Festivals in Kenting

When it comes to Kenting festivals, the varied kind of celebrations that take place at this tropical resort and national park area may surprise you. Among the most famous of these festivals is an outdoor music festival, and a festival devoted to bells.

Spring Scream

Held annually since 1995, the Spring Scream outdoor music festival is the brainchild of two Americans living in Taiwan. Spring Scream, the largest international music festival in Taiwan, coincides with the Taiwanese Tomb Sweeping holiday. It's held each year during the first weekend of April for anywhere between 2 to 11 days, depending on the number of acts, but usually lasts for 3 days. Each year, the number of acts increases and visitors to this festival can expect to see as many as 300 professional and amateur music, variety and dance acts over the course of the festival. Performers come from throughout Taiwan, China and the rest of the world.

Ticket costs change each year but generally cost around TW$1790 (US$56) for a three-day pass and between TW$490 (US$15) and TW$1190 (US$37) for a single-day pass (the earlier in the festival, the more expensive), with an additional TW$100 (US$4) for buying tickets that day at the show. Visitors to the festival can camp for the duration of the festival at the Kenting National Park at an additional cost of about TW$1000 (US$31). You can also stay at the nearby Uni-President Hotel, but book early because rooms are limited. Bring plenty of cash for refreshments, as there are no available ATMs.

Kenting Wind Bell Festival

If loud, outdoor concerts aren't your thing, perhaps you'll enjoy the soothing sound of chimes fluttering in the wind during Kenting's month-long Wind Bell Festival. Because of the strong (tropical) winter wind, called the Luo Shen Fang, in the southern tip of Taiwan, the Pingtung County Government decided to organize a festival celebrated throughout the area during the month of January. The festival draws numerous visitors from around the world and particularly from northern Taiwan, where winters are much more cold.

Around since only 2002, the Wind Bell Festival nonetheless has become one of the 12 biggest celebrations in all of Taiwan. During the Wind Bell Festival, you can walk through the wind chime displays on the beach, made by artisans from the community and from around the world. You can buy one to take home or string your own bells in the spirit of the occasion. Participation in most activities is free.