Disclaimer: Event dates can sometimes change, particularly for community festivals. Check with the organizer or venue before traveling.
October is a great time to visit Bali because plenty of exciting events are happening across the island. Since it’s a shoulder season, you can enjoy cultural festivals, local traditions, live music, and creative events without the big crowds you’d find in July or August.
The weather in October is expected to be warm and dry because of El Niño. Average temperatures usually range from 28 to 32°C, but it can feel different depending on whether you’re by the coast, in the mountains, or inland.
Humidity can be high, especially near the coast and in lowland areas. Mountain spots like Ubud and Kintamani are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. Keep in mind that sea conditions can change quickly, so it’s best to stay flexible with boat and diving plans.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best events happening in Bali this October 2026.
1. Oktoberfest at Das Bistro by Mama’s
- Dates: 15–16 October 2026
- Time: 5:00 p.m. to midnight
- Location: Das Bistro by Mama’s, Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 88A, Pemogan, South Denpasar
- Entry fee: IDR 200,000 (adult), IDR 100,000 (children under 16)
- Where to book: +62 812-4652-9186 (WhatsApp) or via official website: dasbistrobymamas.com
If you’re after a lively food and music event, check out Oktoberfest at Das Bistro by Mama’s on Friday and Saturday, 15–16 October 2026. The celebration takes place inside a large, air-conditioned tent set up like a classic German beer hall.
The schedule includes Bavarian food, German beer, live music, and festival games. The Anton German Show Band will play both nights. On Friday, you can also catch the Arenbee Band, and on Saturday, Crazy Horse Bali will perform.
You can look forward to dishes like pork knuckles, Bavarian pork ribs, German sausages, Nuremberg bratwurst, and pretzels. Drinks on offer include Erdinger, draft Weizen and Dunkel, Bintang, Heineken, Koenig Ludwig beer, plus spirits, cocktails, and wine.
Read More: Where to Stay in Bali for First-Time Visitors (2026 Travel Guide)
2. Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
- Dates: 21–25 October 2026
- Time: Programme times vary by session
- Location: Ubud, Bali
- Entry fee: International 4-Day Festival Pass: IDR 7,800,000. International 1-Day Festival Pass: IDR 2,400,000. KITAS/KITAP and ASEAN rates are also available. Special events, workshops and cultural sessions may require separate tickets.
- Where to book: ubudwritersfestival.com
The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is one of Bali's best-known literary events. The 2026 programme is expected to include author talks, panel discussions, readings, performances, and community activities. The official website promotes access to more than 100 sessions across the main programme.
This festival is perfect if you’re looking for a slower pace and a more cultural experience. It’s also a great excuse to check out Ubud’s bookshops, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and cultural spots.
3. Zamna Bali
- Dates: 17–18 October 2026
- Time: Doors open at 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Savaya Bali, Pecatu, Uluwatu
- Entry fee: General Admission (17 October): IDR 1,200,000. General Admission for 18 October: IDR 800,000. Two-day General Admission: IDR 1,600,000.
- Age requirement: 21+; valid identification is required.
- Where to book: savaya.com
Zamna is an international electronic-music event held at Savaya Bali, one of the best beach clubs in Bali with cliffside venue in Uluwatu. The October 2026 programme is scheduled over two days, with DJs performing from afternoon into evening.
If this event is a highlight of your trip, book your tickets and accommodation early. Uluwatu covers a large area, and getting between venues can take longer than you might expect, especially when it’s busy.
Tickets can’t be refunded or transferred, so read the event conditions carefully before you buy.
4. Nusa Penida Festival
- Dates: 8–10 October 2026
- Time: Programme times vary
- Location: Nusa Penida
- Entry fee: Free
- Where to book: No ticket booking is required for the main festival programme.
The Nusa Penida Festival celebrates the island’s culture, landscapes and local communities. Visitors may find traditional performances, local food, outdoor activities and programmes connected with conservation.
This festival lets you enjoy local culture along with Nusa Penida’s beautiful beaches, cliffs, and snorkeling spots. Since transport can get busy, it’s a good idea to stay overnight instead of just coming for the day.
The festival is free, but you’ll still need to budget for the boat ride, local transport, accommodation, and any extra activities like snorkeling or diving.
5. Indonesian Cigar Festival
- Dates: 1–3 October 2026
- Time: Programme times vary
- Location: Atrium Bali Collection, ITDC Nusa Dua
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Where to book: No ticket booking is required for general admission.
The Indonesian Cigar Festival brings together Indonesian cigar producers, cigar communities, businesses, creative industries and visitors. The event is expected to include cigar-related exhibitors, tastings, music and hospitality activities.
The festival is open to everyone and doesn’t require an entrance ticket, based on the latest event info. Still, check for any age restrictions on tastings or other adult activities.
Bali Collection is a handy spot if you’re staying in Nusa Dua. Some hotels nearby might even offer shuttle services to the venue.
6. Korean Culture Week
- Date: 2 October 2026
- Time: Programme times vary
- Location: ICON BALI, Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 27, Sanur, Denpasar
- Entry fee: Free
- Where to book: No registration needed
Korean Culture Week will feature Korean food, traditional clothing like hanbok, music, and cultural entertainment. It’s a great choice if you’re staying in Sanur, Denpasar, or southern Bali and want to enjoy a cultural event close to the airport.
7. Klungkung Heritage Festival
- Dates: 10–11 October 2026
- Time: Programme times vary
- Location: Semarapura, Klungkung, including the Kertha Gosa and Taman Gili area
- Entry fee: The main public festival programme is free. The Kertha Gosa and Taman Gili complex may charge its normal entrance fee.
- Where to book: Booking is normally not required.
Klungkung Heritage Festival takes place around important historical locations, including Kertha Gosa and Taman Gili. The event offers an opportunity to learn more about Balinese history, traditional arts and the former Klungkung royal centre.
The programme is expected to include traditional dance, gamelan, processions, crafts and Kamasan art. The public festival programme is listed as free, although normal admission may apply for heritage attractions.
Semarapura is quieter than the main tourist spots in southern Bali. It's a handy stop if you’re traveling between Ubud, East Bali, and the coast.
8. Bali Climate Week
- Dates: 13–17 October 2026
- Time: Programme times vary
- Location: Sanur Low-Emission Zone
- Entry fee: Some programmes require registration. A general public ticket price has not been published.
- Where to book: daftar.pekaniklimbali.id/en/
Bali Climate Week is expected to focus on climate, sustainability, low-emission initiatives, and environmental action. The programme includes a Public Policy Forum, Climate Investment Forum, Innovation Exploration, and People’s Festival.
Sanur is a good base for this event since it has plenty of tourist facilities, local communities, beaches, and public spaces. Check the registration details for each program, as some forums and public activities may have different access rules.
9. Tulamben Ocean Harmony Festival
- Dates: 22–24 October 2026
- Time: Programme times vary
- Location: Rest Area Tulamben, Karangasem, East Bali
- Entry fee: Cultural and public activities are expected to be free. Diving, boat trips and other specialist activities may require separate payment.
- Where to book:
Tulamben is known for diving and marine attractions, including the USAT Liberty shipwreck. The Ocean Harmony Festival is designed around the relationship between ocean tourism, conservation and local communities.
The 2026 event is scheduled for 22–24 October at Rest Area Tulamben. The programme is expected to include environmental activities, marine education, local culture and community events.
You can enjoy the festival along with diving, snorkeling, and a peaceful stay in East Bali. If you want to dive, use a licensed operator, check certification requirements, and check sea conditions before booking.
Read More: What to Do in Karangasem Bali for Best Places and Experiences
Where to Stay for October Events
The best place to stay depends on which events you want to attend. If you’re planning to go to events in different areas, it’s better not to switch hotels every night. Bali’s traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s usually easier to pick one main base for most of your activities, then explore by renting a motorbike or hiring a private driver.
To save money, consider booking a villa, which often offers lower rates for longer stays compared to hotels. Hotels usually charge per room per night and are smaller in size.
With a villa, you get a whole building to yourself, no shared amenities, and it’s great for monthly stays or groups. It’s usually better value.
Want to know which villa suits your next Bali trip? We’re ready to find one for you—free with no commitment. Reach out anytime!
Conclusion
Bali October events offer a strong mix of culture, music, literature, sustainability, and outdoor experiences. The month is especially attractive to travelers who prefer a less crowded island and do not mind preparing for occasional rain. Always confirm final event dates before traveling.
