Celebrating Albanian Culture, Community, and Connection
Join us for the 1st Annual Albanian Festival, a vibrant, family-friendly celebration honoring the rich heritage, traditions, and resilience of the Albanian people in the Capital Region and beyond.
Sponsored by: Afrim Sports
Date & Location: Saturday, July 18, 2026
11 am - 5 pm at Cook Park, Colonie, NY 12205
🎶 Featuring:DJ Alban, Flamur Bicaku, & Benard Millja
By bringing together the Albanian community to share traditional food, music, dance, art, and local Albanian-owned businesses, while welcoming the broader community, we will all experience the beauty and depth of Albanian culture. This festival is the first of its kind in the region—created to celebrate our roots, uplift our people, and build meaningful connections across generations.
More than a cultural event, the Albanian Festival also centers on mental health awareness and community well-being. As a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health, Noteworthy Resources is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where conversations about mental health are normalized, resources are accessible, and community support is strengthened—especially within immigrant and refugee communities.
Whether you are Albanian, part of the Balkan diaspora, or simply curious to learn more, this festival is an invitation to celebrate culture, honor resilience, and come together in community. We look forward to welcoming you to a day filled with pride, connection, and celebration.
*Sign up to volunteer at the festival here*
1st Annual Albanian Festival
Albany, NY
2026 Vendors & Exhibitors
Emma’s Cards
Leiya Bakesss
Meet our 2026 Festival Planning Committee
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Tatiana (Gjergji) Benack
Founder
Tatiana is a proud first-generation Albanian-American with roots in Puke, Albania, and the former Yugoslavia. With a background in psychology, mental health training, and peer support, her work is deeply shaped by her family’s refugee experience and her own late ADHD diagnosis. Through the Albanian Festival, Tatiana aims to create a space where culture, healing, pride, and community connection come together—honoring Albanian heritage while fostering openness, wellness, and support across generations. -
Aleksander Tupe
Committee Member
Aleksander is originally from Korçë, Albania, and currently resides in Albany, New York. He is a proud member of the Albanian Festival committee and is deeply committed to preserving and celebrating Albanian culture.
Raised with a strong appreciation for Albanian traditions, music, food, and community, Aleksander views his involvement in the festival as a way to give back and create a welcoming space for Albanians of all generations, as well as the broader community. He hopes that the festival not only highlights the richness of Albanian culture but also strengthens community bonds, inspires younger generations, and grows into a meaningful annual tradition for years to come.
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Ida Bojaxhiu
Committee Member
Ida is originally from Berat, Albania, and is a valued member of the Albanian Festival team. She joined this event with the intention of bringing a meaningful piece of her homeland to the local community. Ida hopes the festival will be a joyful gathering filled with traditional Albanian music, authentic food, and shared connection. She is especially passionate about teaching children Albanian music and traditional dances, helping to foster pride in Albanian culture and ensure that its art and traditions continue through future generations.