Taipei is set to solidify its position as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation with the official launch of TRENDY TAIPEI 2025. This highly anticipated event, running for 14 consecutive days from August 25 to September 7, promises an immersive experience for both residents and international visitors, celebrating the city’s dynamic creative industries. Under the theme “TRENDY TAIPEI: IT’S NOW,” the festival highlights the energy and immediacy of Taiwan’s current music scene, aiming to showcase Taipei’s creative prowess and urban charm to the world.
The Grand Scale of Taipei’s Premier Festival
Organized by the Taipei City Government in collaboration with various departments and the Taipei Music Center, TRENDY TAIPEI 2025 is an ambitious undertaking. It features an impressive lineup of over 150 music performances across more than 35 cross-genre platforms and 39 professional forums, marking it as one of the summer’s most significant cultural events. The festival’s programming is structured around three core pillars: The Concert Economy, Industry Trends, and Urban Actions, encompassing six diverse thematic areas including music, art, audiovisual, technology, gaming, and fashion.
The opening ceremony itself set a vibrant tone, featuring performances by rising bands and a surprise debut from “Wan-Ping-Ling,” a special one-time band composed of Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Director Tsai Shih-ping, and Chairwoman Sandy Huang. This symbolic collaboration underscores the cross-sector unity driving the event.
Innovations for Industry and Entrepreneurship
A key focus of TRENDY TAIPEI 2025 is to foster industry development and facilitate meaningful collaborations. This year introduces a dedicated Industry Matchmaking Day, designed to connect artist talents with industry professionals, aiming to forge real-world partnerships. A significant highlight for the business and entrepreneur community is StartSphere Taipei, an international entertainment technology exhibition taking place from September 2 to September 4. This event will gather startups from over six countries, including Japan, Korea, the US, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside more than 25 international investors and media figures. StartSphere Taipei will explore diverse innovation areas such as film, gaming, music, and interactive experiences, providing a crucial platform for networking and growth.
Another forward-looking initiative is the Taipei Film Academy, which will host a forum on “AI and the Future of Film” on August 28. This discussion will invite leading minds from Taiwan and abroad to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping visual storytelling, from scriptwriting to visual effects and interactive audience experiences.
Bringing Music to the Streets: Urban Engagement
Beyond traditional venues like the Taipei Arena and Taipei Music Center, TRENDY TAIPEI 2025 is committed to integrating music into the daily fabric of the city through various “Urban Actions.” The goal is to bring music out of concert halls and into the streets, making it accessible in alleyways, cultural venues, shopping districts, and even MRT stations. Notable activations include the “MRT Nakashi” program on the Xinbeitou branch line, the “TRENDY TAIPEI Sound Experience” at Nangang Station, and the captivating “Taipei Pop Music Landscapes” exhibition at the Taipei City Archives, which delves into the memories of city pop music.
Further enhancing the city-wide celebration, special attractions like the TRENDY Double-Decker Bus, featuring live performances, and a Giant Electric Guitar installation at City Hall Plaza, encourage public engagement and photo opportunities.
Taipei’s Vision for the Future of Music and Creative Industries
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an emphasized the city’s role as the core of Taiwan’s pop music and creative industries, supported by a mature production infrastructure and venue resources. In 2024 alone, Taipei’s venues hosted over 530 concerts, drawing nearly 2 million attendees, underscoring the city’s robust music scene.
This year’s festival significantly expands the Concert Economy, aiming to boost tourism and consumption through major concerts, including the newly introduced TRENDY TAIPEI Boom: Taipei Arena Series from September 5 to 7, featuring top artists from Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. The comprehensive approach of TRENDY TAIPEI 2025 positions the city as a dynamic platform for both established and emerging talents, driving innovation and providing a continuous stream of exciting news and opportunities. The event reflects Taipei’s dedication to showcasing its soft power and creative vitality on a global stage, solidifying its reputation as a leading metropolitan music festival and a hub for entrepreneurial spirit and artistic expression.
