Department of Cultural Affairs

The emergence of art has never followed a fixed pattern. Whether natural or fantastical, drawn from personal experience or historical events, or expressed through sound or movement, all forms belong to art. Regardless of the approach, the most important foundation is an attitude of boundless freedom.

The Taipei Fringe Festival continues the diverse and open spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, using various urban spaces as performance venues. This summer, hundreds of performances will spark across the city’s corners, infusing Taipei with vibrant energy.

The 2024 Taipei Fringe Festival is themed “Standby, GO!” Each person harbors tremendous energy, eager to run and dance at the sight of the stage. The festival channels this enthusiasm throughout the city, inviting us to explore our boundless possibilities and creativity, all while waiting for the stage lights to shine.

Every year, the Taipei Fringe Festival embodies the spirit “The city is a stage,” exploring unconventional performance spaces. This year’s new venues include the enchanting taxi lane at Taipei Performing Arts Center, Bcoas Art Studio in Beitou, Grassland (Ho-Sng House, a tea space during weekdays, a hidden gem within a historic residence), and two new additions: NTU Center for the Arts, University Players Theatre (遊心劇場) and the National Taiwan Science Education Center—Small Black Box immersive theatre (小黑盒– 沉浸式劇場).

Entering its 16th year, the Taipei Fringe Festival continues to transform our familiar cityscape with diverse, open, and imaginative creations. Sometimes the changes are subtle, sometimes bold, but always fearless and forward-moving. This is why so many festival enthusiasts eagerly await each year’s guidebook, clutching tickets as they step into extraordinary corners, ready for the surprises to come.

Starting August 24, join us for three consecutive weekends, bringing long-held energy to shine brightly when the stage lights come on. We invite everyone to explore the city’s excitement and passion with us this summer.