05 December 2025
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Taiwan’s open, free-spirited atmosphere has nurtured an eclectic and thriving music scene. From indie rock to pop, these festivals stretch across mountains, coastlines and city harbors — each one echoing the island’s creative pulse.
Among the most anticipated annual events are the Megaport Festival, Spring Wave Music and Art Festival, and Taiwan Festival. With impressive lineups, deep-rooted legacies and a spirit of community, these celebrations have become modern symbols of Taiwan’s musical identity.
Whether you’re headbanging by the harbor or dancing in the woods, follow our guide to the best eats and stays to make the most of some of Taiwan’s most iconic music festivals.
Megaport Festival — Kaohsiung
Held every March in Kaohsiung, Megaport Festival has been the beating heart of southern Taiwan’s music scene since 2006. The two-day celebration draws hundreds of thousands of fans each year and, in 2025, expands beyond the Pier-2 Art Center to the scenic Love River Bay area.What makes Megaport special is its harbor-side energy — sunlit beats and sea breezes by day, dazzling lights and wild rhythms by night.
Ten themed stages feature over a hundred acts from Taiwan and overseas. The 2025 lineup included heavyweights like Chthonic, Amazing Show and American psychedelic rock legends The Flaming Lips on the outdoor main stage called “Southern Overlord.” The indoor “Dragon King” stage delivered immersive audiovisual experiences, while free community stages like “Tangerine Dream” and “Mini Port” gave rising bands their first spotlight. Food stalls, local vendors and buzzing crowds turn the harbor into a massive open-air carnival of sound and style.
What to eat
Pier-2 sits in Yancheng District, one of Kaohsiung’s most characterful neighborhoods. Must-try local eats include Cheng’s Noodles, known for rich pork-bone broth and offal cuts, and Duck Zhen (Wufu 4th Road), famous for its fragrant smoked duck platter and offal soup — local favorites for decades. For homestyle comfort food, Chang Sheng 29 offers off-menu dishes that vary daily, from deep-fried pork belly marinated in red rice wine lees to sizzling claypot rice.
Nearby in Cianjin and Sinsing, food lovers flock to Crab’s House and Tainan Wang for fresh crab and seasonal seafood. Chao Ming, a Bib Gourmand pick, has gone viral after a BLACKPINK band member’s social media post highlighted the food — try stir-fried pork belly with garlic sprouts and braised fish for a true taste of Taiwanese home cooking.
Where to stay
Within a 10-minute drive of Pier-2, several MICHELIN-recommended hotels offer distinct stays, including InterContinental Kaohsiung; THE AMNIS, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kaohsiung; Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park and Hotel Dùa.Overlooking the harbor in the Asia New Bay area, InterContinental Kaohsiung pairs luxury with convenience near the Sanduo shopping district and Kaosiung exhibition center. Its dining options range from Cantonese to Japanese and Southeast Asian; guest rooms feature harbor-view bathtubs, while the fifth-floor indoor pool and spa offer a serene retreat.
THE AMNIS, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kaohsiung, meanwhile, channels Japanese minimalism with Italian handcrafted beds and marble bathrooms, offering calm sophistication away from the city buzz.
Spring Wave Music and Art Festival — Taichung
Founded in 2006 in Kenting, the Spring Wave Music and Art Festival is one of Taiwan’s most popular outdoor music festivals. Over the years, it has toured everywhere from New Taipei’s Baisha Bay to Penghu and even Singapore and Hong Kong. Since 2022, the festival has taken root at Alive Glamping Base in Taichung.The 2025 edition featured a dynamic 50-artist lineup, including Golden Melody winner Siri Lee, Korean indie band ADOY, Japan’s SPYAIR and Thai sensations Phum Viphurit.
Spring Wave stands out for blending pop music, nature and art. Its eco-friendly setup, family- and pet-friendly zones, and creative markets turn the grounds into a breezy, feel-good celebration.
Further Reading: The Best MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants in Taichung Perfect for Celebrations
What to eat
Before heading to the festival, fuel up in Taichung City. Locals love No Name Noodles for their signature pickled mustard noodles — rich, tangy and served with a warm welcome. Another popular spot, A Kun Mian offers a nostalgic taste of old-school Taiwan: chewy oil noodles topped with bean sprouts, minced pork and Taichung’s signature sweet-spicy chili sauce. After the show, night owls can head to Night School Braised Pork Rice, open past midnight, for hearty rice bowls and comforting small plates.
Where to stay
Festival-goers can camp on-site under the stars or choose a MICHELIN-recommended stay in downtown Taichung, around 30 to 40 minutes away. InterContinental Taichung by IHG, located in the lively Calligraphy Greenway district, is surrounded by art and culture landmarks like the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and National Taichung Theater. Inspired by native species like the Taiwan blue magpie and butterflies, the hotel’s art collection of more than 300 works makes it ideal for design and nature lovers.
Taiwan Music Festival — Kenting
Every spring, warm sea breezes and golden sands set the stage for the Taiwan Music Festival at Kenting’s Dawan Beach — drawing over a million music lovers from around the world. Although established just five years ago, the festival carries the spirit of Spring Scream, Taiwan’s first and most historic indie music fest.The beachfront stage that neighbors the bustling Kenting street, backed by turquoise waves and the laid-back Kenting vibe, makes the Taiwan Music Festival both a cultural highlight and a seaside escape.
The 2025 lineup included favorites like Fire EX., 911, Flesh Juicer and Japan’s DOES, spanning punk, metal and hip-hop — a testament to Taiwan’s fearless creativity. Art markets and food stalls add a festive, sun-soaked touch to the experience.
What to eat
Kenting’s dining scene is just as vibrant as the music festival. For fresh catches, head to Houbihu, where seafood restaurants serve sashimi and just caught fish in abundance. Along the main street of Kenting, street food stalls and creative eateries fill the night with tempting aromas for the perfect post-concert stroll.
Where to stay
Escape the festival buzz at Gloria Manor, just a 10-minute drive from Dawan. Nestled inside Kenting National Park, the hotel is surrounded by rich ecosystems and sweeping views of the mountain and the ocean beyond. Nights here are serenaded by the sounds of nature — an idyllic retreat for rest and recharge.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide for Nature Lovers in Taiwan
Hero image: ©TSUJI MUSIC INC.
