PUBLISHED August 29th, 2018 10:06 am | UPDATED July 28th, 2024 01:35 am
This edition of our monthly roundup of the best happenings in Bali sees a whole host of international DJs – such as Breakbot, Niconé, and Jeremy Olander – jetting into town. Experience the sand, sea, and surf from another perspective with the Ombak Bali Surf Film Festival, or head into the lush greenery of Ubud for a musically productive retreat. Read more for our top picks of events, parties, and festivals going on in Bali this September:
Soundrenaline 2018
With their 16thedition themed The Soul of Expression, Soundrenaline is back with a highly anticipated lineup of international musicians starring American nu-metal band Limp Bizkit on the headline, Zee Avi, Yellow Fang, and Phum Viphurit alongside Indonesian legendary and arising musicians such as Barasuara, Burgerkill and Navicula. Head over to A Camp to experience Thunderdome; a ‘1985 Mad Max-inspired’ interactive musical installation by Bali Kedux Garage where you get to explore your creativity through music instruments and sounds.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 8 – 9 September 2018
Where: Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), Uluwatu
Entry: Rp. 350k for two-day general admission and Rp. 2.500.000 for glamping package, available here.
Niconé at Jenja
German-based electronic musician Niconé, also known as Alexander Gerlach, will be taking over Jenja’s Friday boogie by storm. Niconé stands out for his soul bending deep house/electronic tracks and his way of getting a crowd of people dancing to all sorts of emotions through his innovative and euphoric electronic tunes til’ sunrise, so expect those Berlin party vibes on the basement dancefloor all night long.
When: Friday, 28 September 2018, 11pm-4am
Where: Jenja Bali
Entry: Rp. 250k, see here for more information
Jeremy Olander at Woobar
Don’t miss out on Swedish DJ, producer andowner Jeremy Olander on a night of drum-oriented electronic and techno tunes at Woobar to begin the month! Jeremy has been busting in the music industry for 8 years, with rapturous labels such as microCastle, Bedrock and Suara having released his tracks, as well as his very own Vivrant which he found in late 2015.
When: Saturday, 1 September 2018, from 10pm
Where: Woobar, Seminyak
Entry: Free, see here for more information
For The Love: Hayden James
Presented by Life Without Andy and Nana Judy, For The LoveBali edition 2018 is making its way to Mrs Sippy for a day by the pool with Hayden James on the deck. The Sydney-based songwriter and producer, who recently released his single Just Friends (feat. Boy Matthews), will be taking you on a tropical evening of smooth house selections til’ late. Mrs Sippy’s very own residents will be kicking off the party from noon!
When: Saturday, 1 September 2018, 12 noon to 10pm
Where: Mrs Sippy Bali, Seminyak
Entry: From A$46.60 per person, available here
Ombak Bali Surf Film Festival 2018
Celebrating a decade of their epic independent film festivals, Ombak Bali 2018 returns to their annual beachfront venue with a four-day birthday bash lined up with jaw-dropping surf films and documentaries. There’s also an inspiring Ocean, Island & Light photo exhibition by Tommy Schultz and music performances by the opening act Marapu, followed by a number of live bands and DJs.
When: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 – 15 September 2018
Where: La Laguna Beach Club, Berawa
Entry: Free, see here for more information
Resistance Bali
Join ULTRA’s techno brand Resistance at the island edition of their iconic electronic/techno music party, happening right by the mesmerizing ocean view of Ulu Cliffhouse. With previous international lineups featuring Adam Beyer, Dubfire and Technasia, Resistance 2018 brings you another round of their groundbreaking world-class musicians and DJs such as Eats Everything (UK), Jackmaster (UK), and more yet to be announced.
When: Saturday, 15 September 2018
Where: Ulu Cliffhouse, Uluwatu
Entry: Early bird tickets from Rp. 500k, available here.
Disco Charity Lunch
In the spirit of healing Lombok after a devastating earthquake last month, Da Maria will be hosting a charity lunch in celebration of Margaret Barry, founder of Bali Children Foundation upon receiving the Order of Australia Medal for Services to Education in Bali. Proceeds will go to Lombok Disaster Relief, Nusa Lembongan Environmental Education Programs by Bali Children Foundation, and upgrades to the Recycling Program by the Friends of Lembongan. Champagne tastings, lucky door prizes, art exhibition, groovy music, and best dress awards included!
When: Friday, 14 September 2018, 12pm-5pm
Where: Da Maria, Petitenget
Entry: Rp. 625k, includes lunch and welcome drinks. See here for more information
Rapture – Mulia Summer Party
To kick off the last quarter of the year, Mulia Resort & Villas is hosting a chic daytime party under the tropical Bali sky within the stunning coastline of Nusa Dua, overlooking the shimmering Indian Ocean.Expect a new level of sophisticated entertainment featuring world-renowned singers such as Fergie, Mark Ronson, Liam Payne, and Sebastien Izambard (of classical pop group Il Divo), as well as a lineup of international DJs.
When: Saturday, 1 September 2018, 12pm-8pm
Where: Mulia Resort & Villas
Entry: General admission at Rp. 3.100.000, available here.
Trance Retreat Bali 2018
Calling all music enthusiasts and producers in the making! Trance Retreat 2018 will be gracing the island of the Gods with its week-long electronic/trance music producing program happening in Ubud this month. Following their winter edition in Berlin and summer edition in the mountains of Bulgaria, Trance Retreat is now opening interviews to those who want to learn from some of the world’s most talented musicians/instructors such as Roger Shah, Richard Durand, and programme founder Dennis Sheperd himself.
When: Sunday-Sunday, 16 – 23 September 2018
Where: Ubud, Bali
Entry: From €2499 per person, see here for more information.
Phoenix Sundays: Breakbot
Phoenix Sundays at OMNIA drops yet another surprise gig starring French ‘disco Jesus’ Breakbot – real name Thibaut Berland-this September. Having gained recognition from Ed Banger Records in his early musical journey in 2009, followed by a massive hit single ‘Baby I’m Yours’ in 2010 with singer Irfane on vocals. From then, Breakbot effectively became a duo and the pair will be bringing their modern-retro disco summer tunes crafted with elements of techno & futuristic sounds to Bali this month.
When: Sunday, 16 September 2018, 11am onwards
Where: OMNIA, Uluwatu
Entry: Rp. 750k for early entry before 3 PM and Rp. 850k for regular entry, see here for more information.
Top image: OMNIA Bali
An art curator turned a nomad as of late, Chitra currently spends her days juggling between cooking, journalism and pottery. Having lived a few years in multiple countries away from home, the photography-and-poetry enthusiast decided to reside back in Indonesia, choosing Bali as the place to reconnect with her creativity and passions.