Five days of panels in the hills of Bali
The 2026 festival runs from 21 to 25 October. The 2025 edition ran from 29 October to 2 November, so late October is when it usually happens. Up to 170 writers and artists come from around the world, which makes it Southeast Asia’s largest literary festival.
Janet DeNeefe founded it in 2004 as a response to the 2002 Bali bombings, which badly hurt the island’s tourism. The programme still mixes international names with Indonesian writers. You get novelists, poets, journalists and activists, with some sessions in Bahasa Indonesia and many in English.
Where it happens in Ubud
Ubud is a town in the hills, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The drive depends heavily on traffic through Denpasar and Gianyar. There is no train, and buses are not a practical way to get there. Most visitors book a private driver or a pre-arranged airport transfer.
In recent editions, the main programme has been based along Jalan Raya Sanggingan, at the north-western edge of town. Side events have been spread through central Ubud. The venues can change from year to year, so confirm them on the official site before you book somewhere to stay.
If you stay near Sanggingan, you can walk to sessions. It also puts you close to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a grassy spine between two river valleys that is best walked early in the morning. Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market are a short drive down the hill, on Jalan Raya Ubud.
Tickets, passes and planning
The programme usually has two layers:
- Main programme: panel sessions, sold as passes
- Special events: workshops, literary lunches, book launches and evening performances, ticketed separately
Some community and children’s events have been free in past years. Confirm current ticket types, prices and the full programme on the official festival site. Don’t rely on resellers or third-party listings.
October falls at the end of Bali’s dry season. Expect warm, humid days and the chance of an afternoon downpour. Many sessions take place in open-sided pavilions, which keep you in the shade but are not air-conditioned. Bring:
- a light layer for evenings, when the hills cool down
- a refillable water bottle
- a small umbrella
Moving between sessions in festival week
Ubud’s traffic is the real constraint. The main roads are narrow, and festival crowds share them with scooters and tour vans. Allow extra time between venues, or simply stay at one venue for a day. Many regulars walk or hire a scooter rather than wait for a car.
App-based ride-hailing (Grab, Gojek) works in parts of Ubud. Some central streets restrict pickups by app drivers, so you may need to walk to a main road or use a local driver. Most locals pay drivers in cash in rupiah. Agree the fare before you get in.
You’ll see small palm-leaf offerings called canang sari on pavements and doorsteps. Step around them, not on them. If an evening event takes you into a temple compound, wear a sarong and sash; they are usually available to borrow at the entrance.
Book signings follow most sessions, often with the festival’s bookshop selling titles on site. Join the line soon after the session ends, because popular authors draw long queues. Popular special events can sell out, so book those first and fill the gaps with main-programme sessions.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival in 2026?
The 2026 edition runs from 21 to 25 October. Confirm the exact programme dates on the official festival site.
How do I get to Ubud for the festival?
Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and take a private driver or a pre-booked transfer. The drive takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Where are the festival venues?
In recent editions, the main programme has been based along Jalan Raya Sanggingan in north-western Ubud, with side events around town. Venues can change, so check the official site.
How many days should I attend?
Two or three days gives you a solid mix of main-programme panels and one or two special events. Ubud's traffic makes it tiring to cram in more sessions across separate venues in a single day.
What else is nearby?
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is close to Sanggingan. Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market are a short drive away on Jalan Raya Ubud.
Plan your trip to Ubud
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