A year, in fun.

Festivals on castle walls, boat parties in hidden coves, rooftop clubs in Tirana, and beach bars that stay open until the sun comes up.

34listings

10festivals

8boat trips

16nightlife picks

Annual calendar

Tradition, music, food and film across the year.

From Dita e Veres to Gjirokaster Folk Festival, this is the calendar worth planning around.

Gjirokastër National Folk Festival

The country's most important folk gathering — ensembles from every region perform inside the castle. UNESCO-recognized.

July 4 – 9 Gjirokastër View event →

Type

All Music Tradition Food Film

City

All Dhërmi Elbasan Gjirokastër Korçë Sarandë Shëngjin Tirana Vlorë

Month

All Mar May Jun Jul Aug Sep Nov Dec

Gjirokastër / July 4 – 9

The country's most important folk gathering — ensembles from every region perform inside the castle. UNESCO-recognized.

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Vlorë / November 28

Albania declared independence here in 1912. Parades on the Pavarësia square, fireworks at 9pm, the country's largest flag.

Free entry

Elbasan / March 14

A pagan-rooted spring festival now national in scale. Whole families bake ballokume (cornmeal cookies) and walk together at sunrise.

Free entry

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