Looking for fun things to do in Jakarta this weekend or during your next public holiday? Whether you’re a local resident in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek) or a tourist planning a short trip, Jakarta offers a vibrant mix of cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and lifestyle events that cater to all ages and interests.
From dazzling light shows to immersive fashion exhibitions, here’s a curated list of Jakarta events in May 2025 that will light up your weekend
- Jakarta Light Festival 2025 – A Spectacle of Lights and Culture
The highly anticipated Jakarta Light Festival 2025 will light up Taman Lapangan Banteng from May 23 to 25. Hosted by Jakarta’s Department of Tourism and Creative Economy, the event showcases interactive light installations, video mapping on building facades, and musical performances from top Indonesian artists like Jazz, Bilal Indrajaya, and Omom.
This year’s theme, “JE KA TE World”, highlights Jakarta’s rich Betawi heritage, local cuisine, modern transportation, and iconic landmarks. Accessible via public transit like KRL (Juanda Station) or MRT (Bundaran HI Station), this festival underscores the capital’s vision of becoming a global, inclusive, and innovative city.
- Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2025 – Fashion Meets Heritage
From May 28 to June 1, fashion enthusiasts can experience Indonesia Fashion Week 2025 at Jakarta Convention Center, Senayan. Under the theme “Ronakultura Jakarta”, this event blends traditional Betawi elements with modern style, showcasing over 200 designers. Highlights include Batik Betawi fashion, Garut leather products in collaboration with Italian design schools, and a bustling fashion exhibition featuring shoes, accessories, and ready-to-wear pieces from local brands.
- TIM Book Festival 2025 – A Literary Escape in Central Jakarta
Running until May 31, TIM Book Fest 2025 at Taman Ismail Marzuki invites visitors to enjoy major discounts (up to 80%) on popular books, alongside writing workshops and film screenings. Special events include a talk show with author Boy Candra and exhibitions related to Jakarta’s 500-year celebration.
- POV: Best Dessert in Town – A Sweet Treat for Foodies
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the POV: Best Dessert in Town culinary festival at Teras Berlian, Blok M Square, from May 12–25. Try viral desserts, homemade cakes, and hard-to-find snacks—perfect for a weekend indulgence.
- Art and History Exhibitions – Culture Comes Alive in Jakarta
- Happy to Connect at ROH Projects (until May 25) presents contemporary installations from artists Dusadde Huntraktul and Faisal Habibi.
- The Sea is Barely Wrinkled at Museum Macan (May 24–Oct 5) features 15 artworks by Japanese artist Kei Imazu, exploring colonial history and ecological themes.
- Sunting: Women’s Legacy Through Time at Museum Nasional (until July 31) highlights the contributions of inspiring Indonesian women throughout history.
- Roda-Roda yang Berputar di Pesisir & Festival Cerita Kota at Museum Bahari (May 18–June 14) commemorates International Museum Day 2025 through maritime heritage displays and storytelling sessions.
Whether your interests lie in fashion, culinary delights, contemporary art, or literary exploration, Jakarta presents an exciting lineup of events to suit every taste. Showcase Jakarta’s rich cultural diversity and creative energy.
Source: antaranews.com, beritajakarta.id, kemenpar.go.id, haloindonesia.co.id, haijakarta.id
Photo Credit: teknostyle.id
