At a glance
- Dates
- Runs the full 7th lunar month (approx Aug 12 – Sep 11, 2026); water-lantern parade around Zhongyuan (Aug 27); exact 2026 schedule TBC
- Where
- Keelung city centre & Wanghai Lane harbour
- Price
- Free to watch
- Official link
- eng.taiwan.net.tw ↗
Last updated:
What to expect
- Taiwan's biggest and oldest Ghost Festival, running for a full lunar month
- Night-time lit float parade through Keelung
- Burning water lanterns released into the harbour to guide spirits
Planning tips
- The water-lantern parade and release (around Aug 27, 2026) is the unmissable night
- Keelung is ~45 min from Taipei by train or bus
- Confirm the 2026 schedule on the Taiwan Tourism event page closer to August
Build a day around it
Taipei event days feel best when you plan by district. Treat the event as one anchor block, then add one food mission and one restorative break (tea, park, bookstore) — with buffer so nothing feels rushed.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short neighborhood walk.
- If you’re making a full day: one attraction block + event + a calm night-market or dinner plan.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use museums/cafés as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.