Your Ultimate Music Festivals Guide: Music Festivals You Can't Miss in Taiwan

Today MyProGuide has gathered some of the best music festivals in Taiwan so you don't miss out on the best music events happening around the island. Dates, venues and line-ups change every year, so always check each festival’s official page before you plan your trip.

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1. Taiwan Music Festival 台灣祭 (Kenting)

Kenting, which is said to have the best beaches in Taiwan, was for many years home to Spring Scream (春天吶喊), Taiwan’s longest-running music festival, started in 1995. After Spring Scream left Kenting in 2019, the Pingtung County Government launched the Taiwan Music Festival (台灣祭) in 2021 to carry on the tradition. Usually held in early spring around the Tomb Sweeping Day long weekend, it is free to enter and features multiple stages with local and international acts. You will be enjoying the sunny weather, stunning beaches, and of course, music of all kinds.

2. Ho-Hai-Yan Rock Festival - 新北市貢寮國際海洋音樂祭

The name "Hohaiyan” came from the Taiwanese aborigines when they heard the waves. It is a celebration of the fact that Taiwan is a beautiful island surround by the sea and the importance of the ocean for the Taiwanese people. Held at Fulong Beach (福隆海水浴場) on the northeast coast, usually in July, it was founded in 2000 by Taiwan Colors Music and the New Taipei City Government. It is a perfect event for rock music lovers. Several well-known Taiwanese singers and bands played at Ho-Hai-Yan, including Mayday, Cheer Chen, Fire Ex., and Crowd Lu.

3. Taipei Jazz Festival 臺北爵士音樂節

Jazz lovers? Yes! Don’t miss out on the Taipei jazz music festival! Since 2007, Taipei City has been organizing Taipei Jazz Festival. Inviting both local jazz players and renowned international jazz bands for jazz music fans in Taipei. It is not just about a good music event, but a series of activities such as jazz lectures and workshops. It is usually held in September, with shows spread across the city and an outdoor main stage, where you can enjoy a great atmosphere and dance to the rhythm of live jazz!

4. Tiger Mountain Ramble Outdoor Music Festival 虎山音樂祭

As the name “Ramble” implies, it aims to impart the atmosphere of relaxing and laid back attitude of living held on Tiger Mountain. It has usually been held in December; check its Facebook page to see if it is on this year. It is a fun event that brings a variety of artists with a mixture of folk, rock, live acts, arts all together at a former temple surrounded by the mountain. With just a ten-minute taxi ride from Xiang Shan Metro, you will be enjoying great music in the jungle! 

https://www.facebook.com/tmromf/

5. LUCfest 貴人散步音樂節

This is the best music festival for indie lovers! Aiming to connect Asian music to the global music industry. It is held in Tainan, an old city with lots of stories to tell, usually in late autumn. Featuring showcase performances at several venues around the city, it has shown great dedication to Asian music. Taking the audience to explore the Taiwanese independent music thoroughly, and at the same time establish a platform for Taiwan’s artists to international stages. For more indie music events check it out here: 

https://www.facebook.com/lucfest.tw/

6. Megaport Festival 大港開唱

Megaport Festival is where you rave about authentic Taiwanese rock bands! The most iconic rock music festival, Megaport, features all kinds of rock music, especially punk and metal. It was founded by Freddy Lim, the vocalist of the metal band Chthonic, who later served as a legislator. It is usually held in spring around the Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區) in the southern port city of Kaohsiung. https://www.megaportfest.com/

7. Chiayi City International Band Festival 嘉義市國際管樂節

The history traces back to the Japanese Colonial Period in 1931 when the first Chiayi local student band was founded. Ever since then, the trend of music has grown in Chiayi. Starting in 1997, Chiayi City Band Festival changed its name into the Chiayi City International Band Festival. It also began to invite overseas bands to join the festival. It is a good mixture of various activities, including indoor and outdoor concerts, wind band marathon, marching performances, new year party, and so much more. Save the end of December to Chiayi for amazing music performances at Chiayi International Band Festival. 

https://www.facebook.com/chiayiband/

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8. Organik Festival: dancing under the most beautiful sky in Taiwan

Organik festival is definitely the must-go festival for techno lovers! Can you imagine dancing under a starry, starry night? Watching the sunrises, listening to the waves? At Organik Festival, you simply have it all. Wandering in the lush jungle, discovering new artists, feeling free from all your worries and stress, and just being yourself, share smiles with strangers, dream, and dance the whole weekend. The location changes from year to year (past editions were held on Hualien’s coast, in Yilan and on the North Coast), and it is usually held in April, perfect timing to experience the early summer vibe in Taiwan. Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OrganikOfficial

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Cover photo: daisuke1230, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons