Yogyakarta offers a dazzling array of cultural festivals that run all year long. Far beyond its majestic temples and natural beauty, this city is a vibrant hub of living traditions, community art, and celebration.
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With a wide range of themes, from Chinese heritage and contemporary art to traditional gamelan and childhood memories, there’s always something happening in Yogyakarta. Some festivals occur annually, others biennially, and each has its own charm. To help you plan your visit, here’s a curated calendar of Yogyakarta’s most anticipated cultural festivals, complete with highlights and what to expect.
1. Pesta Boneka (Indonesia Puppet Biennale Festival)
- Instagram: @pesta_boneka
Held every two years since 2008 by Papermoon Puppet Theatre, Pesta Boneka is one of the most unique international puppet festivals in Southeast Asia. It brings together artists from around the world to explore contemporary puppetry through performances, installations, films, and workshops.
In 2024, the 9th edition “Seeds of Hope” transformed Kampoeng Media into a creative playground for five days, offering a rare chance to experience puppet art as a platform for dialogue and activism. Visitors were not only entertained but also invited to engage with important social and environmental issues through hands-on activities.
Looking ahead, the 10th edition is expected in October 2026 with the theme “Holding Hands.” If your trip aligns, don’t miss this immersive blend of playfulness and powerful storytelling.
2. ARTJOG
- Instagram: @artjog.id
ARTJOG is one of the biggest art festivals in Indonesia, held annually at the Jogja National Museum. Since its inception in 2008, it has become a major highlight on Indonesia’s art calendar, offering thought-provoking curatorial themes and interactive exhibitions.
The 2025 edition, titled “Motif: Amalan,” invites artists and visitors alike to reflect on art as a form of spiritual and social practice. This multi-sensory event isn’t just about viewing art, it’s about participation. From massive installations and live performances to public discussions and children’s programs, ARTJOG opens up creative dialogue across generations.
3. Festival Kesenian Yogyakarta
- Instagram: @infofky
Initiated in 1989, Festival Kebudayaan Yogyakarta has evolved from a showcase of traditional arts into a cross-disciplinary celebration of local identity, community spirit, and artistic exploration.
The 2024 edition, themed “Umpak Buka,” was hosted in Bantul and offered a rich mix of folk performances, mural competitions, workshops, and traditional archery contests. Visitors could explore a creative market, attend cultural talks, and experience firsthand how Javanese traditions adapt and thrive in the modern world.
4. Pekan Budaya Tionghoa Yogyakarta
- Instagram: @pekanbudayationghoayogyakarta
Every February, the Kampung Ketandan area in Malioboro transforms into a colorful street festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Pekan Budaya Tionghoa Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Chinese Cultural Week) brings together food, performances, and rituals that reflect the deep-rooted influence of Chinese culture in the city.
Barongsai and lion dance parades fill the streets, while exhibitions and workshops give visitors the chance to learn about Chinese calligraphy, lantern-making, and traditional music. At night, the festive lights and food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere filled with joy and community spirit.
5. Pasar Kangen Jogja
- Instagram: @pasarkangen
Imagine stepping into a time capsule filled with street snacks, toys, and crafts from decades past. Pasar Kangen makes this dream a reality. Since 2007, this beloved festival has been a haven for those longing for the flavors and feel of the old Yogyakarta.
The 2025 edition will take place from June 19–23 at Teras Malioboro, featuring traditional food like cenil, grontol, and es gosrok, as well as performances by local musicians, dancers, and storytellers.
6. Festival Gamelan Yogyakarta
For lovers of traditional music, the Festival Gamelan Yogyakarta is a sonic feast. It includes several events, most notably the International Yogyakarta Gamelan Festival, which has been held since 1994 and features musicians from across the globe.
In 2023, it ran from August 20–26, with collaborative performances, music installations, and forums discussing the future of gamelan. Other events include the UGM Gamelan Festival and the sacred Sekaten ceremony held at the Yogyakarta Palace, where royal gamelan is played in a deeply spiritual ritual during the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebration.
These events remind us that gamelan is not just music, it’s a living tradition that resonates with cultural identity, spirituality, and community.