires. S’mores, anyone? During those same hours, drink promos escalate from -20% at 4 pm to -50% at 6 pm.
Sundays Beach Club
Location: Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau, Ungasan
When: Drink promos available between 4 – 9 pm, -50% discount available between 6-7 pm
Movie Nights & Events
The Joglo
The Joglo’s Kids Movie Club shows family-friendly movies every Friday starting at 6 pm. The kids package is IDR 30,000++ and includes popcorn and fruit punch. For the grownups, IDR 100,000++ for a margarita and some nachos! With movies including Finding Dory and other favourites, this is one of the best family-friendly events in Bali.
The Joglo
Location: Jalan Subak Sari 23 Berawa, Canggu
When: Every Friday at 6 pm
Finns Recreation Club
Finns Recreation Club screens starlight movies every Saturday. The event takes place on the Club’s huge football field. The program focuses on family-friendly films – look out for screenings of Kung Fu Panda 3 and Trolls during the summer months. And oh – free entry!
Finns Recreation Club
Location: Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu
When: Every Saturday at 7 pm
Karma Beach
Karma Beach is worth visiting in and of itself, but on Mondays, the venue offers something extra magical. Monday Movie Night allows you to enjoy your favourite movies playing out on the big screen right on the beach. There are two screening a night, with the first movie offering a more family-friendly option. Karma offers packages including movie plus popcorn, sushi, pizza, dessert… and yep, those amazing views. Prices start at IDR 550,000++ for two people.
Karma Beach
Location: Jalan Villa Kandara, Ungasan
When: Every Monday, screenings starting at 6.45 pm and 8.30 pm
Ombak Bali Surf Film Festival
Surf films on the beach? Yep, this is definitely one of the most “Bali” events in Bali. Ombak Bali Surf Film Festival returns after a one-year hiatus and promises a stellar display of local and international surf films. The festival also focuses on environmental issues and seeks to promote green practices and social awareness.
Ombak Bali Surf Film Festival
Location: Seminyak Beach
When: September 13 – 15, 2017
Planning a summer trip to Bali? Ministry of Villas offers over 600 villas in Bali and personalised service that goes beyond what you see online. Contact our villa specialists to find out more.
