Taipei Festivals & Events Calendar: What's On Month by Month (2026)
Planning a family trip to Taipei in 2026? Taipei is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and its calendar is packed with exciting festivals and events throughout the year. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the must-see celebrations, ensuring your family experiences the best of what Taipei has to offer, month by month. From traditional festivals to modern art exhibitions, we've got you covered with dates, locations, costs, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.
January
New Year's Celebrations
Date: January 1st
What Happens: Taipei kicks off the year with dazzling fireworks displays, especially at Taipei 101. Street performers, food stalls, and live music fill the surrounding Xinyi District. Many families gather to watch the show and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where to Go: Xinyi District, near Taipei 101. Consider booking a hotel room with a view of Taipei 101 well in advance.
Ticket Costs: Free to attend the street celebrations. Hotels with views of Taipei 101 will be more expensive (expect a 20-30% price increase).
How to Participate: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Public transportation is the best way to get around, as traffic can be heavy.
Insider Tip: Many restaurants offer special New Year's Eve dinners. Reserve well in advance!
Hotel Price Impact: High
Taipei International Travel Fair (Potential Date)
Date: Late January (Dates Vary)
What Happens: Although traditionally held in the fall, check for potential rescheduled dates in January. This massive travel fair at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall showcases travel packages, airline deals, and tourism promotions from around the world. It's a great place to find deals for future travel.
Where to Go: Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall
Ticket Costs: Around NT$200 (approximately $6 USD)
How to Participate: Purchase tickets at the door or online. Bring cash for smaller vendors.
Insider Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate (slightly higher due to increased tourism)
February
Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)
Date: Mid-February (Dates Vary)
What Happens: The most important holiday in Taiwan! Families reunite, and temples are filled with worshippers. Expect lion dances, firecrackers, and special temple fairs. Many shops and restaurants close for several days.
Where to Go: Longshan Temple, Xiahai City God Temple, and other major temples. Dihua Street hosts a large New Year market leading up to the holiday.
Ticket Costs: Free to attend temple events. Market vendors set their own prices.
How to Participate: Visit temples to offer prayers and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Be mindful of cultural customs (e.g., dress respectfully).
Insider Tip: Book accommodations well in advance, as many hotels fill up quickly. Be prepared for some closures.
Hotel Price Impact: Very High
Taipei Lantern Festival
Date: Late February (following Lunar New Year)
What Happens: A spectacular display of lanterns, often themed around the zodiac animal of the year. The main lantern is a huge, illuminated sculpture. Street performances and food stalls add to the atmosphere.
Where to Go: The location varies each year but is typically in a large public space like Liberty Square or near Taipei City Hall.
Ticket Costs: Free
How to Participate: Just show up and enjoy the spectacle! Expect crowds, especially on weekends.
Insider Tip: Check the official website for the exact location and theme of the festival.
Hotel Price Impact: High
March
Yangmingshan Flower Festival
Date: March (entire month)
What Happens: Yangmingshan National Park bursts into color with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and other spring flowers. It's a beautiful time to hike and enjoy the natural scenery. The park organizes events and exhibitions related to the flowers.
Where to Go: Yangmingshan National Park
Ticket Costs: Entrance to the park is free, but there may be fees for certain exhibitions or activities.
How to Participate: Take the bus from Taipei Main Station or Shilin MRT Station to Yangmingshan. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
Insider Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photography.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate (slightly higher in Beitou, near Yangmingshan)
April
Children's Day
Date: April 4th
What Happens: Special events and discounts are offered at museums, amusement parks, and other attractions geared towards children. It's a great time to visit places like the Taipei Zoo or the National Taiwan Science Education Center.
Where to Go: Taipei Zoo, National Taiwan Science Education Center, Children's Amusement Park
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the attraction, but expect potential discounts.
How to Participate: Check the websites of various attractions for special Children's Day promotions.
Insider Tip: Book tickets in advance, as popular attractions can be crowded.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate
Taipei Art Fair (Potential Date)
Date: Late April (Dates Vary)
What Happens: Showcasing contemporary art from Taiwanese and international artists. The fair attracts collectors, art enthusiasts, and the general public. Check the Taipei Art Fair website for 2026 dates.
Where to Go: Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall (check official website)
Ticket Costs: Typically NT$300-500 (approximately $9-15 USD)
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online or at the door.
Insider Tip: Attend the opening night for a first look at the art and a chance to meet artists.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate
May
Bao'an Temple Festival
Date: Mid-May (Dates Vary)
What Happens: A vibrant Taoist festival celebrating the birthday of the deity Baosheng Dadi. Traditional performances, processions, and religious rituals take place at Bao'an Temple. It’s a unique cultural experience.
Where to Go: Bao'an Temple, near Yuanshan MRT Station.
Ticket Costs: Free
How to Participate: Observe the ceremonies respectfully. You can also offer incense and prayers.
Insider Tip: Check the temple's schedule for specific events and performance times.
Hotel Price Impact: Low
June
Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival)
Date: Early June (Dates Vary)
What Happens: Celebrated with dragon boat races, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and hanging calamus and mugwort. Dragon boat races are held at various locations along the Keelung River.
Where to Go: Keelung River (various locations), Dihua Street (for zongzi and festival goods)
Ticket Costs: Free to watch the dragon boat races. Zongzi prices vary.
How to Participate: Watch the races, try zongzi, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for the best viewing spots at the races.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate
Taipei Pride
Date: Late June (Dates Vary)
What Happens: While the main Pride Parade is in October, smaller events and celebrations often take place in June. Check local listings for parties, film screenings, and other Pride-related activities.
Where to Go: Various locations throughout Taipei, particularly in the Ximen and Gongguan areas.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the event.
How to Participate: Attend events and show your support.
Insider Tip: Check online event listings for specific details.
Hotel Price Impact: Low to Moderate
July
Taipei Film Festival
Date: July (entire month)
What Happens: Showcasing a diverse range of international and Taiwanese films, including features, documentaries, and short films. Screenings are held at various cinemas throughout the city.
Where to Go: Various cinemas throughout Taipei, including SPOT Huashan Cinema and Zhongshan Hall.
Ticket Costs: Around NT$200-300 per film (approximately $6-9 USD)
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online or at the box office.
Insider Tip: Check the festival schedule for Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate
August
Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day)
Date: August (Dates Vary)
What Happens: A romantic festival celebrating the annual meeting of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl in mythology. Couples exchange gifts and visit temples. Dihua Street is a good place to find traditional gifts.
Where to Go: Dihua Street, Xiahai City God Temple (known for matchmaking)
Ticket Costs: Free to visit temples. Gift prices vary.
How to Participate: Enjoy a romantic evening with your partner, exchange gifts, and visit a temple.
Insider Tip: Many restaurants offer special Qixi Festival menus.
Hotel Price Impact: Low
September
Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
Date: Mid-September (Dates Vary)
What Happens: Families gather to admire the full moon, eat mooncakes, and barbecue outdoors. Riverside parks are popular spots for barbecuing.
Where to Go: Riverside parks (e.g., Bitan Riverside Park), family homes
Ticket Costs: Free to visit parks. Mooncake prices vary.
How to Participate: Buy mooncakes, gather with family, and enjoy a barbecue under the full moon.
Insider Tip: Be mindful of fire safety when barbecuing in parks.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate
October
Taipei Arts Festival
Date: October (entire month)
What Happens: A month-long celebration of the arts, featuring theater performances, dance shows, music concerts, and art exhibitions. Events are held at various venues throughout the city.
Where to Go: National Theater and Concert Hall, Taipei City Hall, various galleries and theaters.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the event.
How to Participate: Check the festival schedule and purchase tickets online or at the box office.
Insider Tip: Look for free outdoor performances and exhibitions.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate
Taipei LGBTQ+ Pride Parade
Date: Late October (Dates Vary)
What Happens: One of the largest Pride parades in Asia, attracting participants from around the world. The parade route typically starts near Taipei City Hall and winds through the city center. The atmosphere is festive and inclusive.
Where to Go: Taipei City Hall, the parade route (check the official website for the exact route)
Ticket Costs: Free
How to Participate: Join the parade, cheer on the participants, and attend related events.
Insider Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Hotel Price Impact: High
November
Taipei International Marathon
Date: Early November (Dates Vary)
What Happens: A major marathon event attracting runners from around the world. The race route passes through many of Taipei's landmarks. Road closures are in effect during the race.
Where to Go: The race starts and finishes near Taipei City Hall. Spectators can watch along the route.
Ticket Costs: Free to watch. Registration fees apply for runners.
How to Participate: Cheer on the runners or register to participate (registration opens months in advance).
Insider Tip: Be aware of road closures if you're traveling in the city on race day.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate (slightly higher due to runners)
Mazu Pilgrimage (Potential Date)
Date: November (Dates Vary)
What Happens: While large-scale Mazu pilgrimages often happen earlier in the year in other parts of Taiwan, local temples in Taipei may have smaller processions and celebrations in November. Mazu is the goddess of the sea, and these events involve carrying her statue through the streets.
Where to Go: Check local temples for specific events and dates.
Ticket Costs: Free
How to Participate: Observe the procession respectfully.
Insider Tip: Ask locals for information about specific temple events.
Hotel Price Impact: Low
December
Christmasland in New Taipei City
Date: Late November to early January
What Happens: A massive Christmas-themed event in New Taipei City (easily accessible by MRT from Taipei). Features dazzling light displays, Christmas markets, concerts, and amusement park rides. It's a very popular destination for families.
Where to Go: New Taipei City Plaza, Banqiao MRT Station
Ticket Costs: Free to enter. Rides and market vendors charge their own prices.
How to Participate: Take the MRT to Banqiao Station and follow the signs. Expect crowds, especially on weekends.
Insider Tip: Go on a weekday evening to avoid the biggest crowds. Many vendors offer Taiwanese snacks and street food.
Hotel Price Impact: High (especially in Banqiao)
Taipei New Year's Eve Countdown Party
Date: December 31st
What Happens: Another chance to celebrate the New Year! A huge outdoor concert and fireworks display are held near Taipei 101. Similar to the January 1st celebrations, the Xinyi District is packed with people.
Where to Go: Xinyi District, near Taipei 101
Ticket Costs: Free to attend the street celebrations. Hotels with views of Taipei 101 will be more expensive.
How to Participate: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Public transportation is essential.
Insider Tip: Consider watching the fireworks from a rooftop bar or restaurant for a less crowded experience (reservations required).
Hotel Price Impact: Very High
Taipei offers a diverse range of festivals and events throughout the year, ensuring a memorable experience for every family. By planning ahead and considering the timing of your trip, you can maximize your enjoyment and immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture of this amazing city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year to visit Taipei for festivals?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. February (Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival) and October (Taipei Arts Festival and Pride Parade) are popular but crowded. March (Yangmingshan Flower Festival) and September (Mid-Autumn Festival) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
How far in advance should I book accommodations for major festivals?
For major festivals like Lunar New Year and the Taipei New Year's Eve Countdown Party, book your accommodations at least 3-6 months in advance. Prices increase significantly, and availability becomes limited.
What is the best way to get around Taipei during festivals?
Public transportation is the best way to get around Taipei during festivals. The MRT (subway) is efficient and convenient. Buses are also available, but traffic can be heavy. Avoid driving if possible.
Are there any festivals that are particularly good for families with young children?
The Taipei Lantern Festival and Christmasland in New Taipei City are both excellent choices for families with young children. Both events feature dazzling light displays and a festive atmosphere. Children's Day in April also offers special events and discounts at kid-friendly attractions.
What are some cultural customs I should be aware of when attending festivals in Taipei?
When visiting temples, dress respectfully (avoid shorts and tank tops). Remove your shoes before entering certain areas. Avoid taking photos during religious ceremonies without permission. Be mindful of noise levels and avoid loud conversations.
Are there any free events in Taipei?
Yes, many festivals and events in Taipei are free to attend, including the Taipei Lantern Festival, Yangmingshan Flower Festival (park entrance), Dragon Boat races, and the Taipei Pride Parade. Many temples are also free to visit, though donations are appreciated.