Annual Events in Jakarta You Don’t Want to Miss! — Annual events in Jakarta tend to be massive and held during the weekend so, you don’t have to worry about missing out on any of these exciting events in Jakarta. Whether you are looking for music events, cultural events, or exhibitions, some of these are the most popular and most anticipated events by the locals.
Java Jazz Festival
If you enjoy jazz, then this music festival is for you! Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (JJF) is one of the largest jazz festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. Usually, it not only features local musicians but also international too. It’s held for three days from Friday to Sunday in Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) with different stages featuring a variety of musicians. This festival was founded by Peter F. Gontha and so far, has featured approximately 125 groups and 1405 artists in 146 shows.
Jakarta Food and Fashion Festival
Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival (JFFF) that’s held approximately for one month. This event takes place in Kelapa Gading area with three events: a fashion show of local designers and brands, a food festival that serves traditional cuisines with local snacks, and a carnival consisting of street floats, street attractions, and lightning techniques. This event is supported by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the Indonesian Ministry of Trade. So clearly, it’s one of the festivals you wouldn’t want to miss!
Jakarta Fair/Pekan Raya Jakarta
Usually held in Jakarta International Expo (JIE) in Kemayoran, Jakarta. You can almost find everything in Pekan Raya Jakarta from food festivals, amusement rides, exhibitions, trade promotions, and shopping districts along with music performances. It’s usually held for 39 days with entrance fees varying from IDR 30,000 to IDR 50,000 depending on the day.
Indonesia International Motor Show
If you’re into automotive, then this annual event in Jakarta will pique your interest! It’s organized by Dyandra Promosindo, a subsidiary of Kompas Gramedia. It has usually been held in JIExpo Kemayoran in April or late March since 2016. Here, you’re able to go for a test ride or drive at some of the newest cars that are soon to be in Indonesian stores from brands like Mitsubishi, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Yamaha, and others.
Jakarta-Japan Matsuri Festival
Also known as JakJapan Matsuri, this festival acts as a cultural exchange between Japan and Indonesia with the hope to build a greater bond in the future. It’s usually held in Plaza Tenggara Gelora Bung Karno in Senayan. Here, you can experience Japan’s culture such as trying on yukata and playing some Japanese traditional games. The vibe gives off is as if you’re having a matsuri in Japan instead of Jakarta. If you want to delve deeper into Japanese culture, this event is your one-stop to know all of it without having to leave Jakarta.
Jakarta International Film Festival
Held every December since 1999, Jakarta International Film Festival is a major film festival in Indonesia. Not only does it feature Indonesian filmmakers in different types of genres and styles, but also other countries too! There are several categories like International short films, feature films, documentaries, directors, animations, and audio-visual projects.
Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP)
If you’re looking for a dance music festival in Jakarta then you don’t want to miss out on the largest dance music festival in Asia, Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP). It’s been held for two days at Jakarta International Expo for the past few years. As one of the largest music festivals in Asia, DWP features several international artists through the years such as Calvin Harris, Paul van Dyk, Porter Robinson, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, DJ Snake, Alan Walker, Skrillex, and many more.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these annual events and festivals are not available for the past couple of years. Look forward to any news of these festivals on their official websites or if you’re looking for more information about Indonesia, check us out here!
