Semarang Old Town Festival 2024: Event Highlights and Schedule

“Semarang kaline banjir…”

This iconic line from Waldjinah’s classic song “Jangkrik Genggong” perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of Semarang. This September, the city will be ‘flooded’ not with water, but with a series of exciting events as part of the Semarang Old Town Festival 2024.

Taking place from September 5 to 15 in the historic Semarang Old Town, this festival has become a beloved tradition since its inception in 2012. With its timeless theme, Kuno Kini Nanti (Past, Present, Future), the festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Semarang while looking forward to its future.

Throughout the festival, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of cultural performances and art exhibitions. And for food enthusiasts, the Sentiling Market offers a delightful array of local culinary specialties that are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Ready to dive into the festivities? Here’s what you need to know about the event schedule and tips to make the most of your experience!

Semarang Old Town Festival 2024 Event Schedule

As previously announced, the Semarang Old Town Festival 2024 will take place from September 5-15, 2024. With a variety of events spread across six venues in the Semarang Old Town area, TRAC has compiled the complete event schedule along with their respective locations to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the excitement.

Orchestra in Diversity (September 5)
Kicking off the 2024 Old Town Festival, this event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia Building. Experiencing an orchestra performance in a Dutch heritage building by the river in Semarang’s Old Town is truly a rare and unforgettable opportunity.

Nostalgic Flavors at Pasar Selinting (September 5-15, 2024)
No festival is complete without a culinary experience. Located at the Metro Point parking area, this event features legendary dishes from Semarang and across the archipelago. Drop by daily during the festival to indulge in these culinary delights.

Wayang on The Street (September 6, 2024)
This unique wayang orang performance by the Wo Ngesti Pandowo art group will present the theme “Pandhawa Pitu,” featuring special guest star Inayah Wahid. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. at Metro Park, Old Town, and will open with a performance by the Gempita Nusantara ISBA 2 Marching Band Parade. Please note that registration is required to attend this performance.

The Allure of Historic Buildings (September 7)
Admire the beauty of Semarang’s Old Town through the works of Gagoek Hardiman, affectionately known as ‘Mbah Gagoek,’ a lecturer in architecture at Diponegoro University. His solo exhibition will be held at Oud En Nieuw by Toko Oen.

Kagama Collaboration (September 7)
This year, five Kagama communities will showcase their talents at the RNI Riverview Courtyard. Kagama Jabodetabek, Yogya, Solo, and Semarang will present Kagama Beksan, Sekar Gendhing, Kagama Dance, Kagama Bersenandung, and the Arsdeebee Bigband.

Millennial Kebaya Parade (September 10)
Supporting the “Kebaya Goes to UNESCO” initiative, this event will feature a fashion parade and flashmob celebrating the iconic kebaya.

Pikat Wastra, Funky Kebaya (September 12-15)
This event will showcase superior products from MSMEs in various Central Java regions, promoting them on both national and international levels. A collection of funky kebaya designs from various designers will also be featured.

Nusantara Flower and Coconut Palm Festival (September 12-15)
Dedicated to exploring the creative use of coconut palm leaves, this event, hosted by the Indonesian Flower Arrangers Association (IPBI) of Central Java, will include seminars, workshops, and various flower and coconut palm arrangement activities.

Folklore Fiesta (September 12-14)
This event invites community participation to celebrate regional dances, songs, folk tales, legends, and other cultural performances. It will be held in two sessions: 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:30-9:00 p.m. in front of the RNI Building.

Old City Jazz Festival (September 15)
The 2024 Semarang Old Town Festival will culminate with the Old City Jazz Festival, set to take place in the open-air venues of the Old Town. While the official lineup is still under wraps, it’s advisable to check ahead for any registration requirements, much like the Wayang on The Street event.

Ticket Information

You may be wondering about the cost of attending the Semarang Old Town Festival 2024. The good news is that, just like in previous years, the festival is entirely free!

You can enjoy all the scheduled events without needing to purchase a ticket. That said, it’s wise to have some cash on hand, especially if you plan to savor the nostalgic treats at Selinting Market.

While most events are free, there are a few that do require tickets, such as the Wayang On The Street performance. These tickets are necessary to manage the number of attendees, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the event comfortably without overcrowding.

Be sure to follow the Semarang Old Town Festival 2024 on social media for the latest updates and ticketing information.

Tips for Attending the 2024 Semarang Old Town Festival

Attending the 2024 Semarang Old Town Festival can be an exciting and memorable experience, especially if you prepare well. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time at FKL 2024:

• Register if Necessary. Check in advance if the event you want to attend requires registration or tickets. If so, make sure to register online through the provided link to secure your spot and avoid disappointment on the day.
• Wear Comfortable Clothes. Since the festival will mostly be held in open spaces, opt for comfortable attire. If there’s a specific dress code, it’s a good idea to follow it so you can seamlessly fit in with the event’s theme.
• Bring Cash and Top Up Your E-Wallet. Be prepared by carrying enough cash and ensuring your e-wallet is topped up. This will make it easier to purchase food, drinks, or souvenirs during the festival.
• Plan Your Transportation. Parking can be a challenge, so consider using a car rental service. This will save you the hassle of finding a parking spot and ensure you have a convenient way to get home without worrying about public transportation.

Explore Semarang with TRAC Car Rental

Semarang may not yet be a top tourist destination, but you’d be surprised by the wealth of attractions this city and its surrounding areas have to offer!

From historical landmarks like the iconic Lawang Sewu to culinary delights, family-friendly spots, and natural escapes around the city, Semarang is brimming with tourism potential. Why not explore it all with the convenience of TRAC’s car rental services?

Semarang’s strategic location on Java’s northern coast, supported by the Trans Java toll road, makes it easily accessible from various parts of the island. This makes Semarang an ideal destination for a road trip.

If you’re thinking of combining your journey with a train ride, that’s also a great option. The city is home to two major train stations, including Tawang Station, located in the Old Town area. From there, you can easily rent a car from TRAC to get around the city.

For travelers arriving from outside Java, Semarang’s Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport and Tanjung Mas port are key gateways. Just sit back and relax as a reliable TRAC driver picks you up, ready to help you explore the city. You can also book a car rental directly at the TRAC Outlet at Ahmad Yani Airport—how convenient is that?

To make your trip even easier, you can reserve a TRAC car rental through the TRAC website or the TRACtoGo app. Download and install the TRACtoGo app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Use the voucher code “DiIndonesiaAja” to enjoy a comfortable journey exploring the country, and get a special discount of IDR 100,000 for both driver-assisted and self-drive rentals through the TRACtoGo app.

Stay updated on the latest promotions and travel tips by following TRAC on Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car, or Twitter (X) @TRACastra. You’ll find promo codes, travel inspiration, and recommendations for your next adventure!

Whatever the track, just use TRAC!