TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The warmer weather and recent sunny skies make for the perfect opportunity for outdoor adventures in and around Taipei, and as such, the Taipei City Government has listed 10 local hiking routes in English on its website. Those more interested in music, the arts or opportunities to practice their language skills can see below for what is happening in the city this week.
A series of exciting events and activities are offered to residents as part of the Taipei South Fun Carnival next week, between April 2 and 7. Taipei Walking Tour will conduct a South Taipei expedition in several languages, which Taiwan News was invited to preview earlier this month. Information on other goings-on can be found here in English. Interested parties can also consult the event website (Chinese).
Taipei's premier queer expression party Blush marks its monthly return April 6 featuring performances from several local drag queens and the opportunity to meet the next Mr. Gay Taiwan, for whom funds are being raised so he can participate at the Mr. Gay World Finale in South Africa.
The 11th Taiwan International Festival of Arts is still ongoing, hosted by the National Theater and Concert Hall. As part of the festival, Polish pianist Kristian Zimmerman gives a recital on March 30th, and a play based on the 2012 murder of a Muslim gay man in Belgium takes place on April 5 and 6. Ticket information is available on the official website, where interested parties can also view the entire festival program.
A Taiwan-Japan Art Exhibition hosted by the Taiwan Women's Art Association is taking place between March 29 and 31. The exhibition is free to enter and will occupy the central concourse of Taipei Main Station.
From March 30 through April, a CyDesignation Creative Art Exhibition will be held at the d/art gallery in Taipei’s Wanhua District. The Japanese video game design company previously made its mark with the prolific Final Fantasy series concept art. Check out the exhibition before April 28.
On Saturday, March 30, Taipei’s most exciting “hip-hop meets karaoke” competition “Rock The Mic” will return for its second season. This year’s competition will take place at the Ivy Palace (草御殿). For those considering entry, participants are expected to perform a different song in each of the three rounds of the competition. The second round is planned for April 20. Check out the event Facebook page for more information.
There is a chance to win some free merchandise for those who register for the Pink Yoga event taking place at Tongyi Department store near Taipei City Hall on Saturday, March 30. Registration is required, and spots are limited, for free gifts are available to early arrivals. Check out the event site for information (in Mandarin) on how to join.
Fairy Taipei in Da’an District is hosting a drag party that includes a runway competition and lip-sync battle (open to contestants of any gender) on March 30th. The event starts at 9:00 p.m., entry is NT$400. Check the Facebook page for info.
On Saturday, March 30, a unique “lockdown event” called “Concrete Swamp: Biosphere No. 3” is happening at Venue Taipei near Zhongshan MRT. “Biosphere” alleges to be a social experiment and art project, rather than just a party. Entry is NT$800 on the door from 8:00 p.m. onwards, but guests are “quarantined” until it concludes at 3:00 a.m.
Regular Hangouts
Two Three Comedy continues to host stand-up comedy open mic nights every Monday at bar 23 Public. The show begins at 9 p.m. but those wishing to sign up should be sure to arrive early.
Karaoke nights are held every Tuesday at Triangle near Yuanshan MRT for those who more enjoy Western bar-style karaoke.
Every Wednesday, Republic of Comedy Taiwan Standup host an open-mic comedy night at My Yacht Taproom near Songshan Culture and Creative Park.
If you want to put your English to use and enjoy an open forum to discuss different topics and hear presentations in English, check out the iEnglish Club English Gathering every Saturday.
If you're looking for a family friendly group to practice your English or your Chinese, consider checking out events with Language Exchange Taipei. They are having a free language exchange on Sunday afternoon at Lifehouse Taipei.
The LEIT Language Exchange group regularly hosts a huge number of activities. Check their events page for friendly hangouts and language exchange opportunities.
Bobwundaye bar near Liuzhangli MRT hosts Wednesday Open Mic Nights for those looking to share their musical or artistic talents with an audience. Performances begin at 10 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite Irish bar in Gongguan near NTU, James Joyce, is also hosting live music every weekend.
Those who love Indian food and culture can stop by Mayur Indian Kitchen on Songjiang Road to watch regular dance performances and hear Indian music while dining on Saturdays.
For those new to Taipei, or those who have been here a while but still haven't seen all the city has to offer, consider taking a walking tour with "Like it Formosa." Tours happen regularly every week, with four different types of tours to choose from, depending on what you want to see.
And depending on your interests, check this list of meet up groups regularly to see if there is anything up your alley.