The city will host a series of social and cultural events that bring the spirit of the conference into the streets.
Organised in collaboration with local artists, institutions, and communities, the program will include guided walks through Tirana’s neighborhoods, art openings that highlight public space and mobility, and outdoor film screenings focused on cities and walking.
These events are an integral part of the Walk21 experience—celebrating walking not just as a mode of transport, but as a way to
connect with place, culture, and each other.
For a grounding experience to get your bearings and spark curiosity before the conference begins, The Third Space invites Walk21 Tirana participants to join a walking journey through 21st-century Tirana, where the city’s urban, social, and cultural layers unfold step by step. Starting at 15.00 at the Postbllok (Checkpoint) memorial you will explore how rapid change shapes everyday life and the walking experience, from lively squares to shifting neighborhoods. This walk offers a chance to connect with local communities, feel the rhythm of the streets, and discover the stories hidden in Tirana’s public spaces.
At 19:00, conference delegates are invited to a special screening of Trishtimi i Zonjës Shnajder (The Sorrow of Mrs. Schneider) at the historic Agimi Cinema. Set in Czechoslovakia of the late 1960s, the film captures a poignant glimpse into the life of an Albanian abroad during a time of political and cultural isolation. Following the screening, there will be a conversation with Eno Milkani, director son of the film’s own director, offering personal insights into the making of the film and its enduring place in Albanian cinema.
As part of the conference program, delegates are warmly invited to join a Cocktail Reception at Vila 31 from 18.00. This historic residence of the former dictator in the heart of Tirana will provide a relaxed and informal setting to connect with fellow participants, exchange ideas, and take a look at the famous former “Blloku” – the residential neighborhood of the communist regime government.
At 19.00 delegates are invited to the Agimi Art Center for Annotazioni Video, an evening of screenings and discussions exploring how cities are seen, narrated, and re-imagined through moving images. In the spirit of Walk21, the program highlights how walking offers a unique lens for documenting and annotating urban life, inviting participants to reflect on the intersections between film, public space, and lived experience. For alternative get togethers, also explore the vibrant New Bazaar area, where Tirana’s lively food and drink scene makes it easy to gather in large groups over shared meals and conversations.
All conference participants are warmly invited to the Gala Dinner at Tirana International Hotel starting at 19:00. Set on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking Skanderbeg Square, the evening will be a celebration of the Walk21 community in the heart of the city. With Tirana’s central landmark as a backdrop, the dinner offers a relaxed setting to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations after a full day of conference activities.The night will be elevated by fun live music, adding a vibrant rhythm to the conversations and celebrations.
The conference winds down from 17.00 with an informal evening in Tirana’s vibrant bar scene. Delegates can begin their city discovery right around the Pyramid of Tirana, where Pragu (offering special prices for those who show their conference badge), Komiteti and Soma Vinyl Station bring together music, history, and a touch of flair. From there, the adventure continues down Mustafa Matohiti Street, home to hotspots like Meduza and Muma, each buzzing with Tirana’s youthful spirit. A short walk away, Komuna e Parisit Street offers stylish favorites such as Vena, the Taproom by Pan’s for local beer and Karamel, perfect for those seeking a more laid-back vibe. And in the pedestrian stretch of Kont Urani, Hemingway Bar and Mimoza create a relaxed pocket of charm to round out the night. A dedicated Google Map will help you navigate, but the real pleasure is in letting Tirana’s streets lead the way.
On the final day Friday, 10 October at 11:00, delegates can join a time exploring tour through Tirana’s historical layers and urban renewal that showcases how Tirana’s heritage and modern urban projects coexist, from Ottoman remains and Italian-era squares to communist-era dictatorship buildings and today’s vibrant regenerated spaces. The city will also offer two guided Tirana city tours organized by the Tourism Department, both starting from Skanderbeg Square towards the city’s landmarks, history, and vibrant urban life in the spirit of Walk21. Conference delegates will have free access to the Kadare and Agolli museums and the Tirana Art Gallery — offering a cultural walk through Tirana’s literary heritage, celebrating Kadare, Albania’s most celebrated contemporary writer, and Agolli, the country’s most beloved poet, whose museum reflects his warmth and creativity.