AXEAN Festival 2026 Draws 4,000+ Attendees in Bali
Last Updated on September 16, 2026 by Lovely Prescilla
AXEAN Festival 2026 wrapped up its latest edition in Bali with more than 4,000 attendees across its three-day run. The turnout was nearly double last year’s attendance.
Held at Jimbaran Hub for the third year, the festival brought together Southeast Asian artists, music professionals, delegates, and audiences. The event featured live performances, panels, networking sessions, and industry programs.
One standout set came from Ndarboy Genk, whose mix of dangdut, koplo, and Javanese pop brought the crowd together.
“I love seeing people enjoy music regardless of genre, style, or language,” says AXEAN co-founder and co-team leader Piyapong Muenprasertdee. At AXEAN someone might be moshing in a pit one minute and joining a dangdut ring dance the next.”
Expanding AXEAN’s Bali Community
This year, AXEAN worked with more local artists and creative spaces across Bali.
Pre-festival activities were held with Craft Hotel in Ubud and Amplitude in Seminyak, featuring panel discussions and live performances from Balinese artists.
The festival also added a Southeast Asian street food area and an arts and crafts section for younger guests and families.
More Industry Connections
AXEAN’s conference program included speed meetings, pitching sessions, and panel discussions connecting artists with music professionals from across the region and beyond.
Partner activities included programs from Sounds Australia, Korea Spotlight by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), and France’s Centre national de la musique (CNM).
A VIP lounge supported by The Orchard and the closing after-party also gave artists and delegates more opportunities to connect outside formal sessions.
KEXP Records in Asia for the First Time
One of the major highlights of AXEAN Festival 2026 was its partnership with KEXP, marking the Seattle-based music platform’s first presence in Asia.
AXEAN became KEXP’s first Asian festival partner for its Live at KEXP program. Twelve Southeast Asian artist performances were filmed and recorded at Locca Sea House and Puri Bhagawan in Bali.
“KEXP reaches an international audience that Southeast Asian artists rarely get in front of,” Py says. “This time, twelve of them are now in it.”
AXEAN plans to connect Southeast Asian artists with the wider Asian music industry through future festivals and programs.
“Our vision is to strengthen Southeast Asia’s music ecosystem and its place within Asia,” Py says.
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