[Artistic Journey]Uncovering Taiwan’s Top Five Children’s Art Festivals

Written by ＼ Emilio Zhuang

The long summer vacation is a great opportunity for kids to learn more. In addition to visiting scenic spots, many local governments across Taiwan have also held children’s art festivals full of artistic and educational significance. These events allow parents and children to experience various artistic activities together, visit exhibitions and performances from around the world, and enjoy a wealth of amusement facilities and street parades, bringing joy different from everyday life. Now, let’s find out where to seek fun this summer vacation.

New Taipei City Children’s Art Festival, themed “Making Dreams Come True,” has created a fairy tale castle featuring magical genie lamps, brave Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, and other fairy tale characters from around the world. With scene installations, interactive challenges, themed performances, as well as a grand costume parade and a rich series of related activities and a specially planned children’s design exhibition, it satisfies children’s boundless imagination.

Image from New Taipei City Children’s Art Festival official website

From July 4 to July 12 at New Taipei City Civic Plaza, a fairy tale castle full of magic and imagination has been built for children. Giant fairy tale characters, scene installations, interactive challenges, and daily exciting themed performances await. On July 11 (Saturday) at 16:00, from Fuzhong Commercial Park along Zhongshan Road to Civic Plaza, children and adults are invited to dress up as their dream characters and join global fairy tale figures in a joyful street carnival.

From July 4 to October 4, the Xinzhuang Art Gallery next to Civic Plaza opens simultaneously. Through fun and engaging works by international design masters and artistic experiences, it leads children to explore the world of designers. From July 18 to August 30, the 435 Art Zone continues the festival with activities including Open Studio, Creative Art Market, Magic-themed Performances and Exhibitions.

Taipei Children’s Art Festival, themed “Turn the Everyday Upside Down, See the Invisible,” invites you to break the norm and discover unexpected new perspectives.

Artists from around the world present silent performances such as mime and dance, breaking Taiwanese audiences’ established impressions of children’s performing arts. From classic fairy tales to life issues, they offer children profound yet playful masterpieces. Additionally, parent-child workshops are held during the rehearsal period to observe the wonderful reactions of young audiences.

This year features seven large outdoor performances. On July 3, the “Punch Percussion Ensemble” kicks off at Da’an Forest Park. The Italian acrobatic show “Wanted Everywhere, Run!” showcases aerial suspension techniques and uses 2D optical illusions to bring cartoon-style city chases to life on a 15-meter-high wall, amazing both adults and children. There are also 74 free community performances across various locations.

From July 7 to August 9, exhibitions will be held in the Wanhua District’s Dadaocheng Historical Block, where both the outdoor area and indoor exhibition rooms perfectly interpret imagination and creativity. The Animation Film Festival features nine award-winning international children’s films from recent years, offering children a visual feast with delicate hand-drawn styles.

The “Taichung City Children’s Art Festival” has entered its ninth year. The organizer, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, provides more opportunities for children in Taichung to engage with the arts. Through these diverse art activities, it stimulates their interest and ignites their motivation to further participate in and support the arts.

This art festival has three major highlights: broader locations, longer duration, and richer content. It will be held successively at 18 venues across Taichung, including the Yuanhuan Outdoor Theater, Dadun Cultural Center, Huludun Cultural Center, Port Art Center, Tuen District Arts and Culture Center, as well as libraries in Dali District and Fengyuan District. Renowned performance troupes from across Taiwan will present wonderful shows, art experiences, and storytelling theater, bringing surprises to all children.

The opening parade ceremony on July 18 will take place along the Love River, combining solar-powered boats on the water and a parade along XiLu Road, presenting a multi-dimensional experience for children and adults. Additionally, the highly sought-after Black Box Theater of the Kaohsiung Children’s Art Festival will be held this year at the Kaohsiung Public Library Main Branch and Qishan Living Culture Park. Seven outstanding foreign performance groups have been invited to Taiwan, joining local troupes such as Impact New Theater, Apple Theater, and creative theaters inspired by Andersen and Mozart, totaling 27 exciting performances that will offer families a rich and diverse theatrical experience.

The Yilan Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival has now reached its 20th year. For the third time, internationally renowned designer Aaron Nieh (Xiao Qingyang) has been invited to design the main visual for the festival, themed “Flying” and integrating 20 symbolic elements to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Game Sky Tower: A 20-story game tower that resembles a giant maze. Once inside, you won’t know where you are and must use your hands and feet to find the next exit. Reach the top floor for a panoramic view of the Dongshan River.

Children’s Flying Saucer: The most popular giant slide each year will be transformed into the shape of a flying saucer this year.

Parent-Child Creative Game Hall: The festival is not only suitable for children and teenagers. The Parent-Child Creative Game Hall provides a safe and fun recreational space for children aged 0 to 6. The “Explore the World Zone” is ideal for babies aged 0 to 2 to learn through using their senses and limbs. The “Creativity Boost Zone” is suitable for children aged 3 to 6 to play educational and physical games. Paired with the Parent-Child Story Theater in the hall, it’s an unmissable interactive space for preschoolers.

Flying Dream Pavilion: From the history and principles of flight to flight skills, this pavilion includes both indoor and outdoor interactive display areas. It offers an imaginative experience of flight through wearable devices and projection visuals.

Children’s Cultural Creativity Pavilion: Centered around “stationery, toys, and furniture,” this pavilion gathers imaginative and playful creative designs. Additionally, it houses a “Cultural Creativity Master Workshop,” where artists from both Taiwan and abroad will teach visitors how to create unique handmade pieces.

Little Universe Theater: The animated TV series “Heavenly Kid – Little Universe,” which has won seven international film awards and is the first Taiwanese production to receive the Houston Golden Award, will appear at the festival. Through its storyline, it will take children on an adventure filled with positive energy.

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