Turtle Fest
Jul 28-31, 2026·Drymades, Dhërmi
The longest-running Albanian-run electronic festival, on Drymades Beach near Dhërmi — house, techno, trance and drum & bass across two stages for its 10th-anniversary edition (18+).
Festivals & Events
The music, food and outdoor festivals that fill Himara and the southern Riviera through the 2026 season — with dates, locations and how to plan around them.
Coming Up in 2026
Dormition of the Virgin (Panagia)
Aug 15, 2026·Dhërmi & Himara
The Dormition of the Virgin — Panagia, or Shën Mëria — is the Riviera's biggest Orthodox pilgrimage feast, drawing gatherings to the hilltop monasteries above Dhërmi (Panagia Drymadon) and Himara (Athali) on 15 August.
Solar Music Festival
Aug 15-16, 2026·Saranda Embankment
Saranda's home-grown electronic festival on the central waterfront — two nights of DJ sets, daytime beach sessions and boat parties on the Ionian, organised by the municipality with World Bank / Albanian Development Fund support.
Himara International Music Festival
Aug 20-26, 2026·Himarë
Classical, folk, and jazz performances at Himara Castle and All Saints' Church, bringing international and local musicians to historic venues above the Ionian Sea.
Zamna On The Beach (x Moyo)
Aug 21-22, 2026·Moyo Beach, Drymades
The Mexican Zamna brand's Albanian beach edition at Moyo on the Drymades–Palasë coast — melodic techno and house by the Ionian.
Wine & Stories of Berat
Oct 3-5, 2026·Berat
Albania's flagship wine festival in Berat's Mangalem old town — around 28 wineries pouring across the UNESCO 'town of a thousand windows' over an autumn weekend.
Earlier This Year
Sundance Festival
PastJul 9-12, 2026·Zvërnec, Vlorë
A four-day electronic festival on the pine-covered island of Zvërnec near Vlorë — techno and melodic house across three stages with round-the-clock music.
OFF/LINE Beach Festival
PastJul 3-4, 2026·Carpe Diem, Borsh
A free two-night electronic beach festival at the Carpe Diem beach club in Borsh, run by the South Outdoor team — house and Afro house DJs on a single beachfront stage from sunset into the night.
Mjalt'Fest (Honey Festival)
PastEarly July 2026·Dhërmi
Local bio honey producers from across southern Albania showcase and sell their products in Dhermi, with tastings and traditional food.
South Outdoor Festival
PastJun 22-26, 2026·Borsh
Over 80 outdoor activities including hiking, diving, paragliding, and live music stages in Borsh, celebrating the Albanian Riviera's adventure potential.
Anjunadeep Explorations
PastJun 11-16, 2026·Dhërmi
The Anjunadeep label's six-night Albanian showcase across Dhërmi's beach, a mountain terrace and a boat-access forest amphitheatre — melodic, deep and progressive house.
Kala Festival
PastJun 3-10, 2026·Dhërmi
A week-long boutique festival on Dhërmi Beach with stages spilling onto Drymades and Gjipe — house, disco, dub and UK garage from a tightly curated international lineup, sold as accommodation-inclusive packages.
Orthodox Easter
PastApr 12, 2026·Himarë
Traditional church services throughout Himara's Byzantine churches, followed by family gatherings, festive feasts, and the exchange of red eggs.
Festival FAQ
What festivals are on in Himara in summer 2026?
The two biggest are the Himara International Music Festival (August 20–26) and, just south in Borsh, the South Outdoor Festival (June 22–26). Dhermi also hosts Mjalt'Fest, a honey festival, in early July.
When is the Himara Music Festival 2026?
August 20–26, 2026, with classical, folk and jazz performances staged at Himara Castle and All Saints' Church above the Ionian Sea.
What is the South Outdoor Festival?
A four-day outdoor-adventure and music festival held in Borsh, a short drive south of Himara (June 22–26, 2026). It packs in 80+ activities — hiking, diving, paragliding — with live music stages at night.
Is Orthodox Easter celebrated in Himara?
Yes — traditional services are held across Himara's Byzantine churches, followed by family feasts. In 2026 Orthodox Easter fell on April 12.
Should I book accommodation early for festival dates?
Yes. Festival weeks are among the busiest of the year and rooms in Himara, Dhermi and Borsh fill quickly, so book well ahead and expect higher rates.
Visiting for a Festival?
Festival weeks are the busiest of the year — rooms in Himara, Dhermi and Borsh book out fast. Sort your base and your beach days before you arrive.