Taipei Pride is the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in East Asia, drawing well over 100,000 people from Taiwan and around the world to the streets of the capital every autumn. With a joyful parade, a rainbow market, parties, drag shows, and community events all week, it is one of the most welcoming Pride events on the planet. This Taipei Pride guide covers when it happens, the parade, events, LGBTQ+-friendly areas, what to pack, and how to get around.
A Brief History of Taipei Pride
Taipei Pride began in 2003 as a march of around 1,000 people, organized by local activists and community groups calling for visibility and equal rights. It has grown almost every year since. In 2019, Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, and the parade has become both a celebration of that progress and a call for continued equality. Planning more Pride trips? See our global Pride calendar.
When Is Taipei Pride?
The Taiwan LGBT Pride parade is usually held on the last Saturday of October, with parties, festivals, and community events throughout the surrounding week. Each year has its own theme. The organizers announce the date, route, and program on the official Taiwan LGBT Pride website and social media accounts a few months before the event.
The Taipei Pride Parade
The parade traditionally starts and finishes at Taipei City Hall in the Xinyi District, with a main stage, speeches, and performances in the plaza. Marchers usually set off in the early afternoon along two or more loops through eastern Taipei, along roads such as Ren'ai Road, Dunhua South Road, and Zhongxiao East Road, before returning to City Hall for the evening program.
Anyone can join the march, and there is no registration needed for individuals. Expect community groups, families, students, drag performers, international delegations, and allies, all marching side by side.
Rainbow Market
Around City Hall, the Rainbow Market brings together stalls from LGBTQ+ organizations, nonprofits, queer-owned businesses, artists, and groups from across Asia. It is a great place to pick up local designs, learn about community work, and meet people.
Taipei Pride Week Events
- Festivities in Ximending: The area around the Red House usually hosts open-air celebrations with live music, drag shows, and LGBTQ+ stalls during Pride week.
- Parties: Large ticketed dance parties, such as the long-running X-Formosa series, take place over the Pride weekend with international DJs and themed nights. Book tickets early.
- Drag shows: Taipei's drag scene is thriving, and Pride week brings special performances by local and international queens.
- Culture and community: Talks, film screenings, exhibitions, and community events take place across the city. Check local listings for the year's program.
LGBTQ+ Landmarks and Neighborhoods
The Red House and Ximending
Built in 1908 as a market hall, the octagonal Red House in Ximending is now a creative center, and the open-air bars on its south side form the heart of Taipei's gay nightlife. It is relaxed and friendly, perfect for an evening drink and people-watching.
Rainbow Crossings
Ximending's pedestrian area has a famous rainbow crossing outside Ximen MRT Exit 6, a popular photo spot. Look out for more rainbow-themed crossings around the city.
228 Peace Memorial Park
This historic park was an important meeting place for Taipei's gay community for decades and features in Taiwanese queer literature.
Bars, Cafés, and Hotels
Taipei is very welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. Beyond the Red House, you will find gay bars and clubs in the Zhongshan and Da'an districts, and plenty of inclusive cafés across the city. For Pride week, Ximending is a convenient and lively base, while Xinyi puts you close to the parade at City Hall. Book accommodation well in advance, as Pride weekend is busy.
What to Pack for Taipei Pride
- Outfits: Rainbow colors, glitter, and costumes are all welcome. Late October in Taipei is usually warm during the day, around 25°C, with cooler evenings, so bring a light layer.
- Rain gear: A compact umbrella or poncho for showers.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen and a hat for hours outdoors.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated while marching.
- Comfortable shoes: You will walk several kilometers.
- Power bank and adapter: Taiwan uses Type A and B plugs at 110 V, the same as the United States.
- A small crossbody bag: To keep your phone and wallet secure in the crowds.
Travel Tips for Taipei Pride
- Entry requirements: Check whether you need a visa or a travel authorization for your nationality, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- From the airport: The Taoyuan Airport MRT express train reaches Taipei Main Station in about 35 to 40 minutes. Taxis take around 40 to 60 minutes.
- Getting around: The Taipei MRT is fast, clean, and easy to use. Use Taipei City Hall Station (Blue Line) for the parade and Ximen Station for the Red House. Get an EasyCard for the MRT and buses.
- Other cities: Kaohsiung, Taichung, and other cities hold their own Pride events at different times of year. Use the High Speed Rail to travel between them.
Make time for sightseeing too, with our guide to the best photo spots in Taipei and our list of essential Taiwan travel apps.
Stay Connected at Taipei Pride
With huge crowds, public Wi-Fi can be slow or overloaded, and you will want reliable data to find your friends, follow event updates, and share your photos. An egoViet Taiwan eSIM installs before you fly and connects as soon as you land. Traveling around the region? Choose an Asia eSIM.
FAQs: Taipei Pride
When is Taipei Pride?
Taipei Pride is usually held on the last Saturday of October, with events throughout the surrounding week.
Where does the Taipei Pride parade start?
The parade traditionally starts and ends at Taipei City Hall in the Xinyi District.
Do I have to be LGBTQ+ to attend Taipei Pride?
No. Everyone is welcome, including allies, friends, families, and first-time visitors.
Is Taipei Pride the only Pride event in Taiwan?
No. Taipei Pride is the largest, but cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung also hold Pride events during the year.