Taiwan's Formosa Pride Festival has evolved from a local celebration into a three day music and dance extravaganza that runs alongside Taiwan Pride in late October. What started as an initiative to bring Taipei’s queer community together has grown into one of Asia’s most talked‑about weekend events. It draws thousands of partygoers, locals and visitors alike, who descend on the city for a long weekend of club nights, concerts and cultural gatherings.
Unlike the political march of Taiwan Pride, Formosa Pride is all about dancing, self‑expression and late nights. The 2025 edition returns from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October 2025【966102846373626†L76-L81】 and once again promises three huge parties plus a relaxed tea dance. Each night has its own theme, from high‑energy circuit anthems to live orchestra performances and retro throwbacks, encouraging everyone to embrace a different look and attitude. Organisers bring in international DJs and live performers from across Asia, Europe and North America, alongside local artists who know how to keep a Taipei crowd moving【966102846373626†L108-L117】. Between sets, drag queens and go‑go dancers take to the stage, making sure the energy never drops.
The weekend is hosted at Zepp New Taipei, a modern concert hall in the Xinzhuang district【966102846373626†L123-L127】. This purpose‑built venue, opened in 2020, has become the home of Formosa Pride thanks to its state‑of‑the‑art sound system, multi‑level dance floor and easy access from central Taipei. It can hold more than two thousand people, yet still feels intimate thanks to clever lighting and a wraparound balcony that keeps the energy focused on the stage. Outside, shuttle buses and taxis whisk revellers back to the bars around the Red House complex in Ximen, where the party continues until sunrise.
Formosa Pride prides itself on being inclusive and accessible. The organisers keep ticket prices reasonable and invest heavily in security and medical services so that everyone feels safe. The crowd skews young and international, but you’ll see older couples, queer families and curious locals mingling on the dance floor. Between the night events there are daytime meet‑ups, art shows and small workshops that highlight Taiwan’s vibrant queer culture. Many visitors build their weekend around exploring Taipei’s temples, night markets and museums before heading to the parties later. The organisers have teamed up with community groups to promote responsible partying; you’ll find hydration stations, chill‑out zones and volunteers checking in with anyone who needs help.
Food and drink are a big part of the experience. The venue’s concession stands serve Taiwanese snacks alongside more familiar festival fare, and there are pop‑up bars pouring cocktails and Taiwanese craft beers. After the main parties wind down there’s usually a late‑night street food crawl, with locals guiding travellers to the best dumpling stalls and noodle shops. On Sunday afternoon the tea dance takes place outdoors if weather permits, offering a more relaxed vibe where people can recover from the previous nights, sip cold drinks and chat with new friends before the final blow‑out party.
Beyond the parties, Formosa Pride carries a deeper message. It runs alongside Taiwan Pride because the organisers want to celebrate the freedoms the country has fought hard for. Taiwan was the first place in Asia to legalise same‑sex marriage, and the island’s queer community is proud of its role in pushing society forward. Many of the performances at Formosa Pride highlight this progress, weaving queer history and activism into the entertainment. There are charity booths raising funds for local lgbtq+Q+ shelters and support groups, and a portion of ticket sales goes towards these initiatives.
If you’re planning to attend the 2025 festival, book early. Hotels near the Red House district and Ximending shopping area fill up fast during Pride week. The organisers recommend staying somewhere along the green or blue metro lines for quick access to both the venue and the city’s main attractions. Zepp New Taipei is about a 12‑minute taxi ride from most gay bars【966102846373626†L123-L127】, and the metro runs until late on Pride weekend. For detailed schedules, ticket sales and additional events, keep an eye on the official Formosa Pride website, which is updated frequently as the festival approaches.
Visitors are encouraged to show respect for local customs. Taipei is an easy‑going city, but public displays of affection are still rare outside queer spaces. Dress codes at the themed parties can be revealing, yet modesty is appreciated in public areas and on public transport. Remember to carry cash – many of the smaller vendors at the festival and surrounding markets don’t accept cards.
The 2025 Formosa Pride Festival promises to be another unforgettable weekend where music, community and celebration come together. It’s a chance to dance until dawn, make new friends and experience a different side of Taipei. Whether you’re a regular on the Asian circuit party scene or a first‑time visitor to Taiwan, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of surprises in store. For the latest updates, ticket information and safety guidelines, visit the official website.
Official Website
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