Hot air balloons, music and more: 4 Taiwan festivals to check out in April

Spring is in bloom across Taiwan this April, with hot air balloons, live music, sailing races and scenic flower gardens offering something for every traveler.

Whether you are looking for family-friendly outings or picture-perfect destinations, this guide rounds up four must-see events this month.

1. Tainan Hot Air Balloon Festival

The 2026 Siraya Forest Festival (西拉雅森活節) opens April 25, with its first week spotlighting the Hot Air Balloon Carnival organized by the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration. Visitors can enjoy tethered balloon rides and a spectacular opening-night glow show accompanied by live music.

This year the festival also features a special collaboration with a popular IP, including a 4-meter inflatable installation — perfect for photos. The event further offers a vibrant market area with interactive games, prize giveaways, and hands-on DIY workshops, making it an ideal destination for both families and young travelers.

Date: April 25–27, 2026

Location: Siraya National Scenic Area, Tainan

Event highlights:

• Tethered balloon rides: morning session: 5:30–7:30 a.m.; afternoon session: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
• Balloon glow show: 6:30–8 p.m. (April 25 only)
• Food market: 2–7 p.m. (extended to 8:30 p.m. on April 25)

Travel tips:

• Getting there: Take the High Speed Rail to Tainan Station, then transfer by shuttle bus or taxi to the event venue.
• Nearby attractions: Guanziling Hot Springs and the scenic countryside of the Siraya area.
• Insider tip: Balloon rides are weather-dependent — arrive early and allow flexible time in your schedule.

For schedules, activities, and registration, visit the official website.

2. Pingtung Taiwan Festival

Kenting’s iconic Spring Scream (春天吶喊) was once Taiwan’s longest-running large-scale music festival, drawing generations of young music fans to the southern peninsula. Although the original festival has ended, the Pingtung County Government has carried the torch since 2021 with the Taiwan Festival (台灣祭), bringing live music back to Kenting’s Dawan Recreation Area with free admission.

Across five stages, audiences can experience a diverse lineup ranging from punk and rock to electronic music, along with performances and exchanges featuring international acts.

Date: April 10–20, 2026

Location: Kenting Dawan Recreation Area, Pingtung

Travel tips:

• Getting there: Take Taiwan Railways to Fangliao Station, then transfer by bus or taxi to Kenting.
• Nearby attractions: Kenting National Park, Dawan Beach, and Kenting Night Market.
• Insider tip: Arrive early to explore different stages and stay hydrated — Kenting can be hot during the day.

For the full program and lineup, visit the festival’s official website.

3. Pingtung Dapeng Bay Marine Festival

Since its launch in 2010, the Dapeng Bay Marine Festival (屏東大鵬灣帆船生活節) has grown into one of Taiwan’s largest sailing celebrations, drawing domestic and international teams each year.

Through a variety of exciting activities and performances, the festival showcases the bay’s natural scenery and marine resources. 

This year the festival features a special collaboration with the popular Kakao Friends IP, adding playful elements throughout the venue.

Date: April 1–20, 2026

Location: Dapeng Bay Marina, Pingtung

Event highlights:

• Water Ironman Stunt Show: April 11 and 18, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• National Sailing Competition: core event of the festival
• Creative market: local food, crafts, and Pingtung brands
• Family and lifestyle activities: children’s theater and play zones

Travel tips:

• Getting there: Drive or take a bus from Pingtung City; bike rentals available for local exploration.
• Recommended itinerary: Plan a two- to three-day trip to explore Dapeng Bay, Donggang, and the Wang Boat Cultural Center, with guided lake tours to see Taiwan’s only bridge-opening show.
• Insider tip: Arrive early to explore different stages and stay hydrated — the area can be hot during the day.

For full schedules, activities, and registration, visit the official festival website.

4. Yilan Green Expo

The Yilan Green Expo (宜蘭綠色博覽會) is Yilan County’s flagship spring event, themed “Treasure of Knowledge” and focused on environmental restoration, species protection and ocean conservation. The festival grounds feature 90,000 flowers — including begonias, gazanias, salvias, snapdragons, and coleus — blooming in pink and red hues throughout the season.

Date: March 28 – May 10, 2026

Location: Wulaokeng Scenic Area, Su’ao, Yilan

Event highlights:

• Sustainable exhibits: 18 interactive zones showcasing eco-living concepts
• Fun physical activities: 19 stations promoting engagement with nature.
• Workshops and DIY: eco-friendly crafts, local organic products, and immersive installations.

Travel tips:

• Getting there: Take the train to Su’ao Station, then a bus or bike to Wulaokeng Scenic Area.
• Nearby attractions: Luodong Night Market, Dongshan River Water Park, and traditional tea houses.
• Insider tip: Bring reusable bags and water bottles to fully embrace the green theme.

For full schedules and workshop details, visit the official Yilan Green Expo website.