TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The weather is heating up across Taiwan, and there is no shortage of events around the city to keep you active as summer approaches. Here are a few interesting activities happening around Taipei between April 27 and May 5.
The Creative Expo Taiwan is a five day event being held at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Songshan Cultural & Creative Park, and the Taipei Expo Park that will wrap up on Sunday, April 28. This year's theme is "Culture on the Move" and there are a number of creative markets and exhibitions, along with some performances at each of the CET locations. Check out the Official Webpage for more info.
On Saturday April 27, Vogue Taiwan will be hosting an outdoor picnic at the Meiti Riverside Park (大直美堤河濱公園) on the Keelung River from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. To celebrate the spring, as part of a dress code for the event, the organizers ask participants to wear clothing reflecting a theme of “flowers.” There will be a number of sponsors and vendors with booths at the event, entry is free. Check the VOGUE Picnic webpage for more info.
To experience a local Taiwanese festival, check out the annual birthday celebration of the Heavenly Holy Mother, Matsu, on Monday, April 29. The event is part of the Baosheng Cultural Festival, which is a series of events from April through June. On the 23rd day of the third lunar month every year worshippers will gather in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to celebrate the famous goddess Matsu at the Dalongdong Baoan Temple (大龍峒保安宮).
(Taiwan Tourism Bureau photo)
Fine art enthusiasts should definitely take note of the Art Revolution Taipei exhibition happening this weekend at the Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 3. This year’s theme is “A Soul Tattooed by Art.” The exhibit runs through April 29, and showcases some of the most prominent artists from Taiwan and abroad. Admission for the Public is NT$300.
For motorcycle enthusiasts the "International Motorcycle Industry Show" is taking place at the Nangang Exhibition Center through April 28. The Motorcycle Taiwan exhibition will offer attendees a huge floor of bikes, engines , and other automotive components to explore. Check out the official website for more info.
This Sunday, April 28, will be the last chance to see roses in bloom at the Chiang Kai-shek Residence in Shilin. Each year, the residence opens to showcase the wonderful rose gardens in bloom each spring. Flower lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity. The Rose Greenhouse is only open until 4:00 p.m., and the outdoor gardens are open until 7:00p.m.
On Sunday, April 28, there the Japanese Kouenji Awa-Odori (東京高円寺阿波舞) dance troupe, will be performing for the public at two temple festivals in Taipei. From to 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. the performance can be enjoyed in front of Song Shan’s Cihui Buddhist Temple (松山慈惠堂). Later from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. they will be at the Ciyou Temple in Songshan (松山慈祐宮).
For those interested in watching a theater performance, “The Banality of Evil” (平庸的邪惡) by the Yang Theater Troupe at the Experimental Theater of the National Theater. The production is about the dark chapters in human history seem to repeat themselves. There are two showings on Saturday, and one showing on Sunday, tickets are NT$900.
Photography lovers should consider visiting the Song Shan Photography Club 2nd independent exhibition “Printemps,“ being held this weekend through April 30 from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Songshan Creative and Cultural Park. Photography enthusiasts should also take note of the vintage camera and photography market happening Saturday, April 27 happening at the Wanjin Photography Studio.
A Photobook Fair “Photo ONE,” hosted by ONE ART Taipei, is also taking place this weekend, April 26-28, at the Taipei Arts Village. Publishing companies from across the Asia-Pacific will be represented at the market. Entry is free.
There are a number of market events this week for those who looking for unique shopping opportunities. On April 27 and April 28, there is the Urban Research Anniversary Market celebrating its fifth year. Check out some unique fashions created by talented local designers at Urban Research.
On Saturday, April 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Kafnu Taipei will host the “Kafnu Flea Market”near Taipei’s Zhongshan MRT Station. Come check out a wide array of vintage goods, antiques, jewelry and quality second hand fashions.
A very large flea market organized by the “Cut Off My Hands” online community will take place on April 28 in Taipei’s Da’an District, near the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station. From 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. expect a large number of people, and many different vendors selling their used goods at extremely cheap prices.
The Bei-gen Creative market (培根市集) offering handicrafts, and goods from local designers and community groups is taking place at the Longshan Heritage Museum (艋舺龍山文創) on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fans of orchestral music may be interested to enjoy the “Hwa Kang Arts Festival” performance by the orchestra and band of Chinese Culture University, taking the stage at the National Concert Hall on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for NT$250 or NT$500.
On Friday, May 3, an international punk rock show will be taking place at Revolver in central Taipei. Bands from Japan and Hong Kong will be rocking out from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
At the National Concert Hall’s Experimental Theater May 3 through May 5 there will be four performances of “The Island” by EX-Theatre. Tickets are NT$700 and available here.
A local rock music festival is taking place on Saturday May 4 and May 5 with over 50 bands in the line up. The “Breaking Mud Fest. - Factory so Chill” (爛泥發芽之鐵皮卡Chill) event is taking place in New Taipei’s Taishan Dist, and will cost about NT$1,800 for both days.
At MAJI Square on Saturday, April 4 Taipei’s first ever Slavic Bazaar will be happening, hosted by Sourdough Bread Taiwan and Easton Inc. There will be fun for the whole family with a mix of Slavic Food, Live Music, Folk, Art and Dance Performances, according to the Facebook Event page.
On the evening of May 4, fans of Hip Hop should check out a special event showcasing some of Taiwan’s most talented female MCs and DJS at the TRAP GIRL Party, taking place at the club Venue near Zhognshan MRT station. Doors open at 6:50 p.m., and tickets are NT$550 at the door.
National Taiwan Normal University’s Wind Band will hold their annual concert at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall on May 4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost NT$200 or NT$300 and can be purchased here.
The 13th International Ballet Star Gala will have two performances at the National Theater in Taipei, one on Saturday, May 4 and one on Sunday, May 5. A range of ticket options are available, and may be purchased here.
For people interested in anime, manga, video games, collectible toys and game or comic related merchandise there will be a second hand market happening on May 5 at Sphere 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.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.
