The full eight-country lineup for the 2026 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest has officially been revealed. Six-time Grammy winner Daniel Ho & Friends will travel from Hawaii to perform, alongside popular Thai band Whal & Dolph. Taiwan’s Golden Melody Award–winning rock powerhouse Fire EX., acclaimed indie group Amazing Show, and rising-generation favorite band Mango Jump will also take the stage in succession, delivering a vibrant and diverse musical celebration. Chang Yen-Ching, Director-General of the Department of Administrative and International Affairs, invites the public to gather at Kaohsiung Central Park from 6 to 8 March and experience the dynamic energy created by the convergence of island cultures.
Now in its second year, the 2026 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest returns in an expanded three-day format, staged simultaneously for the first time at Kaohsiung Central Park and the Kaohsiung Main Station Underground Plaza. The festival’s international music program spans eight countries, bringing together diverse island sounds — from the Indigenous harmonies of Nibun Chorus and Indonesia’s metal rock band Jubah Hitam, to Japanese singer Satoshi Yamamoto and Vietnamese vocalist Đào tử A1J. The Philippines further enriches the lineup with DJ Cristian Kalalo, GMAL, Kapitan Chiayi Band and reggae group Guhit Band, creating a vibrant cross-cultural musical exchange. In addition, multiple champions from ASE Holdings’ singing competition will perform. The Wing Stars Cheer Squad and mascot TAKAO from the TSG Hawks will also bring high-energy stage performances.
This year’s Island Outdoor Talks will feature distinguished guests from film, music and literature. Representing the drama The Outlaw Doctor, Vietnamese award-winning actor Liên Bỉnh Phát, director Liao Shih Han, and Golden Award producer Phil Tang will discuss mobility and coexistence within island societies through the lens of drama. Taiwanese Indigenous singer Suming and Amis multidisciplinary artist Ado will share reflections on island and ocean cultures.
At Kaohsiung Main Station, One-Forty founder Kevin Chen and Taiwan Literature Award winner Yungta Chien will join dialogue sessions with representatives from the Philippines and Indonesia. Performances at the station venue will include Japan’s Hachidori Band, Malaysian vocalist Anna, and Taiwanese singer Jeremy Lu.
A Sunshine Island–themed Light Rail train is now in service across Kaohsiung through 8 March. Incorporating elements from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Kaohsiung, the train brings international culture directly into residents’ daily commutes. Director-General Chang noted that beyond music, the festival also features cultural and sports experiences not to be missed. Visitors can try Sepak Takraw, Bamboo Pole Dance, and Pickleball, offering hands-on encounters with diverse sporting traditions from across the region.
As the festival approaches, online and on-site lucky draws are underway. By following the Kaohsiung City Government’s official social media channels and sharing event posts, participants can win exclusive Sunshine Island Vibe Fest merchandise, FamilyMart gift cards, and Philippine hotel stays. During the festival, visitors who complete the stamp-collection challenge will have the chance to win major prizes, including United Airlines round-trip tickets (Kaohsiung–Tokyo / Taipei–Guam).
The 2026 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is jointly presented by the Department of Administrative and International Affairs, Kaohsiung City Government; the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Kaohsiung Branch Office; the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office; the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Kaohsiung Extension Office; and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office.
Special appreciation is extended to all sponsoring partners for their generous support, including ASE Holdings, Quilter International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the Taiwan Fu Hsing Foundation, FamilyMart, the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, and the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation.