Bali in October 2026: Events, Festivals & Things to Do

October brings a change of rhythm to Bali. The island begins its transition from the dry season toward wetter months, bringing warmer, more humid days and the possibility of short tropical showers. Yet there is still plenty of sunshine for beaches, temples, outdoor adventures, and afternoons spent exploring.

For travelers wondering what to do in Bali in October 2026, the month offers a particularly interesting mix of culture, literature, food, wellness, nightlife, and outdoor experiences. The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is one of the month's major cultural highlights, while traditional festivals, sporting events, and Bali's year-round experiences fill the rest of the calendar.

October at a Glance

Headline dates: 8 October (Diplo at Savaya) · 10 October (PRIMA Trail Run) · 10–12 October (Gebug Seraya Festival) · 17–18 October (Zamna Bali) · 21–25 October (Ubud Writers & Readers Festival).

Culture & Arts

October invites you to look beyond Bali’s beaches and discover the art, traditions, and creative voices that continue to shape the island.

SASAMA Collective Art Exhibition

From 10–31 October 2026, Blue Karma Creative Hub presents SASAMA, a collective exhibition bringing together 20 artists to explore different perspectives on giving, sharing, and contributing.

Rooted in both traditional and contemporary practices, the exhibition reflects on the meaning of an offering and how it can take shape through art.

Opening Night: 10 October 2026 · 6 PM
Where: Blue Karma Creative Hub, Seminyak

Good to know: The exhibition continues until 31 October, offering plenty of time to visit throughout the month.

Check Blue Karma Creative Hub Instagram for more information on their activities, workshops, and events.

Gebug Seraya Festival

Held in Seraya, Karangasem, the Gebug Seraya Festival celebrates a distinctive Balinese tradition involving ritual rattan stick fighting.

More than a performance, Gebug Seraya is connected to the cultural traditions of the Seraya community and is an opportunity to encounter a lesser-seen side of Bali's living heritage.

When: 10–12 October 2026 · Where: Seraya, Karangasem.

Good to know: Treat traditional performances and ceremonies respectfully. Follow local guidance, especially when religious elements are involved.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

One of October's defining cultural events is the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, returning from 21–25 October 2026.

Writers, poets, journalists, artists, and thinkers gather in Ubud for conversations, readings, performances, workshops, dinners, and special events across town.

The festival transforms Ubud into an even livelier meeting place for ideas and creativity, making late October particularly appealing for travelers interested in literature and contemporary culture.

When: 21–25 October 2026 · Where: Various venues across Ubud.

Good to know: Popular sessions and special events can fill quickly, so check the program and arrange tickets ahead of time.

The Living Calendar: Temples & Ceremonies

Away from organized festivals, Bali continues to follow its own spiritual calendar.

Temple anniversaries, offerings, processions, and ceremonies can be encountered throughout the island. These are part of everyday Balinese religious life rather than scheduled tourist performances.

If you are invited or permitted to observe, dress respectfully in a sarong and sash and follow the guidance of the local community.

Music, Nightlife & Beach Clubs

October may mark the beginning of Bali's seasonal transition, but the island's nightlife calendar remains busy.

October at Savaya

The clifftops of Uluwatu welcome a strong lineup of international electronic music throughout October.

Diplo is scheduled to perform at Savaya on 8 October, followed by the two-day Zamna Bali program on 17–18 October. Closing the month, Jonas Blue takes the stage on 30 October, followed by Hayden James on 31 October.

Whether you're drawn by international DJs or simply an afternoon overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu remains one of Bali's most dramatic destinations for sunset entertainment.

Bali After Dark

Elsewhere, Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Umalas offer very different versions of Bali after dark.

Canggu combines bars, clubs, and late-night venues; Seminyak offers established restaurants and sophisticated nightlife; while Uluwatu is known for its dramatic cliffside settings.

Good to know: October weather can become less predictable later in the month. For outdoor venues, check the forecast and event schedule before heading out.

Sports & Outdoor Activities

October is still an excellent time to stay active in Bali, particularly during the morning before temperatures and humidity rise.

PRIMA Trail Run 2026

For runners looking for a different way to experience Bali's landscape, PRIMA Trail Run 2026 takes place at Pandawa Beach.

Participants can choose between 7K, 15K, and 34K categories, combining sport with the natural landscapes surrounding southern Bali.

When: 10 October 2026 · Where: Pandawa Beach, Badung.

Bali Hockey Festival

October also brings the Bali Hockey Festival, included in Bali's official 2026 calendar of events.

The sporting event is scheduled at Lapangan Banteng in Badung, adding another dimension to an October calendar usually dominated by cultural and lifestyle experiences.

Diving in Tulamben

For underwater adventures, head east to Tulamben, one of Bali's best-known diving destinations.

The waters around Tulamben are home to coral, marine life, and the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck, making the area popular with both experienced divers and beginners.

October's transition toward the rainy season does not automatically mean poor diving conditions, but visibility and sea conditions can vary, so check locally before setting out.

Hiking & Waterfalls

Early mornings remain the best time for outdoor adventures.

A sunrise hike around Mount Batur, a walk through the rice fields surrounding Ubud, or a day exploring waterfalls around Gianyar and central Bali can offer a refreshing contrast to the coast.

Sightseeing & Iconic Bali

October rewards travelers who keep their itinerary flexible.

Short showers can provide the perfect excuse for a long lunch or spa ritual, while clearer mornings can be dedicated to temples, rice terraces, and the island's landscapes.

Explore Ubud

With the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival taking place in October, this is an especially interesting month to spend time in Bali's cultural heart.

Beyond the festival, explore Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple, Ubud Art Market, nearby rice fields, galleries, artisan workshops, and the surrounding villages.

Temple Hopping

Some of Bali's most memorable temples are within easy reach of Ubud and southern Bali.

Tirta Empul offers insight into Balinese purification traditions, while Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Ulun Danu Beratan each reveal a different relationship between Balinese architecture, spirituality, and landscape.

Good to know: Temples are active religious spaces. Wear a sarong and sash where required and follow local rules during ceremonies.

Rice Terraces & Countryside

The landscapes surrounding Tegallalang and Jatiluwih remain beautiful in October.

Jatiluwih is particularly rewarding for travelers who want more space to walk, cycle, and observe Bali's traditional subak irrigation landscape at a slower pace.

East Bali

October's cultural calendar also offers a reason to explore further east.

Combine a trip toward Karangasem with temples, villages, coastal landscapes, and diving around Tulamben for a side of Bali that feels distinctly different from the southern resort areas.

Food & Culinary

Bali's food scene moves easily between traditional warungs, modern Indonesian restaurants, Japanese comfort food, healthy cafés, and increasingly thoughtful plant-forward dining.

October's occasional tropical shower also gives travelers an excellent excuse to linger at the table a little longer.

Discover Modern Indonesian & Asian Flavors

Ubud remains one of Bali's most rewarding dining destinations.

At Botanist by Blue Karma Secrets, Modern Indonesian and Asian flavors are interpreted through fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation.

Every Sunday evening in October, Botanist hosts a Vegetarian Buffet from 6 PM, accompanied by live Balinese flute from 7–9 PM.

Healthy Dining in Seminyak

In Seminyak, healthy dining does not have to feel restrictive.

BKeto by Blue Karma Secrets brings together nourishing dishes and relaxed dining, with October experiences including BBQ Keto Monday, Wine & Bowls, and the Post-Workout Table.

Japanese Comfort in Umalas

For contemporary Japanese flavors, Hiiragi by Blue Karma Secrets at Blue Karma Village offers healthy Japanese comfort food in the quieter surroundings of Umalas.

October also brings Sunset Sangria in the afternoon and The After-Work Highball every Saturday evening.

Across BKeto, Botanist, and Hiiragi, guests dining during October can also enjoy The Infusion Ritual, with one medicinal infusion offered with any meal.

Wellness & Healing

Bali's wellness culture feels particularly suited to October.

As the season shifts, it can be a moment to slow the pace of a busy itinerary and create more space for movement, rest, bodywork, and reflection.

Transformational Breathwork & Trauma Release

At Blue Karma Wellness, Transformational Breathwork & Trauma Release is facilitated by Jero Buddhi and Jero Ratih.

The 90-minute experience is available privately, for couples, or in groups, with sessions held at The Dome in Umalas and Sarang Yoga Shala in Ubud.

7 Chakra Yoga Workshop

October also welcomes a 75-minute 7 Chakra Yoga Workshop at Blue Karma Umalas.

Led by certified yoga facilitator Desak Henny, the workshop moves through opening meditation, Nadi Shodhana alternate nostril breathing, gentle Hatha Yoga, and guided chakra meditation accompanied by Tibetan singing bowls.

When: 6 & 13 October 2026 · Time: 4 PM · Where: Blue Karma Umalas.

Emotional Healing & Life Transitions

For travelers looking for a more immersive experience, October's Emotional Healing & Life Transitions program offers four days and three nights dedicated to restoration and inner reflection.

The journey combines Yin Yoga, Breathwork & Trauma Release, Reiki, Sound Bath, spa treatments, wellness meals, Ceremonial Cacao, and a Grounding Elixir Protocol, supported by the Blue Karma Wellness team.

Spa Rituals Across Bali

October is also a natural time to explore Bali's restorative bodywork.

At Blue Karma, Mudara Spa in Seminyak focuses this month on Ayurvedic Shirodhara, Heiwa Spa in Umalas offers Infrared Sauna & Ice Bath experiences, while Flying Bamboo Spa in Ubud features Colonic Hydrotherapy.

Guests can also explore The Reset, The Restore, and The Ritual, three treatment journeys available across Blue Karma's spa destinations in Seminyak, Umalas, and Ubud.

Family & Kids

Bali offers plenty of options for families, even when October's weather becomes less predictable.

Kids Friday Pack

Every Friday afternoon, Hiiragi at Blue Karma Village welcomes younger guests for its Kids Friday Pack.

Children can enjoy creative activities, games, snacks, refreshing drinks, and playful moments while parents relax nearby.

When: Every Friday, 3–5 PM · Where: Blue Karma Village, Umalas · Price: IDR 180,000++ per child.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Waterbom Bali

For a full day of activity, Waterbom Bali in Kuta remains one of the island's most established family attractions, with water slides, pools, tropical gardens, and areas suitable for different age groups.

Bali Zoo

Bali Zoo in Gianyar offers another easy family day out, particularly for younger children interested in animals and interactive experiences.

Good to know: With October's increasing chance of rain, keep one indoor or flexible activity available when planning days with children.

Know Before You Go

October sits around the transition between Bali's drier months and the wetter season. That does not mean constant rain.

Instead, travelers should be prepared for a combination of sunshine, humidity, cloud cover, and occasional tropical showers.

Weather & Packing

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing alongside sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat.

Unlike September, adding a light rain jacket or compact umbrella is increasingly useful in October.

A sarong is also useful for temple visits, although many major temples provide one at the entrance.

Getting Around

Traffic remains one of the most important considerations when planning a Bali itinerary.

Allow extra travel time around Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Uluwatu, particularly during afternoon and evening hours.

Private drivers are practical for longer sightseeing days, while ride-hailing services are widely available in many tourism areas.

Stay Flexible

October is a month when flexibility pays off.

Plan outdoor activities for the morning where possible, and keep restaurants, spas, galleries, workshops, or wellness experiences as alternatives if an afternoon shower arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What events are happening in Bali in October 2026?
Major October events include the Gebug Seraya Festival from 10–12 October, PRIMA Trail Run on 10 October, and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival from 21–25 October. Bali's nightlife calendar also includes international electronic music events throughout the month.

Is October a good month to visit Bali?
October can be an appealing shoulder-season month for Bali. Travelers can still enjoy beaches, temples, restaurants, outdoor activities, and cultural events, although increasing humidity and occasional rain should be expected as the island moves toward its wetter season.

What is the weather like in Bali in October?
October is a transitional month. Conditions are generally warm and humid, with sunny periods mixed with a growing chance of tropical showers, particularly as the month progresses.

What should I pack for Bali in October?
Bring lightweight clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a hat, and temple-appropriate clothing. A compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is also useful.

What is happening in Ubud in October 2026?
One of the major highlights is the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival from 21–25 October. Ubud also offers year-round yoga, wellness experiences, cultural performances, galleries, temples, rice-field walks, and dining experiences.

Is October good for wellness in Bali?
Yes. Yoga, meditation, massage, breathwork, sound healing, spa treatments, and holistic programs continue throughout the month, particularly around Ubud and Umalas.

Are there things to do in Bali with children in October?
Yes. Waterbom Bali, Bali Zoo, beaches, cultural attractions, and creative children's programs provide plenty of options. Because October can bring occasional rain, keeping a flexible or indoor alternative is helpful.

Spending October in Bali with Blue Karma

October is an invitation to experience Bali with a little more freedom.

A clear morning may lead you toward temples and rice fields. An afternoon shower might become an opportunity for a long lunch, a restorative spa ritual, or simply a moment to slow down. And an evening might unfold over a Balinese flute performance in Ubud, a sunset drink in Umalas, or a quiet dinner in Seminyak.

Across Blue Karma Dijiwa Seminyak, Blue Karma Village in Umalas, and Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud, October brings together dining experiences, spa rituals, family moments, and deeper wellness journeys.

See everything happening this month in Blue Karma's October 2026 Programme.