Looking for things to do in Taiwan this weekend? On October 17–18, 2026, Taiwan is hosting a packed lineup of events, from a giant Little Prince art installation and a Pokémon festival to fireworks, live jazz, hot air balloons, and international puppet performances.
Whether you’re visiting Taiwan, traveling with kids, planning a date, or simply looking for something fun that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of options across northern, central, and southern Taiwan.
The best part? Several events are free to attend. You can explore the Pokémon Festival Zone in Taichung without registering for the run, enjoy free live jazz, watch a fireworks-and-music show at Sun Moon Lake, or see a giant illuminated installation at Bitan.
If you want a more unusual experience, head to Tainan for its two-day hot air balloon festival. Tethered balloon rides cost NT$500 per person, and Saturday night features a special light show and drone performance. Balloon rides depend on weather and safety conditions.
Here’s your complete guide to seven major events, including dates, locations, prices, transportation tips, and the highlights worth planning your weekend around.
Taiwan Weekend Events at a Glance: October 17–18, 2026
| Event | Location | Dates | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei Zoo Insect Market | Taipei | Oct. 17–18 | Insect exhibits, family activities, limited-edition cakes | Zoo admission applies |
| The Little Prince at Bitan | New Taipei City | Oct. 17–Dec. 13 | Giant 19-meter installation, evening lights | Free |
| Pokémon RUN 30 | Taichung | Oct. 17–18 | Pokémon festival, pop-up store, Pikachu activities | Festival zone free |
| Taichung Jazz Festival | Taichung | Oct. 16–25 | 23 live performances over 10 days | Free |
| Sun Moon Lake Fireworks & Music Festival | Nantou | Oct. 17 | Orchestra performance, fireworks, shuttle services | Free |
| Tainan Hot Air Balloon Festival | Tainan | Oct. 17–18 | Hot air balloons, light show, drone performance | General admission free; rides NT$500 |
| Kaohsiung International Puppet Festival | Kaohsiung | Oct. 17–25 | 12 puppet troupes from six countries | Varies by event |
Event schedules, transportation arrangements, and weather-dependent activities may change. Check official announcements before heading out.
The 3 Best Events to Plan Your Weekend Around
Not sure where to start? These three events offer very different experiences, making them excellent choices depending on your travel style.
1. The Little Prince at Bitan: A Romantic Riverside Walk
<AsyncImage query=”Bitan Scenic Area New Taipei City Little Prince giant installation night lights” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%”/>
A giant art installation inspired by The Little Prince is arriving at Bitan Scenic Area in New Taipei City on October 17.
The centerpiece is an approximately 19-meter-tall boat-shaped installation. Combined with the riverside scenery, it creates a striking backdrop for photographs, leisurely walks, and an evening date.
The installation is scheduled to remain on display through December 13, so you don’t have to visit during opening weekend. However, the first weekend may be especially appealing if you want to catch the launch atmosphere.
- Dates: October 17–December 13, 2026
- Location: Bitan Scenic Area, Xindian District, New Taipei City
- Lighting hours: 6 PM–10 PM daily
- Admission: Free
- Getting there: Take the Taipei Metro Green Line to Xindian Station and walk to Bitan.
For the best experience, arrive in the late afternoon, explore the waterfront, and stay until the installation lights up after sunset.
The opening period may also include special activities, such as rose giveaways, subject to the organizer’s rules and availability.
Official information: New Taipei City Tourism
2. Sun Moon Lake Fireworks & Music Festival: A Saturday Night Worth Traveling For
<AsyncImage query=”Sun Moon Lake Taiwan fireworks over lake at night colorful fireworks” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%”/>
If fireworks and live music sound like your ideal weekend, head to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County on Saturday, October 17.
The evening program, titled 18Light, combines an orchestral performance with fireworks at the Shuishui Zhongxing Parking Lot area near the lake. It’s an appealing option for couples, photographers, and travelers looking for a memorable night surrounded by Taiwan’s mountain-and-lake scenery.
Admission is free, and shuttle services are planned to help visitors reach the event.
- Date: October 17, 2026
- Event time: 6:30 PM–9:30 PM
- Location: Zhongxing Parking Lot, Shuishe, Sun Moon Lake
- Admission: Free
- Inbound shuttle period: 4:30 PM–6 PM
- Outbound shuttle period: 9 PM–11 PM
Planned shuttle connections cover areas including the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station, Wenwu Temple, Xiangshan Visitor Center, and Shuishe. Confirm the actual stops and operating arrangements before traveling.
If you’re driving, check parking availability and traffic restrictions in advance. Fireworks schedules may also be affected by weather conditions.
Official information: Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area
3. Tainan Hot Air Balloon Festival: Balloon Rides, a Light Show, and Drones
<AsyncImage query=”Tainan Taiwan hot air balloon festival colorful balloons outdoor festival” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%”/>
Tainan’s two-day hot air balloon festival is one of the weekend’s standout outdoor events, especially for families and travelers who enjoy unusual experiences.
The festival takes place on October 17–18 around the west-side plaza of Tainan City Hall and Siraya Plaza. Alongside the balloons, visitors can explore a themed market, watch street performers, enjoy inflatable play areas, and take part in interactive activities.
Tethered balloon rides cost NT$500 per person. Unlike a free-flying balloon excursion, a tethered ride keeps the balloon secured while passengers briefly rise above the ground.
The big highlight is Saturday night’s light show and drone performance. The evening program is scheduled within the 7 PM–8 PM time slot, with the main show lasting approximately 15 minutes.
- Dates: October 17–18, 2026
- Location: West-side plaza of Tainan City Hall and Siraya Plaza
- Morning balloon rides: 5:30 AM–7:30 AM
- Afternoon balloon rides: 4:30 PM–5:30 PM
- Ride price: NT$500 per person
- Saturday light and drone show: Within the 7 PM–8 PM program
- General festival admission: Free
A free shuttle service is planned for October 17 between Tainan Bus Station and the event area from 2 PM to 9 PM. Buses are expected to depart approximately every 20–30 minutes, subject to passenger demand and operational arrangements.
Balloon rides are weather-dependent. Strong winds, rain, or other safety concerns may result in delays, suspension, or cancellation. Check official updates before making a special trip.
Official information: Tainan Tourism
Taipei and New Taipei: Insect Exhibits and a Giant Little Prince Installation
Taipei Zoo Insect Market: Nature Activities and Limited-Edition Cakes
<AsyncImage query=”Taipei Zoo insect conservation education market butterflies insects family activities” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%”/>
Families who enjoy wildlife and hands-on learning can visit Taipei Zoo’s Transformation conservation education market on October 17–18.
The event brings together groups focused on insects, ecology, and conservation. Visitors can explore specimens and models, participate in interactive activities, and learn about butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and other insects.
There’s also a small treat worth planning around: insect-themed shaped cakes, with just 500 available each day.
Coupons are distributed across five time slots, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to try one.
- Dates: October 17–18, 2026
- Hours: 10 AM–4 PM
- Location: In front of the Education Center at Taipei Zoo
- Coupon distribution: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM
- Daily quantity: 500 coupons, with 100 distributed per time slot
- Admission: Regular zoo admission applies.
Each coupon can be exchanged for one randomly selected cake during its designated redemption period. Cakes are available while supplies last.
Official information: Taipei Zoo
Taichung: A Pokémon Celebration and 10 Days of Live Jazz
Pokémon RUN 30: You Don’t Need a Race Registration to Enjoy the Festival
<AsyncImage query=”Pokemon RUN 30 Taiwan Taichung Pokemon Festival Pikachu event” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%”/>
Pokémon fans have a big reason to visit Taichung this weekend.
Pokémon RUN 30 takes place at Taichung Central Field on October 17–18. Although the running event requires advance registration, the accompanying Pokémon Festival Zone is free to enter, according to the provided event information.
Festival attractions include a Pokémon Center TAIPEI pop-up store, a Pokémon-themed time tunnel, Pikachu parades and meet-and-greet activities, gaming experiences, and photo spots.
In other words, you don’t have to be a runner to join the fun.
- Dates: October 17–18, 2026
- Location: Taichung Central Field
- Festival Zone hours: 7 AM–4 PM
- Festival Zone admission: Free
- Running event: Advance registration required
If your main goal is shopping, taking pictures, or enjoying the themed attractions, focus on the festival zone rather than the race itself.
Some activities, merchandise, and meet-and-greets may have separate participation requirements, queues, or quantity limits, so check the official event announcements before arriving.
Official information: Pokémon Taiwan
Taichung Jazz Festival: 23 Free Performances Over 10 Days
<AsyncImage query=”Taichung Jazz Festival outdoor live jazz concert Civic Square Taiwan” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%”/>
Prefer live music over crowded theme parks? The 2026 Taichung Jazz Festival runs from October 16 through October 25, with 23 performances scheduled across 10 days.
This year’s theme is When Giants Play. The festival brings together musicians from Taiwan, the United States, Japan, Italy, and other places, with performances spanning classic jazz, contemporary sounds, and cross-genre collaborations.
The main venue is Taichung Civic Square, and admission is free.
- Dates: October 16–25, 2026
- Location: Taichung Civic Square
- Program: 23 performances over 10 days
- Admission: Free
A simple plan is to spend the afternoon exploring Taichung before heading to the square for an evening performance.
If you have a particular artist in mind, check the official schedule to confirm the performance time.
Official information: Taichung City Government
Kaohsiung: International Puppet Performances From Six Countries
<AsyncImage query=”traditional Taiwanese glove puppetry colorful puppet stage performance” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%”/>
The 2026 Kaohsiung International Puppet Festival runs from October 17–25 and brings together 12 puppet troupes from six countries: Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Türkiye.
Performances take place at venues including Gangshan Cultural Center and the Kaohsiung Museum of Shadow Puppet. The program features traditional and contemporary forms of puppetry, offering a different kind of cultural experience for families, theater fans, and curious travelers.
The opening weekend includes multiple performances. On October 17, an additional puppet-themed market and related activities are scheduled at Gangshan Lecheng Plaza from 2 PM to 4 PM.
- Dates: October 17–25, 2026
- Locations: Gangshan Cultural Center, Kaohsiung Museum of Shadow Puppet, and other venues
- Participants: 12 troupes from six countries
- Main performance dates: October 17–18 and October 24–25
- Puppet market: October 17, 2 PM–4 PM
- Admission: Varies by performance and activity
Some performances require tickets through OPENTIX. Check the program and ticket availability before choosing a show.
Official information: Kaohsiung Travel
Bonus: Taiwan’s Baseball Championship Series in Taipei
Baseball fans may also want to check the Taiwan Series schedule at Taipei Dome, where Games 1 and 2 are listed for October 17–18.
If you plan to attend, confirm the matchup, game times, ticket availability, and stadium entry rules through the official organizers. Allow extra time for public transportation, security checks, and crowds leaving the venue after the game.
Game details and ticket arrangements can change, so check the Chinese Professional Baseball League and official ticketing announcements for the latest information.
Bonus: Taipei Hotel Giveaway for Travelers
Planning a Taipei trip? Another offer worth checking is a hotel giveaway featuring a top prize reportedly valued at NT$66,000 in accommodation vouchers.
The giveaway is not limited to this particular weekend. Before entering, check the official promotion details for the entry period, eligibility requirements, registration procedure, and prize conditions.
More details: Taipei Hotel Giveaway Guide
How to Plan Your Taiwan Weekend
With seven major events happening across the island, the easiest way to plan is to choose one main activity and build the rest of your day around it.
For couples
- Visit the Little Prince installation at Bitan.
- Walk along the waterfront before the evening lights come on.
- Enjoy the scenery and take photos together.
For families with kids
- Explore the insect market at Taipei Zoo.
- Visit the Pokémon Festival Zone in Taichung.
- Enjoy the activities at Tainan’s hot air balloon festival.
- Choose a puppet performance in Kaohsiung.
For free entertainment
- Watch live performances at the Taichung Jazz Festival.
- Visit the Pokémon Festival Zone.
- Explore the Little Prince installation at Bitan.
- Attend the Sun Moon Lake fireworks and music event.
For a memorable Saturday night
- Watch the fireworks at Sun Moon Lake.
- Catch the light and drone show in Tainan.
- See the illuminated Little Prince installation at Bitan.
For Pokémon fans
- Head to Taichung for Pokémon RUN 30.
- Explore the festival attractions without registering for the running event.
If you’re traveling between cities, avoid trying to squeeze too many activities into one day. Taiwan’s major cities are connected by rail and bus networks, but local transfers, weekend crowds, and event traffic can take longer than expected.
Choose the event you care about most, confirm the transport options, and leave yourself time to enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Taiwan on October 17–18, 2026?
Top options include the Little Prince installation at Bitan, Pokémon RUN 30 in Taichung, the Taichung Jazz Festival, Sun Moon Lake’s fireworks and music event, and Tainan’s hot air balloon festival. Taipei Zoo and Kaohsiung also have family-friendly cultural activities.
Which Taiwan weekend events are free?
The Little Prince installation, the Pokémon Festival Zone, the Taichung Jazz Festival, and the Sun Moon Lake event are listed as free. General admission to the Tainan Hot Air Balloon Festival is also free, although tethered balloon rides cost NT$500 per person. Taipei Zoo admission and some puppet performances require separate payment.
Can I visit Pokémon RUN 30 without registering for the run?
Yes. According to the event information provided, the Pokémon Festival Zone is free to enter even if you haven’t registered for the running event. Individual attractions or merchandise may have additional restrictions.
How much does the Tainan hot air balloon ride cost?
Tethered balloon rides are listed at NT$500 per person. Availability depends on weather and safety conditions, so check the organizer’s latest updates before traveling.
Where can I watch fireworks in Taiwan on October 17?
The Sun Moon Lake Fireworks & Music Festival in Nantou is scheduled for the evening of October 17. The event combines music and fireworks, with free shuttle services planned. Confirm the latest schedule and weather announcements before setting out.
Which events are best for families?
Taipei Zoo’s insect market, the Pokémon Festival Zone in Taichung, Tainan’s hot air balloon festival, and Kaohsiung’s International Puppet Festival are all worth considering. Families with younger children should also check the walking distances, operating hours, weather, and availability of rest areas.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan has plenty to offer this weekend, whether you’re after a free outdoor activity, a Pokémon-themed adventure, live music, fireworks, or a family-friendly cultural experience.
For October 17–18, 2026, the biggest choices are the free Pokémon festival zone in Taichung, the fireworks at Sun Moon Lake, the Little Prince installation at Bitan, and the two-day hot air balloon festival in Tainan.
Check the official event pages before you leave, especially for weather-dependent activities and transportation changes. Then pick your favorite, bring your camera, and enjoy a memorable weekend in Taiwan.