Held annually at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre in Denpasar, the Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali) runs for a full month each June–July and is the best single place to experience the island’s performing arts.
The opening parade The festival opens with a spectacular procession of dancers, gamelan orchestras and elaborate floats from every regency in Bali. It’s free to watch and worth arriving early for a good spot.
Nightly performances Each evening brings classical and contemporary dance, wayang shadow puppetry and gamelan competitions between villages. Programmes are published daily — a local guide can help you pick the highlights.
Getting there The Art Centre is an easy transfer from Sanur, Kuta or Ubud. Evenings are busy, so arrange a driver who can wait and bring you back.
Come hungry and curious: the surrounding food and craft stalls are half the fun.
