By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — The city’s summer calendar is packed over the next two weekends, with events ranging from ice desserts in Hamasen and pool parties in Cianjhen to K-pop concerts, giant whale kites, and a travel fair.
This weekend: July 18-19
Kaohsiung Ice Festival
The Kaohsiung Ice Festival returns to Hamasen from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, bringing more than 50 ice dessert and food vendors to Shinbinn Station Front, next to MRT Hamasen Station. The event will feature Taiwanese shaved ice, gelato, Japanese kakigori, and Southeast Asian desserts, along with guided historic walks and dessert-themed activities in the surrounding neighborhood.
Endless Summer Pool Party
Those looking for something a bit more wet and wild: check out the Endless Summer Pool Party, happening Saturday from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at Tai Urban Resort in Cianjhen District. The event is organized by On the Beach, with music, drinks, and poolside partying. Tickets include free drinks from 3 to 4 p.m., according to the event listing.
Pool Party After Party
The after-party starts Saturday at 9 p.m. at Starlight Harbour Deck Lounge. The event listing says guests with pool party bracelets can enter for free.
EXO at Kaohsiung Arena
South Korean group EXO will perform at Kaohsiung Arena on Saturday and Sunday as part of its EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon tour. The concerts are expected to bring fans from around Taiwan and overseas, with some city events offering related fan promotions.
Next weekend: July 25-26
Cijin Kite Festival and Inflatable Water Park
Two 35-meter whale kites will fly above Cijin Beach as the Cijin Kite Festival and Inflatable Water Park opens July 25-26. The event continues the following weekend, Aug. 1-2. Kite displays run from 1 to 8 p.m., while the inflatable water park runs from 3 to 8 p.m. near the Love Gate.
Cijin Sunset Bar is the place to be for kite-watching and “adult beverages.” That Saturday, at the pop-up at Cijin Sunset Pop-Up, 1050 Cijin 3rd Road, according to the event listing, anyone wearing a bikini top can enjoy free drinks, and yes, the offer applies to both men and women.
Kaohsiung International Summer Travel Fair
The 2026 Kaohsiung International Summer Travel Fair will run July 24-27 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The fair will feature travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and tourism packages, including overseas trips, domestic travel, lodging, and dining deals.
Getting around
Several of the events are near MRT or light rail stations. The Ice Festival is beside MRT Hamasen Station and the C14 light rail stop, while the Cijin Kite Festival can be reached by ferry from Hamasen. Organizers are urging visitors to use public transportation where possible, especially for beach and Hamasen events where parking is limited.
