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Four Major Festivals Set for Bali in May 2026, From Trail Running to Culinary and Cultural Events

Kadek Dodo

Published :

UTC+8

Traditional Legong Keraton Lasem dance performance during a cultural festival in Denpasar, Bali.
Traditional Legong Keraton Lasem dance performance during a cultural festival in Denpasar, Bali.

BALI, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali is set to host four major festivals in May 2026 as part of its official Calendar of Events (CoE), offering a mix of sports, culinary experiences, tourism promotion, and cultural showcases across the island.

The scheduled events include the Batur Trail Run (BTR Ultra), Ubud Food Festival, Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF), and the Gianyar Kite Festival.

Head of the Bali Tourism Office, I Wayan Sumarajaya, said the events are designed to strengthen Bali’s position as a high-quality tourism destination that combines natural beauty with cultural and spiritual values.

“Each event is encouraged to implement sustainable tourism principles, be environmentally friendly, inclusive, and respectful of Bali’s cultural traditions,” he said.

He emphasized that collaboration between stakeholders remains essential, involving government bodies, tourism businesses, traditional villages, creative communities, academics, and media partners.

“Collaboration across all sectors is key to making the 2026 Bali Calendar of Events a shared reference for planning, promotion, and implementation, ensuring aligned efforts in advancing Bali’s tourism,” he added.

Key Events in May 2026

BTR Ultra (May 15–17, 2026)

An international trail running event set around Mount Batur, challenging participants across mountainous terrain, forests, and rural landscapes. The event promotes eco-friendly outdoor sports while showcasing Bali’s natural environment and local culture. It offers multiple categories, from fun runs to ultra marathons, attracting both amateur and professional runners from around the world.

Ubud Food Festival (May 29–31, 2026)

Held in Ubud, this annual international culinary festival highlights Indonesian flavors alongside global cuisine. The program includes cooking demonstrations, workshops, food markets, and panel discussions, bringing together chefs, industry professionals, and food enthusiasts. It also serves as a platform to promote sustainable local products.

Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (May 28–30, 2026)

Taking place in Nusa Dua, BBTF is Indonesia’s largest tourism trade exhibition, connecting domestic and international travel industry players. The event features business matching sessions, destination presentations, and familiarization tours aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s tourism market globally.

Gianyar Kite Festival (May 2026)

A cultural event celebrating traditional Balinese kite art, featuring large-scale kites, community participation, and traditional music performances. The festival highlights local creativity while preserving cultural heritage and attracting visitors.

With a diverse lineup of events, Bali continues to position itself as a destination that blends tourism, culture, and sustainability for both domestic and international audiences.

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