For those seeking a reprieve from Taipei’s usual dragon boat festivities, as well as the heat, it might be a good idea to head down to Waiao Beach in Yilan County for a mellower four-day weekend. Drifters Pizza Pub, which hosts live music by local and expat bands every Saturday, is upping the ante by throwing the first-ever Dragon Boat Waiao Beach Bash.
The bash begins on Thursday with live music by folk rocker Mark Palke and continues for three days with an assortment of reggae, rock and surf blues. Also on the bill are Sons of the Beach and Green Island Blues. To fuel the celebration, there will be Italian-style pizza, locally-brewed craft beer and summery cocktails.
Partygoers can also take a dip in the ocean, which is a stone’s throw away from the pizza pub, or go for an afternoon surf as there are numerous surfboard rental shops nearby.
Photo courtesy of Drifters Pizza Pub
■ The Dragon Boat Waiao Beach Bash starts Thursday at 6pm and ends June 11 at Drifters Pizza Pub Waiao Beach (漂流者外澳披薩吧), outside of Waiao Train Station (外澳火車站), 231, Binhai Rd Sec 2, Waiao, Toucheng Township, Yilan County (宜蘭縣頭城鎮外澳里濱海路二段231號)
■ Admission is free. No outside drinks allowed. For more information, check: www.facebook.com/events/236900193346100
■ If you plan on spending one or two nights in Waiao, it’s best to book ahead. Try Rising Sun Surf Inn (www.facebook.com/risingsunsurfinn) or Hi Surf (www.facebook.com/aloha.hisurf)
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