October brings a lively mix of cultural and culinary experiences to Ubud, where the island’s creative spirit meets the pleasures of good food and drinks. At Viceroy Bali, the month unfolds through a series of gatherings inspired by Oktoberfest, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, and Halloween. From leisurely evening drinks and an imaginative wine workshop to seasonal cocktails, the luxury resort offers guests several ways to embrace the festive atmosphere while enjoying the quieter charms of its hillside setting.
Taking inspiration from the convivial traditions of Oktoberfest, CasCades Restaurant & Bar introduces a relaxed way to celebrate the occasion. Between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm, guests ordering two cocktails, glasses of wine, or beers will receive a complimentary plate of canapés. The offering captures the social spirit of the famous Bavarian festival, which dates back to 1810, while exchanging Munich’s bustling beer tents for the more intimate surroundings of Ubud.
Beyond the pleasures of the glass, Viceroy Bali also embraces Ubud’s literary identity through a creative collaboration with the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival. On 23 October, Pinstripe Bar will host the Poetry Wine Workshop led by Anthony Tao, a poet, writer, and wine connoisseur whose interests bridge the worlds of literature and wine appreciation.
The workshop offers an unconventional approach to wine tasting, inviting participants to explore not only the flavours and aromas of different wines but also the language used to describe them. After sampling a selection of wines, guests will draw inspiration from poetic techniques to compose their own playful wine reviews. By encouraging creativity rather than conventional tasting notes, the experience transforms wine appreciation into an exercise in storytelling and personal expression.
The event forms part of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, which has been an important fixture on Bali’s cultural calendar since its establishment in 2004. Bringing together authors, artists, thinkers, and literature enthusiasts from Indonesia and beyond, the annual festival has helped establish Ubud as a destination for intellectual exchange and creative exploration. Viceroy Bali’s involvement extends that spirit beyond traditional literary venues, demonstrating how poetry and conversation can find a natural home in the setting of a cocktail bar.
As the month approaches its final week, the atmosphere at Pinstripe Bar shifts towards something more mysterious. From 24 to 31 October 2026, the bar will present Spirits After Dark: A Halloween Cocktail Affair, a seasonal offering that brings a darker, playful mood to its cocktail experience. Guests can enjoy the special Halloween cocktail offering at IDR 160,000++ per person or IDR 250,000++ for two. The experience provides an alternative to the usual Halloween parties, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion through carefully crafted drinks and the intimate ambience of Pinstripe Bar.
Adding to the resort’s October highlights is another recognition for Viceroy Bali, which has retained its One MICHELIN Key distinction for the second consecutive year. The accolade recognises exceptional hotel experiences and reflects the property’s continued emphasis on personalised hospitality, distinctive surroundings, and attention to detail. For the resort, the achievement marks another milestone in its commitment to delivering memorable stays in one of Bali’s most celebrated destinations.
Together, the month’s activities reveal different sides of Viceroy Bali’s hospitality, from the relaxed social atmosphere of CasCades Restaurant & Bar to the creative and spirited experiences at Pinstripe Bar. Whether discovering new ways to appreciate wine, gathering for an evening drink, or celebrating Halloween with a cocktail in hand, guests can experience an October calendar that reflects Ubud’s distinctive blend of culture, creativity, and refined leisure.
For more information, visit viceroybali.com.
