The Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) 2025 will return for its 15th edition on August 23–24, 2025, bringing a vibrant mix of cultural performances, traditional rituals, and musical events to the scenic Dieng highlands in Central Java. Unlike previous editions, which lasted three days, this year’s festival is condensed into two days under the theme “Back to the Culture.”
The festival will feature iconic traditions such as the ritual of shaving dreadlocked children’s hair, a cultural parade, and collective prayers during the lantern release at night. Visitors can also enjoy open-air orchestra performances, MSME bazaars showcasing local crafts and foods, and various traditional art shows.
Festival chair Alif Faozi said the schedule is designed to highlight cultural authenticity while adding fresh elements.
“Dieng Culture Festival will be held for two days, Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, 2025. The main events include the cultural parade and the ritual of shaving dreadlocked children’s hair,” Alif stated, as quoted by Kompas.
This year, the famous Jazz Atas Awan segment will be replaced by the Dieng Symphony Orchestra. Major events, including the orchestra and ritual ceremonies, will have controlled access, while other stages like Sembadra and Gatotkaca will remain freely open to the public.
The festival also aims to boost the local economy through MSME participation. Last year’s bazaar recorded transactions worth USD 64,000, showcasing strong public support for local crafts and food.
Banjarnegara Regent Amalia Desiana expressed optimism about the festival’s impact, “DCF 2025 is a momentum to showcase the cultural values of the Dieng highlands. This event promotes tourism while providing positive economic benefits for residents. You’ll regret it if you miss this year’s Dieng Culture Festival.” she said.
Full Event Schedule: Dieng Culture Festival 2025
Day 1 – Saturday, August 23, 2025
- 07:00 – onward: Dieng Clean-Up Action (all venues)
- 09:00 – onward: MSME Bazaar (Setyaki and Gatotkaca venues) & Participant Kit Exchange (Pandawa Field)
- 10:00 – 17:00: Traditional Art Performances (Arjuna & Gatotkaca venues)
- 13:00 – 14:00: Official Opening Ceremony (Gatotkaca venue)
- 17:30: Open Gate for Dieng Symphony Orchestra (Pandawa Field)
- 19:00 – 19:30: Traditional Art Performances (Pandawa Field)
- 19:30 – 22:30: Dieng Symphony Orchestra & Mystery Guest Performance
- 22:30 – 23:00: Lantern Release (Pandawa Field)
Day 2 – Sunday, August 24, 2025
- 07:00 – onward: Dieng Clean-Up Action (all venues)
- 08:00 – 09:30: Cultural Parade (start: Rumah Pemangku Adat – finish: Arjuna Temple)
- 09:00 – onward: MSME Bazaar (Setyaki and Gatotkaca venues)
- 09:30 – 11:30: Jamasan & Hair Shaving Ritual for Dreadlocked Children (Arjuna Temple)
- 11:30 – 12:00: Ngalap Berkah (Arjuna Temple)
- 12:00 – 13:00: Hair Floating Ceremony (Telaga Balaikambang)
- 13:00 – 17:00: Traditional Art Performances (Arjuna venue)
- 15:00 – 17:00: Cultural Talks (Gatotkaca venue)
- 19:00 – 21:00: Cultural Stage Performances (Gatotkaca venue)
- 21:00: Official Closing Ceremony (Gatotkaca venue)
Tickets and Travel Tips
Tickets are available through the official website festivaldieng.id, with two-day and single-day packages covering major events like the orchestra and lantern release.
Travel tips: Book tickets and lodging early, bring warm clothing as temperatures drop at night, respect cultural rituals, and support local MSMEs by purchasing their products.
Source: Kompas, Festival Dieng, Jateng Prov
Photo Credit: geoparkdieng
