Upon hearing the word festival, liveliness and excitement often come to mind – a celebration that concentrate in one place, where everyone comes together to enjoy the atmosphere. Mereren Fest, hosted by Noema Resort Pererenan, takes the opposite approach. Mereren translates to rest in Balinese, and the festival is built around finding balance between a heightened environment and mindfulness.
Noema Resort Pererenan held the event over three days, from 21 to 23 August 2026, offering a fresh perspective on the Pererenan neighbourhood. In addition, local residents partnered with them and supported the festival, celebrating their own community. Unlike a typical music festival, Mereren Fest explored deeper themes through culture, art, wellness, food and meaningful discussion – while still finding room for a performance by Télépopmusik, the French electronic group known for its distinctive sound. On the other hand, the event also honoured the coastline itself. It placed a strong emphasis on environmental care and sustainability.
Mereren Fest 2026’s signature kite parade and dinner under the kites
The first day centred on the kite parade, a Mereren Fest highlight for several years running. People dressed in traditional attire carried colourful kites made from traditional fabrics as they marched from Noema Resort Pererenan to Pererenan Beach, where they flew the kites against the coastal sky.
That evening, Noema Resort Pererenan hosted a special dinner at Menika Rooftop. Chef Dom Tropical created a five-course collaboration menu that set the scene for an enchanting evening beneath a sky filled with kites. Orasare and Lamented Laughter performed their music live, while Sastia Naresvari led a live painting session.
The workshops available at Mereren Fest
Guests could take part in a range of workshops through the stay. Day one brought a Cyanotype Workshop – a craft that has gained popularity in recent years, and in today’s fast-paced world, served as a mindful reminder that creating something beautiful takes patience, effort and a deliberate investment of time.
On day two, Rebellionik hosted a watchmaking workshop, giving participants the chance to build a watch from scratch. Choosing the colours and straps was the easy, enjoyable part; getting precise with the hour, minute and second hands took considerably more care.
Alongside the creative workshops, guests could also explore a selection of wellness programmes, including Sunrise Meditation, Sound Healing and Tea Ceremonies. Therefore, these sessions let the guests rejuvenate body and mind amid the festival’s creative energy.
Art exhibitions at Noema Resort Pererenan and Bicara Talks
Artworks were found throughout the resort, with several pieces by local artists displayed at Mereren Art Space. A large contemporary artwork was also displayed in the garden, continuing the artsy spirit that has become characteristic of Noema Resort Pererenan, where thematic sculptural works are often shown during special events. Meanwhile, at the centre of the lobby was a specially commissioned artwork by Mortier Indonesia in collaboration with Jeremy Owen, a prominent art influencer, offering a seamless representation of contemporary youth perspectives.
The Bicara Talks brought together a range of thought-provoking perspectives. On the first day, speakers Gung Ama and Dr I Made Bayu Pramana explored Bali through photography and visual culture. They discussed how photography not only documents a place but also shapes how people understand it. In conclusion, their images of Pererenan today capture both a historical record and an interpretation of the changes taking place in the area.
Noema Resort Pererenan experience
Beyond Mereren Fest itself, a stay at Noema Resort Pererenan has a distinctive atmosphere shaped by youthful, contemporary design. Furthermore, the bright, playful colours creates a fun, energetic setting that encourages guests to make the most of their holiday.
The resort is also family-friendly, with playful spaces for children including playgrounds and a dedicated kids’ swimming pool. Its climbing wall stands out as a standout feature, inviting children – and adults – to embrace a more active form of exploration. This family-friendly focus makes Noema Resort Pererenan a fitting home for Mereren Fest. As a result, the resort has built a strong presence within the neighbourhood and continues to grow alongside the Pererenan community.
For more information about Mereren Fest, visit Instagram @mereren.fest and @noema.resort
