In Indonesia, gamelan music is played in a variety of contexts. It accompanies the wayang, all-night shadow-puppet entertainments, and dance performances. Ordinary people will use a gamelan to celebrate family events such as births, weddings and circumcisions. In the Royal Courts, gamelan concerts are given to mark auspicious dates in the Javanese calendar.

Outside of Indonesia, the instruments are often seen in concert situations and events both indoors and outside. The striking appearance and unusual sounds of the instruments bring audiences wherever they are performed.