Summer jazz, lively rock: Seven major music festivals kick off across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The most vibrant summer has arrived, heralding not just the height of tourism and consumer activity, but also the launch of a multitude of music festivals across Taiwan. From lively rock to refined jazz, and even ethnic music from around the globe, there's a rich variety of musical styles to enjoy. Running from June through October, we’ve selected seven major music festival events across the island. Travelers might want to consider adding one of these to their summer itinerary, using music as a delightful way to beat the heat.

Moonlight & Sea Concert – East Coast Earth Art Festival
The third East Coast Earth Art Festival grandly kicked off in May. The “Moonlight & Sea Themed Concert,” featuring the unique moonlit seascape of the East Coast, uses natural landscapes as its stage backdrop. The dynamic displays of phenomena such as moonrise, sunset, rising tides, and receding waves metaphorically embody the leisurely philosophy and aesthetic lifestyle that the Earth Art Festival seeks to convey.
 
【Info】
Venue: No. 25, Xinyi Village Road, Chenggong Township, Taitung County (Duli Visitor Center)
Dates & Times: June 10, June 11, July 9, July 10, August 8, August 9 — six days from 16:00 to 21:00
Free shuttle bus service for the Earth Art Festival:
Departure
15:00 Taitung Dingdong Bus – Hailine Taitung Transfer Station (direct to venue)
15:30 Taitung Dingdong Bus – Hailine Taitung Transfer Station (direct to venue)
Return
21:00 Duli Visitor Center (direct to Taitung Transfer Station)
21:30 Duli Visitor Center (direct to Taitung Transfer Station)
※ Pickup address: No. 369, Tiehua Road, Taitung City

Taipei Riverside Music Festival
This year’s “Taipei Riverside Music Festival” is themed “Songs of Youth,” thoughtfully curating cross-generational hits from the 1930s to the new millennium. From street performances and nostalgic folk songs to indigenous musical gems, visitors are invited to revisit their youth along the Taipei riverside. A special theme song, the well-loved 〈Fool on the Riverbank〉 familiar to those born in the '50s and '60s, has been chosen for this year’s event. Original singer Panai (A-kuei) will perform the song live again on August 26 during the “Dadaocheng Lovers’ Day.”

【Info】
Duration: June 17, 2017 – August 26, 2017
Venue: Dadaocheng Wharf, Machiaoting Memorial Park, Guting Bridal Park, Beautiful Pier, and Dajia Riverside Park
Main activities: A selection of timeless youth anthems, cultural and creative markets, food trucks, and creative merchandise.

Tamsui Fisherman’s Stage – Summer Original Music Festival
The outdoor original music hub – Tamsui Fisherman’s Stage, created by New Taipei City Government at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf – makes a strong comeback this year. Riding on last year’s praise and audience anticipation, it’s set to ignite Tamsui once again this summer. From July 8 to August 20, every Saturday and Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, over 24 independent bands and original artists will take the stage on what is touted as Taiwan’s most beautiful outdoor performance venue, delivering passionate and spectacular shows.