Korça Beer Festival

Every August, the city of Korça hosts one of the most important parties in the country, the Korça Beer Festival, a five-day celebration of music, culture, food, and, as the name suggest, beer. Referred by locals as the Oktoberfest of the Balkans, the festival is the largest of its kind in Albania and one of the biggest in the region. In 2025, the 19th edition of the Korça Beer Festival will take place from the 13th to the 17th of August at the main Bus Terminal area, which turns into a vibrant open-air arena each night.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Dozens of local and international beer brands. Traditional and modern Albanian food stands. Live music, from pop and rock to traditional Albanian folk played by local and Balkan artists. The entry is typically free, though some headline performances may require tickets. The festival is headlined by Birra Korça, Albania’s oldest brewery founded in 1928 in Korça. But you’ll also find craft beers and global favorites. Also, it’s the occasion to try local gastronomy, like grilled meats and sausages, qofte, petulla, cheeses and desserts. While you’re in town, take time to explore Korça’s charming old bazaar, the Cathedral, the National Museum of Medieval Art, and the nearby villages of Dardhë and Voskopoja, perfect for hiking and relaxing after a night of festivities.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Choose Roots Korça for your weekend in town. This boutique stay offers a studio apartment, a family apartment and a loft duplex apartment that can accommodate up to 8 people. Every accommodation is fully equipped and thoughtfully designed with locally sourced materials. The apartments provide the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary elements, making them the ideal retreat in the heart of Korça.