Dragon Boat Festival is this week, and with it comes a three-day long weekend in Taiwan.
For some people, that means family gatherings, BBQs, and watching dragon boat races with friends. For others — especially those who've recently moved, changed social circles, or just grown apart from old friends — it means staring at a blank calendar and wondering what to do.
If you're in the second group, this article is for you.
Why Long Weekends Can Actually Feel Lonely
During regular weekdays, you're busy. There's no time to notice who you would or wouldn't call to hang out. But when a long weekend arrives and you have three unscheduled days ahead of you, that question becomes impossible to ignore.
This is especially true for Dragon Boat Festival, which is culturally centered around togetherness — eating zongzi with family, watching boat races with friends, gathering around a grill. Spending it alone can feel more isolating than a regular weekend would.
The good news: you're not actually alone in feeling this way. And there's something you can do about it.
What You Can Actually Do Over Dragon Boat Festival
There's no shortage of things to do during the Dragon Boat Festival weekend in Taiwan:
BBQ with new people — Outdoor BBQs are a Dragon Boat Festival staple in Taiwan. Find a park, bring some food, and you have an instant gathering format that's easy for people to say yes to.
Watch dragon boat races — Cities across Taiwan hold dragon boat competitions during the festival. It's a casual, low-pressure way to meet up with people — just show up, watch the races, and see where the conversation goes.
Day trip to the coast or mountains — Early June weather in Taiwan is ideal for outdoor outings. A day trip with 4–6 people is a great way to get to know new people in a relaxed setting.
Try making zongzi together — If you've never made traditional sticky rice dumplings before, this is a surprisingly fun group activity. It's a great conversation starter and a memorable experience even if the results are imperfect.
The problem isn't a lack of options. It's a lack of people to do them with.
3 Ways to Find People to Celebrate With Before the Weekend
1. Be the one who initiates
Most people are waiting for someone else to make the first move. The result is that everyone waits, and nothing happens.
If you have an idea, put it out there. You don't need a large social network — you just need a clear invitation: "I'm doing a BBQ at XX park on Saturday afternoon, anyone want to join?" You might be surprised how many people were quietly hoping someone would ask.
2. Use a social matching platform to reach beyond your existing circle
Your current friend group is fixed — but the number of people in Taiwan looking for something to do this long weekend is not.
MatchBridge lets you post a Dragon Boat Festival gathering and reach people who are actively looking for social events. Unlike posting on general social media and hoping the right person sees it, MatchBridge connects you with people who've already opted in to meeting new people and joining activities.
Not sure how to set up a gathering from scratch? Check out our complete guide to creating a gathering — it covers everything from choosing a theme to managing RSVPs.
3. Lower the barrier to entry
Many people hesitate to host gatherings because they're afraid no one will show up, or that it'll be awkward.
The solution is to keep it simple and low-pressure. "Casual BBQ, Saturday 3pm, XX park, come as you are" is much easier for people to commit to than a formally planned event. The less planning it requires, the more likely people are to say yes.
A Holiday Is a Perfect Excuse to Meet Someone New
After entering the workforce, the natural opportunities to meet new people become rarer. But public holidays create a window — everyone has free time, everyone's in a relaxed mood, and a shared context (the festival) gives you something easy to talk about.
If you're looking for more strategies on expanding your social circle as an adult, our article on how to make new friends after entering the workforce covers practical methods that go beyond just the holiday season.
You don't have to spend Dragon Boat Festival with people you already know. Sometimes a gathering born out of a holiday becomes the starting point for friendships that last much longer.
Post your Dragon Boat Festival gathering on MatchBridge →
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