Last Updated on August 4, 2025 by [email protected]
Taiwan is more than just night markets, cafés, and shopping—those are great, but if you really want to experience the island’s charm, join one of its many seasonal festivals.
All year round, cities and towns across Taiwan host events that welcome both locals and visitors. These festivals are hands-on, energetic, and often centered around food, music, and cultural traditions—making them the perfect way to create unforgettable travel memories.
Whether you’re here for the first time or already know Taiwan well, there’s always something new to discover—north to south, spring to winter.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the must-see annual events in Taiwan, organized by season, so you can plan your trip around the festivities.
Let’s dive into the rhythm of Taiwan—one season at a time.
Spring Events (March to May)
Spring Event | Megaport Festival (Kaohsiung)
Launched in 2006, Megaport Festival is now one of Taiwan’s most iconic outdoor music festivals—and it all happens by the harbor in Kaohsiung every March.
With over 100 artists performing across multiple stages, the lineup brings together legendary bands, rising stars, and fresh indie voices from across genres and generations.
The atmosphere is electric, but it’s not just for hardcore music fans. The festival grounds also feature family-friendly zones, coin-operated karaoke booths, photo sticker machines, indie pop-up shops, and a sea of food stalls serving local favorites.
Japanese acts like Queen Bee, Creepy Nuts, and 10-FEET have also taken the stage in past years, drawing music lovers from all over Asia.
If you’re heading south in spring, this harbor-side celebration of sound, culture, and creativity is something you won’t want to miss.
- Venue: The Pier2 Art Center, Kaohsiung
- Website: https://megaportfest.com/
Spring Event | Taiwan Music Festival (Kenting)
Every April, the beachside town of Kenting in southern Taiwan comes alive with the Taiwan Music Festival—a free, open-air event that blends live music with a laid-back seaside vibe.
Over 100 bands and artists hit the stage, covering everything from rock and indie pop to electronic and folk. Whether you’re into big-name headliners or looking to discover up-and-coming talent, there’s something for everyone.
The best part? It’s completely free to enter. You can stroll between live stages, snack on local street food, browse creative markets, or just lounge on the beach with the music in the background.
With its mix of music, nature, and youthful energy, the Taiwan Music Festival is the perfect way to soak up the spring sun and experience the island’s indie spirit.
- Venue: Dawan Recreation Area, Kenting
- Website: https://www.amazing-pingtung.com/tmf
Spring Event | Taipei International Dragon Boat Championships
Held around late May to mid-June during the Dragon Boat Festival, this high-energy race takes place at Dajia Riverside Park in Taipei and is one of the city’s most iconic spring events.
Rooted in the ancient story of the poet Qu Yuan, the festival has evolved into a colorful, cultural celebration where teams race elaborately decorated dragon boats to the beat of pounding drums.
Expect roaring cheers, fierce competition, and an electric atmosphere as both local and international teams paddle it out on the river.
The event also features night races, water performances, food stalls, and live entertainment, making it just as fun for spectators as it is for the racers.
If you’re in Taiwan in early summer, this festival is a must-see—where history meets adrenaline on the water.
- Venue: Dajia Riverside Park, Taipei
- Website: https://dragonboat.utk.com.tw/
Summer Events (June to September)
Summer Event | Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival
Every summer, the golden sands of Fulong Beach in northeastern Taiwan transform into a giant open-air gallery for the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival.
Known for its ultra-fine, sculptable sand—officially recognized by the World Sand Sculpting Association—this beach is the perfect canvas for jaw-dropping creations by artists from around the world.
Since its debut in 2008, the festival has grown in scale and popularity, featuring massive and intricate sand sculptures that range from whimsical characters to breathtaking architectural replicas.
Beyond the art, visitors can enjoy beach activities like swimming, sailing, and kayaking, or take in the sculptures by night when they’re beautifully illuminated.
Whether you’re an art lover, beachgoer, or Instagrammer in search of a great shot, this event brings summer magic to life on the coast.
- Venue: Fulong Beach, New Taipei City
- Website: https://events.necoast-nsa.gov.tw/fulong25/page-3.html?fr=64368C0101M05
Summer Event | Penghu International Fireworks Festival
If you’re dreaming of island sunsets and fireworks over the ocean, Penghu’s International Fireworks Festival is the summer event you’ve been waiting for.
Since 2003, this dazzling festival has lit up the skies of Penghu—an archipelago off Taiwan’s west coast—with fireworks displays that stretch over two full months, from mid-April to late June.
Held twice a week at Guanyinting Recreation Area in Magong City, the show combines fireworks, LED drone performances, and synchronized music, all set against the backdrop of the open sea.
It’s the perfect way to end a day of island hopping, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach with a plate of fresh seafood.
Best of all? It’s completely free to attend, making it a favorite for both locals and travelers planning a magical summer escape.
- Venue: Guanyinting Recreation Area, Penghu
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/phfireworks/?locale=zh_TW
Summer Event | Yehliu Night Tours – The Queen’s Light Show
What if you could explore one of Taiwan’s most iconic natural landmarks—after dark?
Each summer, Yehliu Geopark hosts a special nighttime event called “Yehliu Night Tours,” where light, sound, and digital projections transform the park’s famous rock formations into a surreal coastal dreamscape.
At the heart of the experience is the Queen’s Head, illuminated and reimagined through art installations, AR projections, and synchronized music.
As you stroll along the seaside paths under the stars, you’ll be surrounded by glowing rocks, ocean breezes, and the quiet rhythm of waves.
The event also includes limited-time local food stalls, handmade crafts, and art displays—making it the perfect summer evening outing for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for something unique.
- Venue: Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City
- Website: Check local tourism sites for seasonal updates
Summer Event | Taiwan Summer Festival
Looking for a fun, diverse way to explore Taiwan during the warmer months? The Taiwan Summer Festival is a nationwide celebration that brings together culture, food, travel, and tradition across different regions of the island.
Since its launch in 2013, the festival has returned every summer with a fresh theme. For 2025, the focus is on “Tropic of Cancer × Smiling South Bay,” featuring four highlights: Summer Solstice 235, Tea & Dessert Moments, Taiwan Gourmet Showcase, and Scenic Railway Adventures.
Throughout the season, you’ll find local events in various towns—from shaved ice tastings and tea workshops to food markets, cultural parades, and even traditional Dragon Boat activities.
Whether you’re riding a vintage train through the countryside or joining a summer solstice celebration, it’s a great way to experience the flavors, rhythms, and stories that make Taiwan’s summer so special.
No matter where you go, the festival invites you to slow down, dive in, and enjoy the best of summer—Taiwan style.
- Venues: Various locations across Taiwan (depending on the year)
- Website: https://summerfestival.taiwan.net.tw/index-ja.html
Summer Event | Taiwan International Balloon Festival (Taitung)
Imagine waking up in the quiet hills of eastern Taiwan and watching dozens of colorful hot air balloons rise with the morning sun—that’s the magic of the Taiwan International Balloon Festival.
Held every summer at Luye Highland in Taitung since 2011, this is the biggest ballooning event in Taiwan, drawing over a million visitors from around the world.
Each day, unique balloons shaped like animals, characters, or abstract forms fill the sky. Early morning and late afternoon flights are available, offering unforgettable views over Taitung’s rolling landscape.
By night, the hills light up again with the “Night Glow” concerts—where tethered balloons pulse to music and lights in a surreal, glowing display.
It’s two months of wonder, art, and nature—perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who wants to experience Taiwan from a new perspective.
- Venue: Luye Highland, Taitung
- Website: https://balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw/zh-tw
Summer Event | Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival
Keelung’s Mid-Summer Ghost Festival is Taiwan’s most significant and time-honored event dedicated to the Hungry Ghost Month, held every lunar July in the northern port city of Keelung.
With roots tracing back over 100 years, the festival centers around the “Pudu” ritual—an offering ceremony meant to appease wandering spirits without families. Each year, local clans take turns organizing the event, fostering deep ties between religion, community, and tradition.
During the festival, the city is adorned with colorful lanterns and elaborate altars. At night, glowing water lanterns are released into the sea during a serene “Floating Lantern” ceremony, sending prayers and blessings across the waves.
Later, the atmosphere turns festive with parades, firecrackers, traditional performances, and night markets, drawing visitors into a rich tapestry of sound, color, and culture.
Whether you’re curious about Taiwanese spiritual customs or simply want to experience a vibrant local celebration, this unique event offers a rare glimpse into the island’s living heritage.
- Venue: Around Lao Da Gong Temple, Keelung
- Website: https://www.klccab.gov.tw/CulturalFestival
Autumn Events (October to November)
Autumn Event | Double Tenth Day – Taiwan’s National Day (October 10)
Taiwan’s National Day, also known as Double Tenth Day, is held every October 10 to commemorate the 1911 Wuchang Uprising—the event that led to the founding of the Republic of China.
It’s the country’s most important civic holiday, celebrated with full ceremonial grandeur. In Taipei, the main event unfolds in front of the Presidential Office, featuring a flag-raising ceremony, military honor guards, air force flyovers, live performances, and a speech from the president.
The atmosphere is both solemn and festive, offering visitors a chance to witness Taiwan’s national pride and cultural identity in action.
Beyond the capital, cities around the island hold their own celebrations—from watching the sunrise at Sanxiantai in Taitung to family-friendly parades and fireworks at Janfusun Fancyworld amusement park in Yunlin.
Whether you’re interested in politics, pageantry, or simply want to experience a meaningful public holiday, Double Tenth Day is a powerful window into Taiwan’s story.
- Popular Viewing Spots:
➤ Presidential Office, Taipei – Main ceremony
➤ Sanxiantai, Taitung – Sunrise gathering
➤ Janfusun Fancyworld, Yunlin – Family-friendly shows & discounts - Website: Check announcements from the National Day Planning Committee or Taiwan Tourism Bureau
Sanxiantai, Taitung
Known as the earliest place on Taiwan’s main island to catch the sunrise, Sanxiantai in Taitung is a popular scenic spot on the east coast. On National Day (October 10th), both locals and visitors gather here before dawn to watch the first light of day, often waving flags and attending sunrise ceremonies that symbolize renewal and unity.
Autumn Event | World Music Festival Taiwan
The World Music Festival Taiwan is one of the largest multicultural music events in the country, held every October at Taipei Music Center. It brings together genres like traditional folk, electronic, jazz, and rock, offering a vibrant stage for both local and international artists.
Venues across the center—including outdoor plazas and indoor halls—host a wide range of performances. Beyond music, the festival features global food stalls, craft markets, art installations, talks, and workshops, creating an immersive cultural experience. It’s the perfect weekend stop for travelers looking to discover new sounds and creative energy.
- Venue: Taipei Music Center
- Website: https://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/zh-tw
Autumn Event | Sun Moon Lake Fireworks & Music Carnival
As autumn paints the hills in warm colors, Sun Moon Lake becomes the stage for one of Taiwan’s most picturesque seasonal festivals.
Held every October and November, the Sun Moon Lake Fireworks & Music Carnival blends nature, sound, and light into an unforgettable lakeside experience.
Expect taiko drumming, symphonic performances, pop concerts, and vibrant fireworks reflected across the calm surface of the lake. The result? A dreamy evening surrounded by mountains, music, and sparkles in the sky.
During the day, enjoy scenic hikes, boat rides, or a stroll through the autumn foliage. In the evening, relax under the stars with live music and food stalls showcasing local flavors.
If you’re looking for a romantic or photogenic escape in Taiwan, this festival is not to be missed.
- Venue: Sun Moon Lake, Nantou
- Website: https://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/zh-tw
Autumn Event | Nuit Blanche Taipei
Inspired by the original Nuit Blanche in Paris, this all-night arts festival brings contemporary art out of museums and into the streets of Taipei.
Since 2016, Nuit Blanche Taipei has lit up the city each autumn with large-scale installations, light sculptures, live performances, and interactive exhibits—all unfolding from dusk until dawn across multiple urban neighborhoods.
Each edition revolves around a unique theme and features both Taiwanese and international artists. You might find projection mapping in a park, dancers performing under streetlights, or experimental art hidden in everyday corners.
Main locations include Daan Forest Park, Yongkang Street, National Taiwan Normal University, and local cultural hubs like Jut Art Museum. The best part? It’s completely free and open to all.
Whether you’re wandering with friends, taking dreamy night photos, or simply soaking in the creative energy, this is Taipei at its most imaginative and alive.
- Venue: Daan Forest Park and multiple locations across Taipei
- Website: https://www.nuitblanche.taipei/
Winter Event (December to February)
Winter Event | Taipei Marathon
Every December, thousands of runners from around the world gather in Taiwan’s capital for the Taipei Marathon—one of Asia’s premier city marathons and a Gold Label race certified by World Athletics.
The course winds through Taipei’s most iconic sights, including Taipei 101, the Grand Hotel, and scenic riverside parks, offering a unique way to explore the city on foot.
Runners can choose between the full marathon and half marathon distances, and the streets come alive with cheering crowds, local drumming groups, and plenty of encouragement along the way.
Even if you’re not running, it’s worth joining the celebration—spectators line the route to support athletes, and the finish line features food trucks, brand booths, and photo zones.
If you’re planning to participate, be sure to book your flights and accommodations early—hotels around the race areas fill up quickly!
- Venue: Across Taipei City (Start/finish lines announced each year)
- Website: https://www.taipeicitymarathon.com/en/
Winter Event | Christmasland in New Taipei City
From mid-November to the end of the year, downtown Banqiao transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland—welcome to Christmasland in New Taipei City!
Launched in 2011, this is the largest Christmas celebration in Taiwan, drawing over 7 million visitors annually with its magical lights and festive atmosphere.
The area around New Taipei City Hall and Banqiao Station lights up with massive Christmas trees, themed zones, 3D projection mapping, and glowing art installations that make the whole city sparkle.
Opening night features live performances by popular singers, and throughout the season, you’ll find pop-up shops, holiday markets, and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots.
With easy access by public transport, it’s a great destination for couples, families, and travelers alike—explore nearby heritage sites and night markets by day, then enjoy the lights by night.
- Venue: Around New Taipei City Hall, Banqiao District
- Website: https://christmasland.ntpc.gov.tw/
Winter Event | Taipei 101 New Year Fireworks
When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, Taipei lights up—literally. The iconic Taipei 101 transforms into a giant launchpad for a breathtaking fireworks display that rings in the New Year with color, sound, and spectacle.
The 6-minute show features synchronized music, themed visuals, and pyrotechnics launched directly from the skyscraper’s structure. Each year brings a new creative concept, making it a must-see even for repeat visitors.
Surrounding the tower, the Xinyi District hosts live countdown concerts, bustling crowds, and an atmosphere buzzing with celebration.
Top viewing spots include Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan), riverside parks like Yingfeng, and nearby rooftops—but arrive early, as spaces fill up fast.
Don’t forget to bundle up for the chilly night and pack a raincoat just in case. Public transportation runs late, but crowds are massive, so plan your route ahead of time for a smoother exit.
- Venue: Taipei 101 & Xinyi District
- Website: https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/tw/
Winter Event | Taiwan Lantern Festival
Held around the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, the Taiwan Lantern Festival is one of the country’s most dazzling and culturally rich celebrations.
Each year, a different host city transforms into a glowing wonderland filled with massive lantern installations, traditional crafts, light shows, and interactive art.
In 2025, the festival will run from February 12 to 23 in Taoyuan, near the High-Speed Rail station and nearby sports parks.
Expect enormous zodiac lanterns, themed displays, high-tech light projections, and performances from both local and international artists.
During the day, it’s perfect for family fun; at night, it becomes a photogenic spectacle that blends heritage and innovation.
If you’re visiting Taiwan in February, this is one festival you won’t want to miss—just be sure to check the official website for the latest location and travel info.
- Venue: Taoyuan HSR Station Area & Sports Park (for 2025)
- Website: https://2025taiwanlanternfestival.org/En/
Winter Event | Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival (Tainan)
Dubbed “Taiwan’s most intense festival,” the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is not for the faint of heart. Held during the Lantern Festival in Tainan’s Yanshui District, this explosive event has been shaking the streets for over 150 years.
Originally intended to ward off evil and disease, the festival features towers of beehive-like firecrackers that launch thousands of rockets in every direction—directly into the crowd.
Locals believe that taking a direct hit from the firecrackers brings good luck and protection, so participants suit up in helmets, fireproof clothing, and gloves to brave the chaos.
The festival also includes religious processions, traditional performances, and lively street markets. It’s a wild blend of faith, adrenaline, and cultural spectacle.
Thinking of joining in? You’ll need courage—and full protective gear. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences Taiwan has to offer.
- Venue: Yanshui District, Tainan
- Website: https://www.twtainan.net/yanshuifireworks
Fall in Love with Taiwan—and Find Your Second Home at Home Sweet Home Share House
With all the vibrant festivals and traditions happening year-round, it’s no wonder so many visitors fall in love with Taiwan.
And after a few trips, you might find yourself wanting to stay a little longer—not just as a tourist, but as part of the local rhythm.
That’s exactly what Home Sweet Home Share House is for.
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If you’re curious about what it’s like to truly live in Taiwan, come take a look—we’d love to welcome you home.
Visit us: https://hshsharehouse.com
View available rooms: https://hshsharehouse.com/ourspaces
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Read what our tenants say: https://hshsharehouse.com/lifestyle
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