From ASEAN Para Games to Dream Theater Concert, 5 Events in Solo to Look Forward to in 2022

Solo or Surakarta is not only known as the cultural heart of Java but also Indonesia. More than that, Solo is also one of Central Java’s tourism magnets. No doubt that this city will be hosting many exciting events throughout the second part of 2022, with one of the largest events being the ASEAN Para Games. Want to know more about it and other events in Solo?

5 exciting events to be held in Solo in 2022

2022 ASEAN Para Games

This event is one of Indonesia’s biggest events in 2022. The 2022 edition of this Southeast Asian sporting event for the disabled will be different, because usually the games are held immediately after the SEA Games and hosted in the same country as the SEA Games. However, the 2022 ASEAN Para Games will be held in Solo from July 30 to August 6, 2022, while the SEA Games were held in Vietnam in May.

There are 14 sports to be competed during the Solo games, including: athletics, swimming, badminton, table tennis, chess, powerlifting, boccia, blind judo, goal ball, wheelchair tennis, archery, CP football, wheelchair basketball, and sitting volleyball. Venues for this event are spread all over the city. Some are located in Karang Anyar and even in Semarang.

To watch all the ASEAN Para Games live in Solo, you only need to arrange your own transportation and accommodation, because all matches can be watched live for free. Interesting!

“Satu Suro” Night Carnival

For the Javanese people, the year change in the Hijri calendar (1 Muharram) is known as the Night of 1 Suro or 1 Suro Eve. To commemorate this sacred date, the Surakarta Palace always holds the 1 Suro Night Carnival ritual. This carnival has been held for hundreds of years. According to the schedule, this year’s carnival will be held on July 29, 2022, because the 1 Muharram celebration itself will fall on July 30, 2022. 

Usually, thousands of people will participate in the carnival. In fact, the nobles of the Palace are also usually present along with courtiers and the general public. Not to forget the palace heirlooms that are included in the procession. Remember to always comply with the health protocols and measures and prepare yourself to join the crowds on the streets around the palace’s square.

Solo Indonesia Culinary Festival 2022

Carrying the theme, “The Enchantment of Archipelago’s Culinary Sambal Taste”, the Solo Indonesia Culinary Festival will greet you at Vastenburg Fort on August 4-7, 2022. Not only will this event showcase the variety of Javanese and Indonesian cuisine, you can also take part in cooking demonstrations and cooking shows from the local cooks and chefs. They are also planning to serve 21,000 portions of sambal and tengkleng and give it away for free during the event.

Dream Theater Live in Concert

Metal concert in Solo? Why not?! The legendary progressive metal band from the USA, Dream Theater is scheduled to hold a concert at the Manahan Stadium Parking Area on August 10, 2022. The organizers are preparing 6,000-7,000 tickets for sale, both online and on the spot. There will be two ticketing tiers in this concert, festival A at IDR 1 million and festival B at IDR 750,000. On the spot tickets, however, are sold for more, IDR 1,5 million for festival A and IDR 1 million for festival B. So, have you secured your ticket?

Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) 2022

If you are a fan of culture and performing arts, then this event is one you don’t want to miss. Solo International Performing Arts or known as SIPA is an art festival that showcases art performances from various countries, not limited to Indonesia and Javanese art performances. SIPA 2022 is planned to be hybrid, meaning there will be shows that can be watched through various online portals and offline directly from the Vastenburg Fort, Solo, on September 8-10, 2022.

Turns out that from July to September 2022, Solo is going to host many thrilling events, huh? So, if you’re interested in coming to one, if not all, of the events, make sure that you have prepared stuff in advance. The city of Solo itself is indeed quite small, if compared to other big cities in Indonesia, so the accommodation options are somewhat limited. Besides that, you would need to traverse around the city with proper mode of transportation. So, don’t forget to find the most comfortable one you can find, like TRAC’s car and bus rental service.

With various fleets of choice, TRAC will handle all of your transportations needs. From small minivans to a larger SUV for a small family to a large bus with 58 seats. If you want a more unique experience, hop on the TRAC’s Luxury Bus which has various facilities installed, like a meeting room and a pantry.

Reserve a car or bus now directly from your smartphone. Download the TRACtoGo application from Google Playstore as well as Apple App Store and experience the convenience. For more information about TRAC’s rental service, call the Customer Assistance Center at 1500009 or email rco.nasional@trac.astra.co.id