TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Pingtung Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival (屏東黑鮪魚文化觀光季) opened Saturday (May 2), offering concerts, markets and culinary events through July 5. The festival has drawn visitors nationwide since 2001, becoming one of Taiwan's most prominent fisheries tourism celebrations. This year's program features performances by popular artists and over 100 vendor stalls.
The festival opened with the "Ocean Concert" on Saturday, featuring performances from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The "Great Tuna Market" will take place at the Dapeng Bay International Leisure Zone (大鵬灣國際休閒特區) on June 13 and 14, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can explore over 100 stalls offering seafood, local snacks and handmade crafts.
Music performances will feature OSN (高爾宣), PIZZALI and Willy Jian (簡嘉彣) on June 13. Aoi Mushi Band (青虫 aoi), Joan Pong (聖恩) and Liao Wen-chiang (廖文強) will perform the following day. The "Classic Night" event on June 27 will feature Richie Jen (任賢齊), Claire Kuo (郭靜) and Wen Yin Liang (梁文音).
Attendees can collect limited-edition mascot keychains through July 5. Redemption is available for overnight guests staying in the Donggang area (東港地區), as well as diners and shoppers. Requirements include a single-receipt spend of NT$2,000 (US$63) at restaurants or NT$1,000 (US$32) for souvenirs. The promotion aims to boost local tourism and business.