Closing the year with a bang, Ultra Taiwan brought artists like DJ Snake, Hardwell, ARTBAT, and Chase & Status to Taipei for the fifth edition of the festival.
Ultra Taiwan 2024 delivered an unforgettable weekend at Dajia Riverside Park, seamlessly blending global dance music with the vibrant local culture of Taipei. Held from November 16–17, the festival featured an impressive lineup that highlighted international stars while providing a significant platform for local and regional artists, making this edition one of the most diverse and inclusive that at least I have seen.
As a regular attendee, Ultra Taiwan is an event I look forward to every year. It’s one of the few opportunities for large international acts to come to Taipei and represent the global dance music scene, and this year lived up to expectations. I was particularly excited by the expanded representation of regional artists and the greater diversity of music styles, which felt more prominent than in past years. Having attended every Ultra Taiwan since 2020, I can confidently say this edition was my favorite.
One of the weekend’s most magical moments was ARTBAT’s performance.
Their set was atmospheric, heavy, and full of surprises. The rain seemed to synchronize perfectly with their music, turning their performance into something unforgettable. ARTBAT’s mastery in blending expert-level DJing with an emotional, cinematic energy made them a personal highlight of the festival. It felt like a masterclass in modern techno, a rare treat for Taipei.
DJ Snake delivered a standout performance on the Mainstage. He demonstrated his expert grasp of crowd engagement, keeping the energy at peak throughout. With his recently announced new alias, The Outlaw, I’m excited to see where he takes his music next.
Chase & Status also brought their signature drum and bass sound to the Mainstage. Their set was pure fun, and after watching their solid Boiler Room performance earlier this year, I could clearly see why they’re so celebrated. Both acts underscored the festival’s ability to cater to a wide range of dance music tastes.
What truly set Ultra Taiwan 2024 apart was the increased presence of local and regional talent. Seeing artists like Savø, Bernie Bright, and Tooki Tooki perform at such a global event was inspiring. Regional stars like Belle Sisoski and Weird Genius also delivered electrifying performances, showcasing the strength of Asia’s dance music scene. Belle’s dynamic stage presence and captivating sound left a lasting impression, and I’m excited to follow her journey as an artist.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch Hardwell or Zedd due to spending most of my time at the RESISTANCE stage. The buzz around their performances and the photos circulating online nonetheless made it clear they both put on spectacular shows.
The festival’s location at Dajia Riverside Park remains a major highlight.
The picturesque riverside setting, combined with Taipei’s skyline, created an idyllic environment. Dancing in the rain only added to the fun once you embraced it. The mix of locals and international attendees fostered a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, making the event feel like a true celebration of dance music.
The sound quality at Ultra Taiwan 2024 was exceptional, arguably the best in Taiwan. The Mainstage’s state-of-the-art sound system delivered crisp, powerful audio, ensuring that every beat was both heard and felt. The RESISTANCE stage, though light on visuals, maintained equally high sound quality, allowing the music to take center stage. Thoughtful stage designs complemented the performances, enhancing the overall experience.
Another improvement this year was the variety of food and drink options. Compared to previous editions, there was a noticeable increase in the number and diversity of vendors, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. From traditional Taiwanese snacks to international cuisines, the offerings were great.
One area for improvement, however, is the use of plastic tokens for purchases. While convenient, the environmental impact of single-use plastics stood out as a drawback. It would be great to see Ultra Taiwan adopt more sustainable solutions, such as reusable tokens or digital payment methods, to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices.
Overall, Ultra Taiwan 2024 was a fantastic celebration of dance music.
The enhanced representation of local and regional artists, combined with a top-tier international lineup, created a balanced and inclusive atmosphere. Robust sound systems, thoughtful stage designs, and the beautiful riverside venue all contributed to an unforgettable experience.
Looking ahead, I’d love to see even greater involvement from the local community, not only in performances but also in areas like curation and festival organization. Integrating more local ideas and talents could further elevate Taiwan’s dance music scene. Additionally, since the festival ends at a strict 10pm, it would be amazing if local venues could capitalize on the presence of international artists and host after parties to keep the energy going. Also, while I am sure Ultra had good reasons for choosing this year’s date range, last year’s event taking place during the beginning of December made it much easier for my international friends to attend.
By and large, though, Ultra Taiwan 2024 succeeded in delivering a world-class festival experience marked by exceptional performances, a stunning venue, and a welcoming atmosphere. The combination of global stars and local talents, with the festival’s commitment to quality and inclusivity, made it a weekend to remember. As Taiwan’s dance music community continues to grow, Ultra Taiwan remains a pivotal event that brings people together, celebrates diversity, and sets the stage for future innovations in the dance music scene.
