Ubud, Bali – Late September in Ubud will feel different. The Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), a cultural landmark in Bali’s artistic hub, is bringing back ARMA Fest 2025 on September 27–28. After a long pause, this annual festival returns with the theme “Preserving Culture,” inviting both locals and travelers to enjoy art while reflecting on the importance of safeguarding heritage.
Two Days of Art and Inspiration
Over two days, visitors will experience a full program celebrating Bali’s cultural richness: traditional dances such as Legong and Pendet, gamelan concerts, and exhibitions showcasing traditional and contemporary artworks. Interactive workshops add another dimension, with opportunities to paint traditional motifs, learn to play gamelan, and practice writing Balinese script. These activities are designed to engage visitors directly, not just as spectators but as participants.
Inclusive for Locals and Travelers
ARMA Fest 2025 is designed to be inclusive. Local residents can join for free, while international visitors only pay IDR 100,000 per day. This policy reflects the festival’s mission to make culture accessible, encouraging locals to stay connected with their heritage while allowing tourists to enjoy an authentic cultural immersion at a reasonable cost.
A Living Museum Experience
Unlike most festivals, ARMA Fest takes place within the museum’s grounds, surrounded by Balinese-style architecture, lush gardens, and world-class art collections. As gamelan echoes through the courtyards and dances unfold under the open sky, the museum transforms into a living cultural stage, uniting past and present in a uniquely intimate setting.
Impact for Ubud and Local Artists
For Ubud, ARMA Fest is more than just a cultural event—it is a statement of identity. The festival provides a stage for young artists to perform alongside masters, and it strengthens local creative industries through craft and culinary bazaars. Affordable access also encourages a stronger bond between locals and their arts, while positioning Ubud firmly as Bali’s cultural heart.
Looking Ahead to ARMA Fest as an Annual Calendar Event
The return of ARMA Fest this year is welcome news for Bali’s cultural and tourism scene. Organizers plan to make it a recurring annual event, expanding collaborations with international artists while staying true to its mission: celebrating and preserving culture.
As founder Agung Rai said, “Art is not only to be seen, but to be protected and passed on.” With that spirit, ARMA Fest 2025 is not just entertainment—it is a call to appreciate and preserve culture amid the tides of modern change.
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