The Taipei Riverside Music Festival kicks off on the 25th—come for the fireworks and love locks, super romantic

▲ The Dadaocheng Valentine’s Music Festival will feature a spectacular fireworks show. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism, the same below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive report

The "2015 Taipei Riverside Music Festival," jointly organized by multiple bureaus of the Taipei City Government, will launch on July 25. From the Music Life Festival at Songshan Xikou Wharf, the Dajia Kids' Fun Day at Dajia Riverside Park, to the Music Valentine's Day at Dadaocheng, there will be exciting events every week.

First up, the Xikou Music Life Festival, held over three consecutive Saturdays starting July 25, will feature riverside concerts from 16:30 to 20:00 at Songshan Xikou Wharf. On July 25, the event will welcome the Golden Melody Award first edition winners "Best Friends Duo" and singer Yu Guanhua, who will perform beloved classic folk songs. There will also be themed activities including cultural creativity, small-scale farmers’ markets, and local vendors.

During the events on July 25 and August 8, the Taipei City Government will also offer free boat rides at Xikou Wharf. Boats will depart at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day, sailing along the Keelung River for about an hour. Visitors can line up for a number and board in order. The Department of Information and Tourism has also collaborated with Songshan Ciyun Temple to launch limited-edition "Blessed Love Locks" for the first time. These love locks, blessed by the Goddess Mazu, allow couples to write their promises together under the Rainbow Bridge and hang them on the "LOVE" installation art by the wharf.

▲ Night view of Songshan Xikou Wharf and the Lover’s Bridge.

On August 15, the annual "Dadaocheng Music Valentine’s Day" will be held at the riverside park near Water Gates 3 to 5 of the Tamsui River. The event will feature performances by the Taipei Symphony Orchestra ensemble and pop singers, along with fireworks and a market, keeping the Taipei riverside lively non-stop.

The Department of Information and Tourism also noted that from now until August 31, the "Dajia Kids' Fun Day" will take place at Dajia Riverside Park, featuring water activities such as single-person pedal boats, bumper boats, water slides, hand-rowing boats, coconut palm bubble avenues, and water rolling balls. On weekends in August under Dazhi Bridge, the "Crazy Fun in the Water This Summer" event will offer experiences like canoeing, kayaking, and dragon boating—perfect for families and friends of all ages.

▲ Limited-edition Xikou Love Locks available as giveaways.

2015 Taipei Riverside Music Festival Event Schedule Overview

Xikou Music Life Festival
Time: July 25, August 1, August 8, 16:30–20:00
Venue: Songshan Xikou Wharf

Dadaocheng Music Valentine’s Day
Time: August 15, 15:00–21:30 (Fireworks display from 20:30–20:40)
Venue: Riverside Park near Water Gates 3 to 5 of the Tamsui River

Dajia Kids' Fun Day
Time: Now until August 31, weekdays 10:00–18:00, weekends 09:00–20:00
Venue: Dajia Riverside Park
Fees: Charged per individual amusement facility

Crazy Fun in the Water This Summer
Time: Every Saturday and Sunday in August, 09:00–17:30
Venue: Dajia Section of the Keelung River Riverside (under Dazhi Bridge)