July 22, 2025
Introduction to Taipei Summer Festival
When summer arrives in Taiwan, Taipei turns into a city-wide celebration with the Taipei Summer Festival — an annual event that brings music, food, culture, and creativity to life.
From open-air concerts to food truck gatherings and family-friendly activities, the festival is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Dadaocheng Summer Festival: The Ultimate Celebration of Culture, Music & Fun Under the Sun
The Taipei Summer Festival often includes — and is sometimes interchangeably referred to as — the Dadaocheng Summer Festival. This is one of the main highlights of the broader summer festivities in Taipei, especially known for its romantic riverside atmosphere, live concerts, waterfront markets, and the grand fireworks show over the Tamsui River.
The Origin of the Dadaocheng Summer Festival
The predecessor of the Dadaocheng Summer Festival was the “Dadaocheng Fireworks Festival”. Later, it was combined with the Taipei Riverside Music Festival, Valentine’s Day activities and other activities, and was officially renamed the “Dadaocheng Summer Festival” in 2023.
From July to August every year, a series of activities such as markets, fireworks performances, and concerts will be held around Dadaocheng to spend summer nights with the public.
Fireworks performances have become the biggest highlight of Taiwan’s Qixi Valentine’s Day activities.
A City That Comes Alive in Summer
When summer sweeps into Taiwan, the capital city of Taipei doesn’t just get warmer — it bursts into life with festivals, concerts, and cultural experiences that light up every corner of the city. Among these vibrant happenings, the Taipei Summer Festival stands out as one of the most anticipated events of the season.
Spanning across July and August, this annual celebration transforms Taipei into a giant open-air stage filled with music, food, art, and unforgettable energy.
A Festival for Everyone
At the heart of the festival is the goal to bring people together — locals, tourists, families, and friends — to enjoy the warmth of summer through shared experiences.
From riverside concerts and interactive art installations to outdoor movie screenings, water parties, and night markets, the Taipei Summer Festival offers something for every age and interest. It also encourages exploration, with each district adding its own flair to the celebration.
The Iconic Dadaocheng Summer Festival
One of the festival’s signature events is the Dadaocheng Summer Festival, held along the Tamsui River in Taipei’s historic Dadaocheng area.
This celebration combines nostalgic charm with modern entertainment, featuring live music, riverside food markets, cultural exhibitions, and a stunning fireworks finale in August. It’s a must-see for both first-time visitors and returning festivalgoers.
A Showcase of Creativity and Culture
The Taipei Summer Festival is also a platform for showcasing Taiwan’s diverse culture and creative talent. From indigenous performers and traditional arts to indie bands and pop-up art exhibits, the festival celebrates the full spectrum of Taiwanese expression.
Food lovers will also enjoy the culinary creativity on display, with food trucks and stalls offering everything from local street snacks to global fusion dishes.
Free, Accessible, and Sustainable
One of the most appealing aspects of the Taipei Summer Festival is its accessibility. Most events are free, held outdoors, and designed to be family-friendly. Major locations like Dajia Riverside Park, Xinyi District, and city plazas host events that are easy to reach by public transit.
In recent years, the festival has also introduced eco-friendly initiatives — such as reusable cups, recycling stations, and sustainable decor — reinforcing its community-minded approach.
Make This Summer Unforgettable
If you’re wondering what to do in Taipei during the summer months, the answer is simple: experience the Taipei Summer Festival. It’s more than just a seasonal event — it’s a chance to see the city at its most vibrant and welcoming.
Stay tuned as we guide you through the best events, local eats, photo spots, and everything you need to plan the perfect summer in Taipei.
⏰2025 Taipei Summer Festival
Looking for the best summer event in Taipei in 2025? Taipei Summer Festival (Dadaocheng Summer Festival): Fireworks, Food & Fun Along Dadaocheng Wharf
The Taipei Summer Festival 2025 is the ultimate riverside celebration—complete with dazzling fireworks, street food, live music, and vibrant local culture. Set in the historic Dadaocheng Wharf area, this iconic summer event transforms the riverside into a glowing night market and entertainment hub.
If you’re visiting Taiwan in August or searching for things to do in Taipei during summer, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Taipei Summer Festival Schedule
Event Date: 2025-08-06~2025-08-30
Location: Dadaocheng Pier (Yanping Riverside Park Water Gate No. 3-5)
Taipei Summer Festival Ticket: Free Admission
Held annually by the Taipei City Government, this beloved summer festival draws tens of thousands of locals and tourists to enjoy the warm evenings, riverfront views, and immersive cultural experiences.
Themed Fireworks Displays
One of the most anticipated highlights of the 2025 Taipei Summer Festival is its four spectacular themed firework shows, each uniquely designed to capture the emotions, colors, and rhythm of summer in Dadaocheng, Taipei’s historic riverside district.
Each of these four themed firework shows offers something different—from nostalgic storytelling and cultural pride to high-energy city vibes and heartfelt romance.
Here’s a look at each show and why you won’t want to miss them:
August 6 – “Glow Flow”
● Theme: Harmony of History and Modernity
● Colors: Purple, multicolored gradients
● Special Effects: Layered blooms and vibrant color waves
The festival opens with “Glow Flow”, a visually rich display of purple and shimmering gradients that ripple across the sky. These fireworks symbolize Dadaocheng’s unique fusion of traditional culture and modern energy. Expect a deeply emotional start to the festival, as layered firework formations echo the soul of a community rooted in history and renewed through creativity.
▼ 8/6、8/13、8/20
August 13 – “Taipei Vibes”
● Theme: Youth, Motion, and City Energy
● Colors: Blue-green, silver-white
● Special Effects: Falling-leaf fireworks and rhythmic bursts
“Taipei Vibes” is a fast-paced celebration of the capital’s urban spirit. With non-stop fireworks choreographed to upbeat electronic music, this show captures the vitality, motion, and rhythm of Taipei. Waves of silver-white and teal streak through the sky like dancing leaves—perfect for those who love the energy of city life.
August 20 – “Golden Dadaocheng Moment”
● Theme: Glory, Blessings, and Legacy
● Colors: Gold, warm orange
● Special Effects: Giant chrysanthemum bursts, golden tassels
In tribute to the pioneering heritage of Dadaocheng, “Golden Dadaocheng Moment” bathes the skyline in brilliant gold and soft orange. Massive golden explosions and luxurious tassel effects symbolize achievement and innovation, evoking pride in Taipei’s enduring cultural roots and its bold leap into the future.
August 30 – “Love Comes at the Right Time” (Grand Finale)
● Theme: Romance, Destiny, and Celebration of Love
● Colors: Gold, silver, pink, red
● Special Effects: Heart-shaped fireworks, golden willows, silver waterfalls, surface bursts, and high-altitude displays
● Special Note: Held just after Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day)
The grand finale, “Love Comes at the Right Time”, turns the summer sky into a romantic dreamscape. Set to a medley of classic love songs, this 800-meter-wide firework symphony dazzles with heart-shaped explosions, cascading golden willows, and shimmering water-reflection effects. The centerpiece—“Chengcai Senrin”—creates a peacock-like formation symbolizing elegance and devotion. It’s a breathtaking display that celebrates love, timing, and shared memories—perfect for couples and dreamers alike.
▼ 8/30
Taipei Summer Festival – Live Music
The Taipei Summer Festival isn’t just about fireworks and lights—it’s also packed with live music and performances by some of the city’s most exciting bands and artists. Here’s your full guide to who’s performing, where, and when:
Artist Performance Schedule
August 6 (Wed)
• Artist: Loud Grounds
• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: Dadaocheng Wharf
August 13 (Wed)
• Artist: Younique Sounds
• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: Dadaocheng Wharf
August 20 (Wed)
• Artist: Golden Grandeur Plaza
• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: Dadaocheng Wharf
August 30 (Sat)
• Artist: Cheng Sing
• Time: 15:00–17:00
• Location: Dadaocheng Wharf
August 30 (Sat) – Finale Event
• Concert Name: Love Comes at the Right Time
• Time: 16:30–21:30
• Location: Main Stage @ Dadaocheng Wharf
Don’t Miss the Finale
August 30 features a full-day musical celebration leading up to the grand fireworks finale:
- Live performances from afternoon into evening
- Followed by the final firework show, “Love Comes at the Right Time”
- A perfect romantic finish to Taipei’s summer season
Tips for Attending
● Arrive early to secure a good viewing or seating spot—especially on August 30
● Bring a foldable chair or mat, and stay hydrated
● Performances are free and open to the public!
Toy Story 30 Years & Beyond – Experiential Zone
Toy Story 30th Anniversary: Retro Toy Store Pop-Up in Dadaocheng
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story, Taipei is bringing the magic of childhood back to life with a whimsical, limited-time event in one of its most nostalgic neighborhoods.
From July 1 to August 28, 2025, Disney and the Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism present:
Location: Historic Dadaocheng District and Yanping Riverside Park, Taipei City
This charming event transforms the historic streets of Dadaocheng into a retro toy wonderland, with beloved characters from Toy Story brought to life through colorful installations and photo zones.
What to Expect:
Life-sized installations of fan-favorite characters like:
- Woody
- Buzz Lightyear
- Lotso
- Little Green Men
Four themed Toy Story photo spots set up along the Yanping Riverside Park, making it easy for visitors to snap fun pictures while enjoying the summer festivities and river views.
Themed areas will include retro-style decorations that blend seamlessly with the vintage charm of Dihua Street and the surrounding area—bringing childhood nostalgia to both young fans and long-time Pixar lovers.
Best For:
- Families with kids
- Disney and Pixar fans
- Couples or friends looking for unique summer photo ops
- Visitors attending the Taipei Summer Festival who want an extra sprinkle of fun
Insider Tips:
Pair your visit with one of the Taipei Summer Festival fireworks shows for the ultimate evening outing.
Visit during golden hour (around 5:30–6:30 PM) for the best lighting for photos.
Follow the Taipei Travel social media pages or check on-site maps to find all four Toy Story installation points.
Don’t Miss This Limited-Time Toy Story Experience
Whether you’re traveling with kids, exploring Taipei’s historic neighborhoods, or just love Toy Story, this delightful anniversary event offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, creativity, and summer fun. Snap a selfie with Buzz, stroll past Lotso in a retro market setting, and rediscover what makes Toy Story a timeless classic—right in the heart of Taipei.
Riverside Light Gallery
As part of the 2025 Taipei Summer Festival, the Riverside Light Gallery invites visitors to experience Dadaocheng like never before—with a breathtaking display of lights that transforms the riverbank into a glowing celebration of summer nights.
A 500-Meter Journey Through Light
Stretching an impressive 500 meters along the Yanping Riverside Park, this year’s Riverside Light Gallery is a fireworks-inspired illuminated corridor filled with:
- Light panels mimicking fireworks
- Twinkling stars and glowing designs
- Colorful, immersive visual effects
As you walk through the installation, the riverbank becomes a dreamlike passage that sparkles with color and warmth—perfect for a romantic stroll, family outing, or solo moment of wonder under the Taipei night sky.
Where to Find It
Location: Yanping Riverside Park (near Dadaocheng Wharf), Taipei
Installation Length: 500 meters
Dates: Throughout the Taipei Summer Festival (August 6–30, 2025)
Admission: Free and open to the public from sunset to late evening
Best Time to Visit: After Sunset for the most magical lighting
Pair it with a visit to the Toy Story 30th Anniversary installations or time your visit for one of the Saturday night fireworks shows for a complete festival experience
Why You’ll Love It
Romantic and Instagram-worthy lighting
Family-friendly and stroller-accessible
Seamlessly blends art, culture, and atmosphere
Offers a quiet, reflective contrast to the vibrant festival buzz
A Walk to Remember Along Taipei’s Riverside
If you’re planning to attend the Taipei Summer Festival, the Riverside Light Gallery is a must-see. It’s more than just a light installation—it’s a magical evening walk, a photo-worthy moment, and a glowing tribute to the beauty of summer in Taipei’s most historic district.
Let the lights guide you through the heart of Dadaocheng’s romantic charm.
Blue Water Route Tickets
Taipei Summer Festival – NT$100 Blue Water Route Tickets
From August 6 to August 30 (excluding Wednesdays and Saturdays), themed days are available. Complete the designated challenge of the day to redeem a Blue Water Route discount ticket at the Dadaocheng Wharf Service Counter (Gate 5, Tamsui River).
Tickets are limited and available while supplies last. Tickets must be used on the same day or reserved for a future ride. Not valid on firework days (Aug 6, 13, 20, 30). Come experience the unique charm of Taipei’s riverside!
Themed Days
Monday ▶ Happy Seniors Day (Visitors aged 65+ receive a free boat ride voucher)
Tuesday ▶ Friends’ Day (Groups of 2 or more receive a free boat ride voucher)
Thursday ▶ Yue Lao Blessing Day (Couples receive a voucher; spend NT$200+ in the area and get a Yue Lao charm from Xiahai City God Temple)
Friday ▶ Retro Party Day (Wear retro accessories to get a boat voucher)
Sunday ▶ Family Fun Day (Parent-child groups: children aged 12 and under with 1–2 adults can receive up to 3 tickets)
Discount Ticket Redemption Info
Redemption Location: Dadaocheng Wharf Service Counter (Gate 5, Tamsui River)
Redemption Period: August 7 to August 29 (excluding Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Redemption Hours: 17:30–21:30 (Limited daily quota)
Dadaocheng Fireworks Viewing Spot
The Dadaocheng fireworks are launched from the 3rd to 5th water gates of the Yanping Riverside Park.
If you want to watch the fireworks at the Dadaocheng Pier, it is recommended that you arrive early to avoid missing the best viewing position.
In addition to the Dadaocheng Pier, the following viewing locations are also recommended, which are less crowded and can still enjoy the complete fireworks show:
▎Sanchong Zhongxiao Pier: Located on the opposite bank of the Dadaocheng Pier, it is a great place to enjoy the fireworks and avoid the crowds.
▎Beimen Square: You can take pictures of the fireworks and the North Gate at the same time, but the fireworks will look slightly smaller.
▎Dihua Sports Park and Dunhuang Viewing Platform: You can enjoy the Taipei Bridge and Dadaocheng fireworks at the same time, and they are located at a high place with a wide view.
▎High-rise hotel next to the Dadaocheng Pier: Enjoy the beautiful fireworks and quiet personal space at the same time, but make reservations early to avoid disappointment.
Recommended Shooting Spots for Dadaocheng Fireworks
▎Dadaocheng Wharf: The first row of fireworks river view, the most direct location for shooting fireworks.
▎Sanchong Zhongxiao Wharf: On the opposite bank of Dadaocheng Wharf, the scenery for shooting fireworks is mainly crowds and river view.
▎Beimen Square: A little far away from the fireworks, you can shoot the panoramic view of the fireworks in combination with the Beimen landscape.
▎Taipei Bridge: A popular spot for shooting Dadaocheng fireworks, close to the launch point, with a comprehensive view. If you are lucky, there may be ships in the picture, but pay attention to traffic control.
▎Dihua Street: You can combine fireworks with the characteristic buildings on the street to shoot retro pictures.
▎Luoyang Parking Lot: A popular shooting spot, close to the launch point, you can shoot fireworks, river views and building views.
How to Get to Dadaocheng Wharf
Dadaocheng Wharf is a riverside gem in Taipei, perfect for sunset strolls, riverside cycling, and weekend markets. Whether you’re traveling by MRT, bus, YouBike, or taxi, getting here is easy and scenic.
By MRT (Metro) – Fastest Public Option
Option 1: Daqiaotou Station (Orange Line – O12)
- Take the Orange Line (Zhonghe-Xinlu Line)
- Exit from Exit 1, walk ~10 minutes along Taipei Bridge toward the river
- Follow signs to “Dadaocheng Wharf (大稻埕碼頭)”
Option 2: Beimen Station (Green Line – G13)
- Take the Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line)
- Exit via Exit 3, then walk ~10 minutes along Tacheng Street
- Continue to Minsheng W. Road and head toward Water Gate No. 5 (五號水門)
Option 3: Shuanglian Station (Red Line – R12)
- Ride the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line)
- Take Exit 1 or 2, walk 12–15 minutes along Minsheng W. Road toward Water Gate No. 5
- Or take Bus Red 33 directly to the wharf
Tip: All stations are EasyCard-compatible for smooth transfers.
Location Info
Name: Dadaocheng Wharf
Address: 2F, No. 399, Minsheng West Road, Datong District, Taipei City
GPS Coordinates: 25.0565° N, 121.5075° E
Traffic Control Measures Announced
Dadaocheng Summer Festival: Areas under traffic control for Wednesday night fireworks show
Dadaocheng Summer Festival will hold a 180-second-long firework show every Wednesday night at the riverside area between Floodgate 3 and 5.
Due to the likeliness of large crowds showing up for the event, the Department of Transportation announced that a series of traffic control measures have been implemented every Wednesday during the event period to ensure smooth traffic in the vicinity. These include the follows:
Parking Restrictions
Roadside parking squares at the riverside area between floodgates 3 and 5 will be suspended 10 AM – midnight every Wednesday to make room for emergency response passage.
Overpass Traffic Control
a) Ramp access control will be implemented for northbound traffic leading to Huanhe Overpass from Huajiang Bridge and Zhongxiao Bridge.
b) Traffic dispersion to be carried out for northbound traffic along Huanhe Overpass at the ramp exiting on Guiyang Street.
c) Control measures implemented for northbound traffic at ramps connecting Huanhe Overpass to Heping West Road and Luoyan Parking Lot.
Extended Traffic Control Area:
a) Date and Time: Wednesdays between 8 PM and 9:30 PM. With the exception of local residents, a policy of “exit only” will be implemented for the duration based on actual needs.
b) Parameters: East of (including) Huanhe North Road; south of (excluding) Minquan West Road; west of (excluding) Yanping North Road, and north of (excluding) Zhongxiao West Road. The scope of traffic control may be expanded to Chongqing North Road depending on actual traffic flow.
c) Intersections: South of Minzu West Road and Huanhe North Road intersection; west of Civic Boulevard and Tacheng Street intersection, and west of Yanping North Road and Minsheng West Road intersection (starting 7:30 PM)