Taipei runs on a festival calendar that’s deeper and more frequent than most travelers realize. Beyond Lunar New Year and the famous Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, the city hosts dozens of cultural celebrations, religious processions, food festivals, and seasonal events throughout the year. For travelers, knowing the calendar matters — both for planning around the events you want to catch (the Pingxi lantern release, Pride Parade, Mid-Autumn moon viewing) and avoiding closures during the big holiday windows (Lunar New Year shuts down many small businesses for a week).
This Taipei festivals calendar covers every major festival, public holiday, and cultural event happening in 2026, organized month-by-month with confirmed dates, key details, and tips for travelers wondering whether to time a trip around a specific celebration.
2026 Taipei Festivals: Key Dates at a Glance
- February 14–22: Lunar New Year holiday (Feb 17 is the actual Lunar New Year day)
- February 27 + March 3: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
- February 25 – March 15: Taipei Lantern Festival (Yuanshan Park + Ximending)
- February 28: Peace Memorial Day (public holiday)
- April 5: Tomb Sweeping Festival (Qingming)
- April 17–26: Mazu Pilgrimage (mainly Taichung; smaller Taipei events)
- April–May: Bao’an Cultural Festival
- June 19: Dragon Boat Festival
- September 25–28: Mid-Autumn Festival weekend
- September 28: Confucius Birthday Ceremony
- October 10: Republic of China National Day
- Late October: Taipei Pride Parade (Asia’s largest)
- November: Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival
- December 31: Taipei 101 New Year fireworks
January 2026
Western New Year (January 1)
Public holiday. Most major businesses closed; tourist sites stay open.
Yangmingshan Flower Festival Begins (Late January)
Annual flower festival in Yangmingshan National Park begins late January or early February (depending on weather). Cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, calla lilies. Runs through mid-March.
Dihua Street Lunar New Year Market (Late January Onward)
From late January through February 15, the Dihua Street market transforms into Taiwan’s biggest pre-Lunar-New-Year shopping event. Traditional sweets, nuts, dried foods, and gift items at heavily decorated stalls.
February 2026
Lunar New Year (February 17, with Feb 14–22 Holiday)
Taiwan’s biggest holiday. The actual New Year’s Day is February 17, with the official public holiday running February 14–22 (9 days). Major events:
- Lunar New Year’s Eve (Feb 16): Family reunion dinner; many businesses close. Fireworks at Taipei 101 midnight.
- New Year’s Day (Feb 17): Lion dances at Grand Hyatt Hotel (11 AM, free). Family visits to temples.
- Feb 18: Lion dancing at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (4–5 PM).
- Feb 19: Lion dancing at Ximending Red House (3 PM) + LNY Craft Market.
- Feb 18–22: Continuous Lunar New Year festivities across the city.
Note for travelers: Many small businesses close for 5–9 days during the LNY holiday. Plan around closures. Book hotels far in advance.
Peace Memorial Day (February 28)
Public holiday commemorating the 228 Incident of 1947. National Taiwan Museum has free admission. Many cultural events and public discussions.
Taipei Lantern Festival (Feb 25 – March 15)
Free outdoor lantern displays at Yuanshan Park and Ximending. Designed to celebrate the end of Lunar New Year. Family-friendly. Open daily from 5 PM until 10 PM weekdays, 2 PM – 10 PM weekends.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (Feb 27 + March 3)
The famous mass sky lantern release in Pingxi village. 2026 dates: February 27 at Pingxi Junior School, March 3 at Shifen Sky Lantern Square. ~150 lanterns released every 20 minutes between 6 and 9 PM. Major draw; arrive by noon for a voucher.
March 2026
Lantern Festival (March 3)
The official end of the 15-day Lunar New Year period. Major lantern release at Shifen Sky Lantern Square (paired with the Pingxi events). The Taiwan Lantern Festival (the national event) is in Chiayi this year, March 3–15.
Cherry Blossom Season Peak (Late February – Mid-March)
Best cherry blossom viewing in Yangmingshan, Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui, and several smaller spots. Free.
April 2026
Tomb Sweeping Festival / Qingming (April 5)
Public holiday. Families visit ancestors’ tombs. Most businesses are open as usual; the day has cultural rather than commercial impact for tourists.
Mazu Pilgrimage (April 17–26, 2026)
One of the world’s largest religious processions. Centered in central Taiwan (starting and ending at Zhenlan Temple in Dajia, Taichung). Some smaller parallel events at Taipei’s Mazu temples. Atmospheric and culturally significant.
Bao’an Cultural Festival (Late April Through May)
Held at Bao’an Temple (near Yuanshan MRT). Taiwanese opera performances, religious processions, and folk arts. The festival runs over 4–6 weeks.
Yangmingshan Calla Lily Festival (Mid-March – Mid-April)
Calla lily fields at Zhuzihu in Yangmingshan National Park. Best window for one of the year’s most photogenic flower scenes. Free park entry; admission to flower farms is NT$100.
May 2026
Buddha’s Birthday (Date Varies by Lunar Calendar)
Major Buddhist celebration. Major Taipei temples host special ceremonies. Date typically in May.
Bao’an Cultural Festival Continues
The Bao’an Cultural Festival’s main events typically run through May.
June 2026
Dragon Boat Festival (June 19, 2026)
One of Taiwan’s three major lunar festivals. Dajia Riverside Park hosts the city’s most famous dragon boat races. Families eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves). Public holiday. Free to watch races.
July 2026
The summer doldrums — fewer major festivals, but several smaller events:
- Summer beach culture: Fulong Beach, Bitou Cape
- Various local night markets and food events
- Concerts and outdoor music at Da’an Forest Park
August 2026
Ghost Month (Date Varies by Lunar Calendar)
The 7th lunar month — Taiwanese tradition of honoring ancestors. Smaller religious processions; some cultural traditions (avoiding swimming after dark, etc.). For tourists, mainly cultural context rather than visible events.
Father’s Day (August 8)
Symbolic (in Mandarin, “8/8” sounds like “papa”). Restaurants do family menus.
September 2026
Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25 + Holiday Through Sept 28)
Major family holiday. The actual festival day is Friday, September 25, with a four-day weekend through September 28. Family BBQs at riverside parks (Dajia, Chengmei), mooncakes everywhere, moon-viewing parties. Many small businesses close during the holiday window.
Confucius Birthday Ceremony (September 28)
The annual Confucius Birthday Ceremony at Taipei Confucius Temple. 24-stage classical Confucian ritual — one of the most authentic surviving Confucian ceremonies in the world. Free to attend (limited spectator capacity; arrive early).
Taipei Jazz Festival (September–October)
Annual outdoor jazz festival. Da’an Forest Park outdoor concerts (free); various ticketed events at venues across the city.
October 2026
Republic of China National Day (October 10)
Taiwan’s national day. Major parade and fireworks at the Presidential Office area. Public holiday; many cultural and patriotic events.
Taipei Pride Parade (Late October)
Asia’s largest Pride Parade. 100,000+ participants march through central Taipei, ending at Ketagalan Boulevard. Free to attend. After-party events at Red House LGBTQ+ district.
NTU Azalea Festival (Late September – Early October)
National Taiwan University campus hosts an annual azalea festival when their campus blooms. Free, with cultural events on campus.
November 2026
Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival (Early November)
The annual celebration of Taipei’s unofficial national dish. Top shops compete in categories (best red-braised, best clear-broth, etc.). Tastings, competitions, and food events at various venues across the city.
Silvergrass Season at Caoling Historic Trail
Mid-October through November. The famous Caoling Trail’s silvergrass blooms create one of northern Taiwan’s most photogenic landscape moments.
Foliage Season in Taipingshan (Yilan)
Late October through mid-November. The premier autumn foliage destination for Taipei-based travelers (2 hours away in Yilan County).
December 2026
Christmas Season
Taipei isn’t traditionally Christian-Christmas-focused, but malls and commercial centers deck the halls. Xinyi District, Taipei 101 Mall, and Ximending have Christmas decorations and special events.
Taipei New Year’s Eve (December 31)
The biggest annual event in central Taipei. Taipei 101 hosts the world-famous fireworks at midnight. Free outdoor concerts on the City Hall plaza. Hundreds of thousands gather in Xinyi District.
Best viewing spots for fireworks:
- Xinyi District streets (loudest, most crowded)
- Elephant Mountain (best angle, very crowded)
- Marriott Hotel rooftop (premium, advance booking)
- City Hall plaza (free concerts, food)
- Various Xinyi rooftop bars (advance booking)
Festivals That Move with the Lunar Calendar
Several major Taiwanese festivals follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates shift each year:
- Lunar New Year: Late January or February
- Lantern Festival: 15th day of 1st lunar month (Feb-March)
- Buddha’s Birthday: 8th day of 4th lunar month (April-May)
- Dragon Boat Festival: 5th day of 5th lunar month (May-June)
- Mid-Autumn Festival: 15th day of 8th lunar month (September-October)
- Ghost Month: 7th lunar month (August)
For 2026 specifically, the dates above are confirmed.
Planning Around Taipei’s Festivals
Best Festivals to Time a Trip Around
- Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (Feb 27 + March 3, 2026): The most-iconic Taipei festival.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept 25–28, 2026): The most accessible cultural experience for visitors.
- Taipei Pride Parade (Late October): Asia’s biggest LGBTQ+ event.
- Lunar New Year (Feb 14–22, 2026): Atmospheric if you can plan around closures.
- Dragon Boat Festival (June 19, 2026): Photogenic and culturally significant.
Festivals to Avoid (or Plan Carefully Around)
- Lunar New Year week: Many businesses close; hotels expensive.
- Mid-Autumn weekend: Domestic travel surge; book early.
- Ghost Month: No major travel implications, just cultural context.
Festivals Worth a Detour
- Mazu Pilgrimage (April 17–26): Central Taiwan focus; worth a Taichung side trip if your dates align.
- Taiwan Lantern Festival (Chiayi, March 3–15): The national-level lantern festival, not in Taipei.
- Confucius Birthday Ceremony (September 28): Unique Confucian ritual.
Weekly and Monthly Smaller Events
Beyond the major festivals, Taipei hosts ongoing smaller events:
- Weekly Eslite Songyan events: Book launches, design shows, mini-festivals.
- Sunday Dihua Street Flea Market: Vintage and antique vendors.
- Saturday Zhongshan Linear Park markets: Pop-up design fairs.
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park events: Rotating cultural exhibitions.
- National Concert Hall performances: Classical music and theater.
- Taipei Arena, TICC concerts: Major touring international artists.
How to Find Festival Information
Official Sources
- Taipei Travel official site (travel.taipei): The most comprehensive source. Event calendar with dates and details.
- Taipei Tourism Office Facebook page: Current event announcements.
- Specific festival websites: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Taipei Lantern Festival, etc. all have official sites.
Travel Blogs and News
- Taiwan Obsessed: Most-comprehensive English-language Taiwan travel blog.
- Taiwanderers: Major travel blog with strong festival coverage.
- Time Out Taipei: Weekly events listings.
Social Media
- Follow specific venue Instagrams (Eslite, MoCA Taipei, Songshan Cultural Park, etc.) for upcoming events.
- Use hashtags like #TaipeiFestival #PingxiLantern to find current event posts.
Tips for Festival Travelers
Book hotels far in advance. Major festivals (Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn, Pingxi) create domestic travel surges. Hotels fill up 2+ months ahead.
Check business closures. Some festivals (Lunar New Year especially) shut down many small restaurants and shops.
Arrive early at major events. The Pingxi lantern release vouchers run out by mid-afternoon. The Pride Parade gets crowded by mid-morning.
Dress for the weather. Outdoor festivals in winter (Pingxi, Lantern Festival) need warm layers. Summer festivals (Dragon Boat) need rain prep.
Public transport runs but is busier. Plan extra transit time during major festival days.
Festival foods are part of the experience. Try mooncakes at Mid-Autumn, zongzi at Dragon Boat, tangyuan at Lantern Festival.
Respect religious traditions. Temple festivals are real worship events. Dress modestly; don’t photograph close-up of praying worshippers.
Cash matters at festival markets. Small stalls at temple festivals and outdoor events are often cash-only.
Common Festival Mistakes
Visiting during Lunar New Year without booking far in advance. Worst hotel prices of the year.
Trying to do everything during one festival visit. Pick 1–2 major events; don’t try to attend everything.
Going to Pingxi sky lantern festival at 5 PM expecting a voucher. Vouchers gone by 3 PM at latest.
Underestimating Mid-Autumn crowds. Riverside BBQ parks fill by 7 PM.
Missing the Pride Parade at noon. The march starts late morning; arrive by 11 AM for the start.
Going to Taipei expecting Western Christmas. Christmas exists but isn’t a major Taipei holiday. New Year’s Eve is a much bigger event.
Related Taipei guides
- Taipei Culture & Traditions: A Visitor’s Guide
- Taiwan vs China: Cultural Differences Tourists Should Know
- Tipping in Taipei: Do You or Don’t You?
- LGBT Travel to Taipei: Complete Guide
- Things to Do in Taipei: 45+ Must-See Attractions & Experiences
- Taipei Travel Guide : The Complete Planning Resource
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lunar New Year 2026?
February 17, 2026, with the public holiday running February 14–22 (9 days total). The Year of the Horse.
When is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival 2026?
February 27, 2026 (Pingxi Junior School) and March 3, 2026 (Shifen Sky Lantern Square). Mass releases every 20 minutes between 6 and 9 PM.
What festivals happen in Taipei in 2026?
Lunar New Year (Feb 14–22), Pingxi Lantern Festival (Feb 27 + March 3), Lantern Festival displays (Feb 25 – March 15), Dragon Boat Festival (June 19), Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept 25–28), Confucius Birthday (Sept 28), Pride Parade (late October), and the Taipei 101 New Year fireworks.
Are festivals in Taipei free to attend?
Most are free. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is free if you get a voucher. Mid-Autumn BBQ is free. Pride Parade is free. Some smaller events (Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi has ticketed shows; major concerts) require tickets.
When is the Taipei Pride Parade 2026?
Typically late October. Exact date for 2026 will be announced in summer. The parade traditionally starts at City Hall plaza and ends at Ketagalan Boulevard.
What’s the best festival in Taipei for tourists?
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is the most iconic and most-photographed. Mid-Autumn Festival is the most accessible for visitors (BBQ at riverside parks, mooncakes everywhere). Lunar New Year is the most culturally significant but requires careful planning around closures.
What businesses close during Lunar New Year?
Many small restaurants, traditional shops, neighborhood markets, and family-run businesses close for 5–9 days. Major chains, tourist sites, hotels, and chain restaurants stay open with adjusted hours. Plan around closures or stay at hotels with breakfast included.
Are there fireworks in Taipei?
Yes — Taipei 101 hosts world-famous fireworks at midnight on December 31. Free to watch from anywhere in Xinyi District. Smaller fireworks for Lunar New Year and other holidays.
When is Mid-Autumn Festival 2026?
Friday, September 25, 2026, with the public holiday running September 25–28. Family BBQs at riverside parks; moon-viewing at elevated spots.
Final Take
Taipei’s festival calendar is one of the city’s quieter strengths — a year-round rhythm of cultural celebrations, religious processions, food festivals, and seasonal events that reward travelers willing to plan around them. The five top events for visitors are the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Pride Parade. Time your trip around one of them and you’ll have a uniquely Taiwanese cultural experience built into your itinerary.
