May 2026 in Taiwan: Festivals across sea, mountains, and cities you can't miss

As temperatures rise, May in Taiwan brings together some of the island’s most visually striking and culturally rich experiences. From hillside hydrangea blooms and coastal seafood festivals to island fireworks and urban music events, the month offers something for nearly every kind of traveler.

If you are planning a trip to Taiwan and looking for something beyond the usual itinerary, this guide to May 2026’s major events is a good place to start. 

1. Penghu International Fireworks Festival

The Penghu International Fireworks Festival is one of Taiwan’s most iconic summer events, held annually from April to August. First launched in 2002 as part of efforts to revitalize tourism following the China Airlines Flight 611 disaster, it has since evolved into a signature coastal celebration.

The highlight is a spectacular fireworks display over Magong’s Guanyinting Recreation Area. Against the backdrop of the ocean, fireworks are launched into the night sky and reflected on the shimmering sea, with the illuminated Xiying Rainbow Bridge completing the scene.

In 2026, the festival collaborates with the globally popular anime series "Dragon Ball Z," combining fireworks with drone light shows. Visitors can also enjoy themed installations, character photo zones, and exclusive merchandise, making it one of the most anticipated pop culture events of the summer.

Date: May – August 2026

Location: Magong, Penghu County

Event highlights:

• Opening ceremony: May 4, 2026
• Closing ceremony: August 25, 2026
• Fireworks schedule:
  • May – June: Every Monday and Thursday
  • July – August: Every Tuesday
• Fireworks time: 9:00 p.m.

Travel tips: 

• Getting there: Take a flight or ferry to Penghu (Magong), then travel by local transport or taxi to Guanyinting Recreation Area.
• Booking tip: Accommodation in Penghu fills up quickly during fireworks weekends — early reservation is highly recommended.
• Best viewing: Arrive early to secure seaside viewing spots for the full reflection effect.

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

2. Pingtung Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival

The Pingtung Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival centers on Donggang Township and highlights the region’s signature seasonal seafood: bluefin tuna, sakura shrimp, and mullet roe, collectively known as Donggang’s “Three Treasures.” Running since 2001, it has grown into into one of Taiwan’s most representative fisheries and coastal tourism celebrations.

In 2026, the festival will start on May 2, launching a two-month series of cultural and promotional events organized by the Pingtung County Government. The program includes ocean concerts, large-scale seafood markets, traditional banquet-style dining experiences, and cultural performances, inviting visitors to explore Donggang’s coastal lifestyle.

Date: May – July 2026

Location: Donggang, Pingtung County

Event highlights:

• May 2: Ocean Music Concert held in front of Dongxin Junior High School, featuring popular Taiwanese singers
• June 6: Gourmet Promotion Banquet at Donglong Temple Square, featuring local ingredients, traditional banquet-style cuisine, and a live cabaret performance
• June 13–14: Bluefin Tuna Market at Dapeng Bay International Recreation Area, featuring over 100 vendors offering seafood, street food, and creative local products
• June 27: Classic Night Concert featuring well-known vocal performers and live music performances

Travel tips:

• Getting there: Take a train to Fangliao Station or Kaohsiung, then transfer by bus or taxi to Donggang.
• Nearby attractions: Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, Donglong Templ, Donggang Fishing Harbor, and Linbian Coastal Cycling Route.

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

3.Yangmingshan Hydrangea Season

Every year from May to June, Yangmingshan enters its most vibrant hydrangea season, with Zhuzihu being the most iconic viewing area. Located in a mountain valley, the region enjoys a cool and humid climate that is ideal for flower cultivation. During the blooming season, the hillsides and fields are covered with hydrangeas in full bloom, creating a spectacular landscape of colorful flower seas.

One of the most distinctive features of hydrangeas is their ability to change color depending on soil acidity, resulting in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. As hydrangeas bloom only once a year, usually when temperatures reach around 20°C, the flowering conditions vary depending on weather and rainfall each year. Visitors are advised to check official updates before traveling to ensure the best viewing experience.

Date: May 22 – June 21

Location: Datianliao Flower Ecological Farm, Caojia Flower Field Fragrance, Caifu Hydrangea Garden, Daxiang Garden, Gaojia Hydrangea Fields

Travel tips:

• Getting there: Take public transportation to Yangmingshan and transfer to Zhuzihu via shuttle or bus.
• Best timing: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for fewer crowds and better lighting conditions.
• Insider tip: Traffic control is often implemented on weekends and holidays, so public transport is strongly recommended.
• Accommodation tip: Early booking is advised due to high demand during flower season.

For schedules, flower conditions, and shuttle bus information, visit the official website.

4. Chiayi Arts Festival

The Chiayi Arts Festival 2026 will take place from May 1 to May 31, transforming Chiayi City into a month-long hub of contemporary art, performances, and creative urban experiences. The festival features exhibitions, installations, and live performances spread across key cultural sites in the city.

This year, the festival also introduces a special collaboration with the AR mobile game Pikmin Bloom, offering an interactive city walking experience that connects digital gameplay with real-world exploration across Chiayi.

Date: May 1 – May 31, 2026

Location: Chiayi City, Taiwan

Pikmin Bloom Mini Walk

• Interactive AR walking experience across 8 locations in Chiayi City.
• Participating sites include Chiayi Cultural and Creative Industries Park, Chiayi Art Museum, Chiayi Cultural Park, Central First Market, Chiayi Literature Museum (East Gate Town 1923), Chiayi City Museum, Chiayi Experimental Wooden Building, and Chiayi Municipal Baseball Stadium.
• Players can complete location-based challenges and receive exclusive in-game rewards and collectibles.

Event highlights:

• Festival finale (May 30 – 31) featuring over 15 performing groups across two stages, including circus, music, dance, and theater performances.
• Large-scale closing performances held at Chiayi Cultural Park.

Travel tips:

• Getting there: Take Taiwan High Speed Rail to Chiayi Station, then transfer by local bus or taxi to city venues.
• Best timing: Visit during May 30 – 31 for the largest concentration of performances and stage events.
• Insider tip: Some limited-time festival activities and giveaways are only available during specific dates and locations.

For schedules, performances, and participation details, please visit the Chiayi City Tourism website.