The 2026 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is set to make a vibrant return from March 6 to 8, 2026 at Kaohsiung Central Park and the Kaohsiung Station Underground Plaza. To warm up for the event, Chen Chi-Mai, Mayor of Kaohsiung, recently joined representatives from the United States, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand stationed in Kaohsiung for a friendly sepak takraw challenge — a sport widely popular in Southeast Asia — showcasing strong international friendship and plenty of joyful moments.
On the court, Mayor Chen and the four international representatives created a lively, laughter-filled atmosphere. Speaking in Mandarin, English, Japanese and Thai, they joined together in inviting the public: “2026 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest — international cuisine, multicultural performances. Three days. Bigger and better. Save the dates and come join us!” The message warmly invited residents and visitors alike to experience the fun and diversity of island culture firsthand.
This year’s Sunshine Island Vibe Fest features an expanded lineup of sports and cultural experiences. During the sepak takraw challenge, Mayor Chen confidently stepped onto the court amid cheers from the crowd, successfully returning several volleys and further energizing the scene. Masafumi Oku, Chief of the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office, demonstrated true Japanese craftsman spirit, not only heading the ball with precision but also diving to the floor for an impressive save, followed by a graceful spinning kick that drew gasps and enthusiastic applause.
Meanwhile, Neil Gibson, Chief of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Kaohsiung Branch Office, sent the ball flying with such force that it nearly touched the ceiling and filming equipment, unexpectedly becoming one of the most humorous highlights of the event. Ma. Karina B. Perida-Trayvilla, Director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Kaohsiung Extension Office, and Nuthchyawach Sanguanchaiyakrit, Director of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office, Labor Division, Kaohsiung, confidently displayed their polished skills, completing the challenge smoothly and earning resounding applause from the audience.
According to Chang Yen-Ching, Director-General of Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, the 2026 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is once again co-organized by the Kaohsiung City Government in partnership with representative offices from the United States, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. The event will take place simultaneously at Kaohsiung Central Park and the Kaohsiung Station Underground Plaza, featuring live music performances, cultural experiences, multicultural markets, outdoor photography exhibitions, outdoor talks and multiple sports activities — all highlighting Kaohsiung’s openness as an international port city.
The festival aims to foster friendships and deepen mutual understanding among residents and international friends. In addition to sepak takraw, which has a long history and remains highly popular in Southeast Asia, this year’s program also introduces pickleball, a sport that has gained rapid global popularity in recent years, as well as the lively bamboo pole dance, inviting participants to explore world cultures in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
The 2026 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is co-organized by Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, 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 thanks go to ASE Holdings, Quilter International Enterprise Co., the Taiwan Fu Hsing Foundation, FamilyMart, the Pearl S. Buck Foundation and the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation for their generous sponsorship and support.