What’s happening in Bali this May

There’s always a fabulous party to mingle at, and a music event to check out in Bali. The event calendar doesn’t stop just because the season is low – this social island getaway is always abuzz with social events and concerts.

From international house and garage DJs at Bali’s best beach clubs to the cool Jazz concerts in Ubud and regular weekly events along the main tourist strip, your weekends in Bali are sorted.

The dress code at these venues is casual, so you won’t get hassled wearing your flip flops and bermudas. You might want to have a swimsuit and a spare change of clothes handy — just in case you decide to take a midnight dip in the pool.

Here are seven sinful parties to check out in Bali this May.

Bonar Bradberry

New to Karma Beach is Brit DJ Bonar Bradberry. The Birmingham native began spinning vinyl as a teen in underground nightclubs. The talented DJ has been a resident at numerous clubs in his hometown and in Leeds. In 2005, he began working with one of the UK’s most well known independent labels and started producing his own tracks that showcase his unique style.

In recent years, he’s toured Glastonbury, Australia, Croatia and Bahrain – and this May he’s brining his Midas touch to Bali’s “Billionaire’s Row” at Karma Beach Club.

When: Friday 9 May & Sunday 11 May 2014, 4 – 7pm
Where: Karma Beach, Pantai Batu Belig Canggu. Bookings are recommended, tel: +62 361 848 2205 or email: res@karmaresorts.com.
What to wear:  Slinky silk dresses and jeweled sandals for the ladies, cream linen pants and leather sandals – sunglasses and panama hats for both.

The Encore & Press Play

Potato Head is Bali’s hottest venue for dining as well as international bands and DJs. It’s been voted a Gold Standard Bar in 2013 by Conde Nast Traveller and continues to impress Bali expats and seasoned travellers with great bistro dining, eclectic and unassuming interiors and a spectacular view of sunset.

This weekend, a group of international DJs take over the decks with ultra cool sunset beats and garage tunes. Get there early for dinner or make a reservation in advance to get a good spot.

When: Friday 9 May & Saturday 10 May 2014, doors open at 7pm
Where: Potato Head, Jln. Petitenget, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 473 7979 or email: reservation@ptthead.com. Open from 11am till 2am.
What to wear: Chic casual dresses that you bought in that Seminyak boutique, stacks of Bali made silver bangles and a fedora.

Bali presents Fur Coat

Venezuelan duo Sergio Munoz and Israel Sunshine of Fur Coat says, “We’re not a rock band.” Their music fuses deep beats, rolling grooves, alluring breakdowns and large helpings of funk – rooted in Latin American salsa and soul.

They met at a house party in 2004, and have since then released awesome deep house records and generated a massive following in Barcelona, Ibiza and Chicago. Don’t miss your chance to catch them at W Bali, where the party doesn’t stop until the break of dawn.

When: Saturday 10 May 2014, 10pm – 4am
Where: W Bali, Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 3000 106 or email: whotels.bali@whotels.com.
What to wear: Sexy swimwear and a gorgeous cover-up. Between dancing and dips in the pool, you’re going to get wet and stay that way – so bring a change of clothes for the morning.

D-Notes Harris & Playas Gotta Play

Legendary bass player D-Notes is one of the most requested bass players in America who plays regularly with Stevie Wonder and other world renown artists such as Otis day & the Knights, Cuba Gooding Sr, Barbara Morrison, Glen Lewis and Ike Turner — and that’s just to name a few.

Nicknamed the Uncle of Jazz Café, he found his way to Ubud in the recent years and plans to stick around with the band that he formed with soul singer Ias Balaskas on vocals, international guitarist Kevin Briggs, Windu Estianto on the keys and Indonesia’s popular drummer Sandy Winarta.

This band knows how to warm up a crowd and get you grooving on the dance floor. Be prepared to party all night.

When: Saturday 10 May 2014, 8pm
Where: Jazz Café Ubud, Jalan Sukma, Ubud. Reservations are recommended, tel: +62 361 976 594 or email:info@jazzcafebali.com. Open 5pm till late.
What to wear: Linen tunic and cotton shorts – anything you feel cool and confortable in. If you don’t want to get bitten by mosquitos, cover your arms and legs.

Jim Larkin and the Saucy Soul Band

San Francisco Blues writer, producer and performer Jim Larkin is a regular on Bali’s jazz circuit. He regularly performs at Jazz Café and Bali Jazz International Festivals. The international Blues, R&B and Soul veteran who began his career in the 1950s knows how to captivate a crowd and stage a brilliant performance.

Jazz Café Ubud also features regular monthly events like the Magic Mushroom Blues (Tuesdays, 8pm) and Live Band Karaoke (Thursdays, 8pm) more details on their regular schedule.

When: Saturday 17 May 2014, 8pm
Where: Jazz Café Ubud
What to wear: Same as above.

Ministry of Sound: Dance Till You Drop

Cocoon Beach Club is a hip and vibrant venue where the young and restless come to mingle and have a blast. When the sun goes down and the drinks start to flow, the poolside transforms into the most social place to see and be seen in Double Six.

There’s no cover charge, though you might want to book a VIP cabana or day bead with full bottle service for fabulous and fuss free night. Cocoon Beach Club hosts regular events each month; find out more on their events calendar.

When: Saturday, 24 May 2014, 10pm to 3am
Where: Cocoon Beach Club, Jl Double Six, No.66 Blue Ocean Boulevard, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 731266
What to wear: Bright, neon or pastel beach club wear, a hot bikini and fluorescent body paint.