Complete Jakarta Weekend Getaway Guide: From Culture to Light Festivals in Kota Tua

Jakarta never truly sleeps, even when rain falls or long holidays arrive. Welcoming the weekend and the joint holiday for Lunar New Year, the city presents a spectrum of experiences from Betawi traditions, Chinese cultural celebrations, to light festivals in historic public spaces.

The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency recommends various tourism activities to fill the Weekend Holiday and joint Lunar New Year holiday.

Here are five events that could be reasons to explore Jakarta this weekend:

1. Rawa Belong Milkfish Festival, A Betawi Tradition Welcoming Lunar New Year

In West Jakarta, the aroma of fresh milkfish and the lively laughter of residents blend in an annual tradition. The Rawa Belong Milkfish Festival returns for two days on Jalan Sulaiman, North Sukabumi, Rawa Belong.

The festival features milkfish deboning demonstrations, Betawi traditional arts and culture performances, and various authentic Betawi culinary offerings. 

A strong local atmosphere prevails, showcasing how tradition and Lunar New Year celebrations can intertwine in cultural harmony.

The event is held on Saturday and Sunday starting at 08:00 WIB until finished.

2. Halal Fair at JICC Senayan, Inspiration Approaching Ramadan

Approaching Ramadan, the Halal Fair returns to the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) from Saturday to Sunday, February 14-15, 2026.

This exhibition features various halal brands, spanning fashion, culinary, education, and travel agencies. 

For many families, this is not just shopping, but part of the spiritual and social preparation for welcoming the holy month.

To visit the exhibition, you must pay an entrance ticket.

3. Chinatown Festival at TMII, Color and Rhythm of Celebration

In the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) area, Lunar New Year is celebrated through the TMII Chinatown Festival at Plaza Kori Agung on February 14–17, 2026.

Energetic Barongsai and Liong performances, traditional Chinese dances and music, to fashion parades and cultural art attractions are presented on one celebration stage. 

Bazaars and typical cuisine complement the atmosphere, making TMII a vibrant cross-cultural meeting space.

4. Soekarno Run Runniversary 2026, Running and National Spirit

For those wanting to fill the weekend with physical activity, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is organizing "Soekarno Run Runniversary 2026" on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the East Parking Lot of Gelora Bung Karno.

This community run event, initiated by "Soekarno Fest," has two categories, 5K and 10K, carrying a national theme.

With affordable registration fees, this run provides special appreciation for the 53 fastest runners and scholarships for students. 

5. Jakarta Light Festival in Kota Tua, Urban Light Stage

When night falls, the Jakarta Old Town area transforms into a stage of light through the Jakarta Light Festival.

The festival features visual installations like "video mapping," interactive "video mapping," and light installations projecting stories onto the facades of historic buildings. 

Video mapping is a visual projection technique using technology to transform 3D objects (like buildings, statues, or stages) into dynamic screens, creating an optical illusion that makes the inanimate object appear to move or come alive.

Through light and technology, Jakarta's Cultural Heritage and urban life dynamics meet in a space that is both reflective and futuristic.