NBA Star Zach LaVine Coming to Taiwan! Arrives July 31, Will Play in International Pro Basketball Ex
The "2026 Taoyuan Pearl Coast International Music Festival" kicks off August 1 and 2 at Zhuwei Fishing Harbor in Taoyuan. This year, they've snagged a big one: NBA All-Star and high-flying dynamo Zach LaVine. The city government is banking on his star power to blend sports, charity, and tourism into something that really shows off Taoyuan's diversity.

LaVine won the Slam Dunk Contest twice—no big deal, right? Actually, it's a huge deal. His explosive athleticism and scoring ability are legendary. He's been an NBA All-Star twice, and in 2021 he helped Team USA grab gold at the Tokyo Olympics. But what really made him a household name? Those dunks. He pulled off a free-throw-line-between-the-legs jam that left everyone speechless. Pure classic.
So here's the schedule: LaVine lands in Taiwan on July 31. First stop? Taoyuan City Hall, where Mayor Chang Shan-cheng will roll out the red carpet. Then it's a packed two days of activity—an exhibition game, a charity meet-and-greet, and a tour of Daxi Old Street. The city hopes this whole thing—music, basketball, local culture—will cement the "Pearl Coast" brand as a must-visit spot.
On August 1, head to the Zhuwei Fishing Harbor Dome Court for the "International Pro Basketball Stars Exhibition Game." This year's theme is "Taoyuan Moment"—basically, using basketball to connect people, place, and passion. LaVine will share the court with players from the Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards. There'll be a three-point contest and a dunk contest featuring six local flyers. And yeah, LaVine will also hit the main stage at the music festival. Think of it as the summer's ultimate mashup: NBA talent, live tunes, and a dock-side vibe.
The next morning, August 2, LaVine heads to a charity fan meet-up organized by the Taoyuan Sports Bureau, the Westin Daxi Resort, and the Down Syndrome Foundation. It's a chance to shine a light on the foundation's work. Then, an afternoon stroll through Daxi Old Street—those historic buildings and narrow lanes. The city wants LaVine to soak up some real Taiwan flavor, so he leaves with more than just memories of a basketball court.