The sound of gamelan, colorful costumes, and the energy of thousands of artists marked the start of the Bali Arts Festival 2025 last Saturday, June 21. Held at the iconic Taman Budaya Art Center in Denpasar, this annual celebration has once again brought the island’s living heritage to life, running until July 19, 2025.
For 47 consecutive years, PKB has remained a stage for Bali’s rich cultural expression. “This is an extraordinary event. The Bali Arts Festival has been running continuously for 47 years, and we can witness the cultural expressions from every regency and city, and ISI Bali opened it first,” said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, expressing his admiration during the lively opening parade.
Beyond the mesmerizing parades and performances, the festival carries strategic weight for tourism. The Deputy Minister of Tourism highlighted how perfectly PKB aligns with the school holiday season.
“We see that PKB is held in June, which coincides with the school holiday season. Just yesterday, flight tickets to Bali were fully booked, and hotels were also doing very well. So we hope this can help boost domestic tourist movement,” she said in Denpasar.
This year’s event is part of the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), making it a key feature on the national tourism calendar. “So the impact is truly remarkable,” added the Deputy Minister, who comes from Buleleng.
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The Bali Arts Festival XLVII presents a wide range of activities that span nearly a month, ensuring there’s something for every visitor. Highlights include:
- Wimbakara, a series of art and cultural competitions
- Widyatula, symposiums and discussions on cultural topics
- Rekasadana, performances from artists representing all of Bali’s regencies and cities
- Kandarupa, exhibitions that explore and celebrate art and culture
- Utsawa, themed parades showcasing the diversity of Balinese arts
- Peed Aya, the grand opening parade of PKB
- Adhi Sewaka Nugraha, awards honoring dedicated art contributors
- Jantra Tradisi Bali, a week celebrating regional cultural traditions
- Bali World Culture Celebration, connecting Balinese culture with global audiences
- Kriyaloka, workshops centered around cultural themes
Open to everyone, the festival offers more than just entertainment. It’s a space for reflection, education, and deeper connection with Bali’s artistic soul—whether through performances, discussions, exhibitions, or award ceremonies.
With events stretching from June 21 to July 19, travelers can plan their visits flexibly. Weekends promise the most vibrant atmosphere, while weekdays offer a calmer setting to truly appreciate the island’s cultural treasures.
Once again, the Bali Arts Festival 2025 proves that Bali isn’t only about stunning beaches, but also about living traditions that continue to inspire, unite, and captivate the world.
