May is arguably the "sweet spot" for visiting Bali. The island transitions into the dry season, bringing cool breezes and endless blue skies that are perfect for outdoor exploration.

If you are planning a trip, you’ve picked a fantastic month. Beyond the usual surfing and beach club lounging, the island’s calendar is packed with unique experiences, from grueling mountain marathons to world-class culinary gatherings.

To help you navigate the island during this busy month, we’ve curated a list of must-visit events.

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List of Bali Events in May 2026

Whether you are a foodie, an athlete, or a culture seeker, here is everything you need to know about the Bali event in the May 2026 scene:

1. Temuyuk Festival 2026 (TFEST)

Temuyuk Festival 2026 | Credit: Instagram: @temuyukcrew_

• Event Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
• Location: East Square Niti Mandala Renon, Denpasar

Kickstarting the month is the Temuyuk Festival, or TFEST.

This annual music festival has become a staple for the creative youth in Bali, offering a refreshing look at the local Denpasar vibe.

In 2026, the lineup is spectacular, featuring Indonesia’s soul-pop legends Maliq & D'Essentials, the upbeat tunes of HiVi!, and the ever-entertaining Aldi Taher.

It’s more than just a concert; it’s a community hub filled with curated food stalls and interactive booths where you can meet local artists.

The energy at Renon is always electric, but to keep it light, organizers have a strict policy against professional cameras, drones, and outside food.

It’s a clean, fun, and high-energy way to spend your first weekend in May.

2. Pekan Gembira Ria (PGR) Bali 2026

Pekan Gembira Ria (PGR) Bali 2026 | Credit - Instagram: @pekangembiraria

• Event Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
• Location: Mertasari Beach, Sanur

If you want to experience a "monthly payday festival" Balinese style, head over to Mertasari Beach for Pekan Gembira Ria.

This event is famous for its ambyar vibe, a uniquely Indonesian genre of melancholic yet highly danceable pop and dangdut.

With big names like NDX AKA and Mr. Jono & Joni taking the stage, expect a high-energy crowd dancing on the sand against a sunset backdrop.

Despite the party atmosphere, PGR is a non-alcohol event and is remarkably inclusive, providing priority gates for children and the elderly.

It’s a wholesome yet wild beach party that gives you a genuine taste of modern Indonesian pop culture.

If you craving something to eat after party in PGR, check our food spots recommendation in Sanur here:

The 40 Best Cafes in Sanur 2026 [+ Maps]

10 Best Late-Night Restaurants in Sanur, Bali

The 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Sanur

10 Best Buffets in Sanur, Bali [Updated 2026]

6 Best Family Restaurants in Sanur: Bali with Kids

3. BTR ULTRA 2026 (Bali Trail Running)

BTR ULTRA 2026 (Bali Trail Running) | Credit - app.balitrailrunning.com

• Event Date: May 15–17, 2026
• Location: Kintamani, Bangli

For those who prefer a physical challenge, the Bali event in May 2026 highlights include the 7th edition of BTR Ultra. Themed "Volcano to Volcano," this race is legendary among trail runners.

The race hub is located at the Batur Natural Hot Spring in Toya Bungkah, providing a surreal backdrop for the start and finish lines.

Whether you are an elite athlete tackling the brutal BTR Ultra 100K course with its 7,244m elevation gain or a casual runner doing the 15K Sunday sprint, the views of Mount Batur and the surrounding volcanic forests are unmatched.

Participants must be 18+ and have qualifying race proof for the longer distances.

After the race, there’s nothing quite like soaking your sore muscles in the natural hot springs, it's the ultimate recovery.

4. Gianyar Layang-Layang Festival

• Event Date: Throughout May 2026 (Main event May 30–31)
• Location: Masceti Beach, Gianyar

May marks the start of the windy season, and the skies above Gianyar begin to fill with giants.

This is a deeply spiritual and cultural celebration. Unlike larger commercial festivals, this one is driven by the local banjar (villages).

You will see traditional kites like the fish-shaped Bebean, the leaf-shaped Pecukan, and the majestic Janggan, which features dragon heads and tails exceeding 100 meters.

Accompanied by the rhythmic thunder of bleganjur (traditional percussion), watching these kites take flight is a soul-stirring experience.

In Balinese culture, these kites act as a message to the god Indra, praying for good harvests.

The atmosphere at Masceti Beach is authentic, loud, and incredibly colorful.

To know deeper about layang-layang festival in Bali, check our article here: Bali Kite Festival - Dates, Tips & Best Viewing Spots.

5. Ubud Food Festival (UFF)

Credit - Google Maps: Taman Kuliner - Ubud Food Festival | Shot by Nicola Couffrant

• Event Date: May 28–31, 2026
• Location: Taman Kuliner (Main Hub) & Various Restaurants in Ubud

Foodies, mark your calendars.

The 11th edition of the Ubud Food Festival returns with the theme "Farmers: Guardians of Land and Sea."

This is arguably the most prestigious culinary Bali event in May 2026, highlighting the people behind Indonesia’s rich food heritage.

The main hub at Taman Kuliner hosts over 70 food vendors and live cooking demos at the Teater Kuliner.

For a more intimate experience, you can book Masterclasses with award-winning chefs or join Food Tours that take you foraging in the jungles of Kintamani.

While the main market and many talks are free to enter, the special "Chef’s Table" dinners at restaurants like Indus sell out fast.

It’s a four-day celebration of taste, culture, and sustainability.

6. Bali Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF)

Bali Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) | Credit - bbtf.co.id

• Event Date: May 28–30, 2026
• Location: Bali International Convention Centre (BICC), Nusa Dua

For those interested in the future of travel, BBTF is Indonesia’s leading B2B travel trade fair.

The 2026 theme, "Redefining Indonesia's Gastronomy Journey," focuses on celebrating cultural and sustainable heritage.

It brings together hundreds of buyers from over 40 countries to discover new destinations across the archipelago.

While the core of the event is professional networking and "TRAVEX" (Travel Exchange) sessions, it’s a significant event that shapes how tourists will experience Indonesia in the years to come.

It’s a great place to learn about upcoming travel trends and new "must-visit" spots beyond the usual tourist trails.

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With events scattered from the peaks of Kintamani to the beaches of Sanur, getting around is your biggest hurdle.

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