Major Events & Festivals in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

1. Tungfou Lantern Festival

Annual festival held in November where the entire Liuhe Night Market transforms into a vibrant lantern wonderland.

Lantern Display: Uniquely designed and themed lanterns creating a magical atmosphere.
Food Stalls: Variety of traditional Taiwanese street food available throughout the festival.
Cultural Performances: Traditional music, dance and puppet shows showcasing local culture.

Annual digital art festival held in March featuring large-scale projection mapping onto buildings.

Interactive Installations: Visitors can interact and influence the artwork through mobile apps.
Live Performances: Dance, music and other live performances complementing the digital art installations.
Artistic Collaboration: International artists collaborating with local talents to create unique pieces.

One of the largest lantern festivals in Taiwan held annually from November to February.

Largest Scale: Over 10,000 lanterns creating a breathtaking display.
Themed Sections: Different sections of the festival showcasing various cultural and historical themes.
Festival Food: Traditional snacks and desserts available throughout the festival grounds.

Traditional event where participants write wishes on sky lanterns and release them into the night sky.

Wish Fulfillment: A romantic and spiritual experience as participants make their wishes.
Night Markets: Variety of street food, arts and crafts available in the nearby Pingxi Old Street.
Historical Significance: Originally used for sending messages during wartime, now a symbolic tradition.

Annual flower market held on Valentine's Day where people gather to buy and exchange flowers.

Variety of Flowers: Wide range of fresh, exotic and unique flowers available for purchase.
Live Music Performances: Live music performances adding a romantic atmosphere to the market.
Flower Arranging Workshops: Visitors can learn how to create beautiful flower arrangements.

One of the largest night markets in Kaohsiung offering a variety of food, goods and entertainment.

Food Variety: Wide range of local delicacies and international cuisines available.
Shopping Opportunities: Variety of clothing, accessories and souvenirs available at affordable prices.
Live Entertainment: Street performers, live music and other forms of entertainment throughout the market.

Annual dragon boat races held in June celebrating traditional Taiwanese culture.

Competitive Racing: Teams from around the world competing in traditional dragon boat races.
Festival Atmosphere: Live music, dance performances and food stalls creating a festive atmosphere.
Historical Significance: Dragon boat racing originated over 2,000 years ago in China.

Annual music festival featuring local and international artists.

Music Variety: Variety of music genres represented including rock, pop, hip hop, electronic and more.
Artistic Performances: Visual arts, dance and other artistic performances accompanying the music acts.
Community Spirit: A sense of community and unity among attendees.

Annual marathon event offering a full marathon, half marathon and relay races.

Scenic Route: Beautiful course showcasing Kaohsiung's landscapes, including the Love River.
Community Participation: Opportunities for local residents and tourists to participate or volunteer.
Post-Race Celebrations: Food, drinks and entertainment waiting for participants at the finish line.

Annual Lunar New Year celebration held at Ruifeng Night Market with traditional performances and food.

Traditional Performances: Dance, music and puppet shows showcasing local culture.
Lucky Red Packets: Receiving lucky red packets (angpao) filled with money from friends and family.
Festive Decorations: Traditional decorations and lanterns creating a lively atmosphere.

Annual pride parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Unity and Acceptance: Promoting acceptance, diversity and unity within the LGBTQ+ community.
Colorful Costumes: Bright, creative and unique costumes worn by participants.
Live Music and Performances: Live music, dance performances and other entertainment throughout the parade.

Annual seafood festival held in Cijin Island showcasing local catch and cooking methods.

Fresh Seafood: Wide variety of freshly caught seafood available for tasting.
Cooking Demonstrations: Demonstrations on traditional cooking methods and recipes.
Island Atmosphere: Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of a coastal island community.

Annual fireworks festival featuring professional teams from around the world.

Magnificent Displays: Awe-inspiring fireworks displays set to music.
Competitive Spirit: Teams competing for the title of Best Fireworks Display.
Community Celebration: Community celebration and gathering to witness the incredible displays.

Annual music festival held in Taroko National Park featuring local and international acts.

Natural Surroundings: Concerts taking place amidst the breathtaking beauty of Taroko Gorge.
Artistic Collaboration: Collaborations between musicians and nature-inspired performances.
Community Spirit: A sense of unity and connection among attendees in this beautiful setting.

Annual festival celebrating the artistic transformation of Pingxi Forest Railway.

Artistic Expressions: Artists decorating railway carriages with their unique creations.
Photography Opportunities: Stunning photography opportunities among the colorful carriages.
Community Involvement: Local residents and artists collaborating to create a vibrant, artistic environment.