TAIWANfest Toronto 2026 Explores Island Connections Through Music, Food, Art, and Storytelling
TAIWANfest returns to Harbourfront Centre in Toronto from August 28–30, 2026, bringing together music, art, food, films, workshops, and discussions that examine the connections between Taiwan, Canada, and the wider world.
This year’s theme, “ISLANDS IN THE WIND,” creates a dialogue between Taiwan and Scotland by looking at shared histories of migration, colonization, and language revival. Through different forms of artistic expression, the festival highlights how cultures continue to change while preserving connections to their roots.
A Dialogue Between Taiwan and Scotland
TAIWANfest 2026 focuses on the idea that islands are connected through movement, memory, and exchange.
The festival brings together stories from different communities, showing how languages, music, food, and traditions travel across borders. From Gaelic and Hakka languages to bagpipes and suona music, this year’s programming examines the ways communities maintain identity through creative expression.
Event Details
- Time:August 28–30, 2026
- Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
For more information, visit TaiwanFest Official Website.
Live Performances Highlight Taiwanese Artists
Music remains a central part of TAIWANfest, featuring artists who represent Indigenous Taiwanese, Hakka, and contemporary music scenes.
When the Mountains Sing
The opening event on August 28 features the Nanwang Sisters, a Taiwanese Indigenous musical trio known for preserving Indigenous stories through music.
TAIWANfest Orchestra
On August 29, the orchestra program features Max Bruch: Scottish Fantasy, Lynn Kuo, and the Nanwang Sisters, connecting Taiwanese and Scottish musical influences.
Old Town, New Soul
Taiwanese Hakka band ZiXuan & Slow Train brings multilingual music that explores identity, cultural heritage, and connections between generations.
Island Love
On August 30, Taiwanese indie band P!SCO brings electronic dance-rock performances that highlight contemporary Taiwanese music and LGBTQ+ representation.
CULTURAL WORKSHOPS BRING TAIWANESE TRADITIONS TO LIFE
TAIWANfest’s interactive programs invite visitors to explore Taiwanese traditions through hands-on workshops, creative practices, and cultural storytelling.
One featured program, Collective Island, invites visitors to join Taiwanese Michelin chef Ted Liao for a cola-making workshop inspired by Taiwanese and Hakka flavours.
Visitors can also participate in workshops that explore traditional arts, music, and tea culture.
Tao Calligraphy Workshop
The Tao Calligraphy Workshop introduces participants to a creative practice that combines writing, mindfulness, and personal expression.
Hakka Songwriting Workshop
The Hakka Songwriting Workshop explores Hakka culture through music creation, allowing participants to discover how language and traditions continue through contemporary expression.
Black Tea Blending & Tea-Seal Workshop
The Black Tea Blending & Tea-Seal Workshop highlights Taiwan’s tea culture through a hands-on experience focused on tea blending and traditional tea-seal techniques.
Exhibitions Explore Migration, Identity, and History
Beyond performances and food programs, TAIWANfest presents exhibitions that examine how history shapes communities today.
Featured exhibitions include:
Decoding Toronto
A look at Toronto through the perspectives of newcomers.
Hakka Pavilion
Exploring migration, identity, and cultural connections between Scotland and Taiwan.
Formosa Pavilion
Highlighting Taiwan’s history through medicine, education, social change, and historical reflection.
Talks and Workshops Focus on Identity and Cultural Memory
TAIWANfest’s discussion programs explore topics including identity, cultural resilience, gender perspectives, historical connections, and the shared experiences between Taiwan, Canada, and Scotland.
Featured talks and discussions include:
- Examining the Lived Experiences of Women from a Novelist’s Perspective – This discussion explores women’s experiences and perspectives through literature and storytelling. For more information, click here.
- Island’s Talk: A Historical Conversation Among Scotland, Canada, and Taiwan – A conversation examining the historical connections between Scotland, Canada, and Taiwan while exploring shared experiences across islands.For more information, click here.
- The Romance of the Highlands: Perspectives on Scotland’s North in The 19th Century – This talk explores Scotland’s Highland history and cultural perspectives during the 19th century.For more information, click here.
- Room for Love – A discussion exploring relationships, identity, and personal experiences.For more information, click here.
These activities encourage visitors to engage with language, storytelling, and cultural practices.
For more information, visit TaiwanFest Official Website.
TAIWANfest continues to create opportunities for audiences to connect with Taiwan’s stories through music, food, art, and conversations that link communities across borders.
