Best festivals to visit in Morocco

Many visitors return again and again to the same familiar places in Morocco, be it Marrakesh or Essaouira. And with wonderful markets, historic sights and delicious food right on the doorstep, who can blame them? But, for very good reasons to explore further afield, look to the varied range of music festivals and other events held throughout the country. With that in mind, here's our roundup of the best festivals to visit in Morocco.

1. International Nomad Festival, M’hamid El Ghizlane 

An open air festival in the Sahara, the International Nomad Festival is much more than music, taking in dance, poetry, weaving, sport and other aspects of nomadic culture. 

To get even more from the experience, sign up for a workshop and gain a deeper insight into nomadic life around the world.

How to get there

M’hamid El Ghizlane is a remote desert village located in southeastern Morocco, near the Algerian border. In fact, it’s the last town before the Sahara begins.

To get here, drive — or hire a private driver — to travel the 460 km from Marrakesh (best done over two days with a stop in Ouarzazate or Aït Benhaddo).

Alternatively, take a 6-7-hour bus to Zagora, followed by shared taxi or local minibus to M’hamid (2 hours).

You could also check out tour operators offering multi-day packages from Marrakesh or Fès — these can include festival attendance, desert camping and 4x4 transfers.

For more context, read up on getting around Morocco, and arm yourself with our Morocco travel advice.

When to visit

While exact dates vary slightly by year (usually announced a few months in advance), this is usually held in March

2. International Festival of World Music, Merzouga

The International Festival of World Music, also known as the Merzouga World Music Festival, is a unique event held in the Moroccan Sahara Desert.

It brings together global artists, traditional Berber and Gnawa musicians, and desert communities for an unforgettable cultural celebration.

How to get there

The festival takes place just outside the village of Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes — one of Morocco’s most iconic Sahara landscapes, and one of the best places to visit in Morocco.

Concerts are often set up in the desert itself, a short walk or camel ride from town.

To get to Merzouga (it’s located in southeastern Morocco, near the Algerian border), either drive or book a private transfer. 

This can take up to ten hours, and is best done over a couple of days, perhaps stopping at Aït Benhaddou, Todra Gorge and Dades Valley.

Alternatively, Supratours runs a night bus from Marrakesh to Merzouga (around 12 hours).

When to visit

The 3-4-day festival is usually held in late April or early May, but dates may vary slightly each year.

3. Jazzablanca, Casablanca 

Held over nine days, Casablanca's Jazzablanca festival has attracted the likes of Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Di Meola, Moorcheeba, Jason Mraz and Chick Corea, as well as emerging Moroccan and international artists. 

Anfa Park is one of the main venues — a spacious, modern outdoor venue near Casablanca Finance City, which hosts the main headliner performances (ticketed).

Meanwhile, Place des Nations Unies (United Nations Square) host free open-air concerts for the public.

In addition, performances and jam sessions take place in local clubs, cultural centers and hotels around the city.

How to get there

If you’re coming to Morocco for this festival, you could fly into Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. 

Alternatively, from Marrakesh or Rabat, take train to Casa Voyageurs Station or Casa Port Station, then a tram, taxi, or rideshare to the festival venues.

When to visit

Travel to Morocco in July enjoy Jazzablanca.

4. Mawazine Festival, Rabat 

Originally a celebration of World Music, Rabat's huge Mawazine Festival now attracts more mainstream international stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Lenny Kravitz and Usher. 

The biggest names in African and Arab music are also still featured, including Angelique Kidjo, Cheikh Lo and Youssou N’dour. 

With its four main stages, some 2.5 million spectators attend annually, making Mawazine one of the world’s biggest music festivals.

Main venues include:

• OLM Souissi – major international pop and rock headliners (e.g. The Weeknd, Rihanna, Travis Scott).
• Nahda Stage – Arab music and major regional artists.
• Bouregreg Stage – World music and African acts, set along the river between Rabat and Salé.
• Théâtre Mohammed V – an indoor venue for jazz, classical, and fusion performances.

How to get there

Fly into Rabat-Salé Airport (which is just 20–30 minutes from downtown), or else fly into Casablanca and take a train or taxi (1.5–2 hours to Rabat).

On arrival, use petit taxis, trams, or ride-hailing apps (like Careem or Yassir).

When to visit

The festival typically takes place in late May to early June over 9 days.

5. Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira 

Gnaoua is a traditional form of Berber music that is now a vital part of modern Moroccan culture. 

Gnaoua World Music Festival celebrates this music, while also featuring reggae, jazz, blues and other world music styles. 

Multi-genre jams are an important part of this festival – and a nod to the spiritual origins of Gnaoua. 

The beautiful setting of Essaouira adds to the sometimes otherworldly vibe.

Concerts and performances are held in open-air venues across the city, including:

• Place Moulay Hassan – the main stage in the heart of the city, by the port.
• Bab Marrakech – a large public stage near the medina walls.
• Dar Souiri and Zaouia Gnaoua – indoor venues for intimate jam sessions and master classes.
• Medina streets and squares – expect impromptu parades and drum circles.

Most concerts are free and open to the public, with a few ticketed events for seated performances and workshops.

Fancy visiting this seaside spot? Read our first-timers guide to Essaouira.

How to get there

Fly into Essaouira-Mogador Airport (limited flights run from Paris, Casablanca and Marrakesh), or else take a car/private transfer (2.5 hours) or bus from Marrakesh.

When to visit

The festival is typically held in late June (or occasionally early July), and runs for four days, usually from Thursday to Sunday.

6. Fez Festival of World Sacred Music

Almost 30 years old, Fès Festival of World Sacred Music has welcomed everyone from Joan Baez to the Soweto Gospel Choir. 

Funded to foster world peace after the Gulf War, its spiritual mission is matched by the magical venues that open their doors to musicians from around the world, many with free entry. 

Expect to see anything from Sufi dancers to Bolivian Amazon Baroque.

Foodies take note, Fez has been hailed Morocco's new culinary capital.

How to get there

Fly into Fès-Saïss Airport, which served by flights from Casablanca, Paris, Madrid, Brussels, and some other cities.

From Marrakesh (7 hours), Casablanca (4 hours) or Rabat (3 hours), you could take the train.

When to visit

The festival is held every year in early to mid-June.

7. Timitar Festival, Agadir

Showcasing Amazigh or Berber music, Agadir's Timitar Festival also welcomes artist from across North Africa and beyond; previous years have seen acts from Cuba and Jamaica. 

With around 40 artists and about 500,000 spectators, it has grown in 15 years to become one of the largest African music festivals and now includes contemporary and experimental music as well as more traditional forms.

How to get there

You could fly to direct to Agadir from Casablanca, Paris, London or Madrid, or else take a bus from Marrakesh (3.5–4 hours), Essaouira (3.5 hours), or Casablanca (6–7 hours).

Venues are walkable or a short taxi ride from most hotels in Agadir city center.

When to visit

The Timitar Festival is usually held in early to mid-July and lasts for four days.

8. Oasis Festival, Marrakesh 

“Dance Somewhere Different” is the call that brings house and techno fans to the Red City for Marrakesh's Oasis Festival. 

This three-day electronic festival adds henna art, yoga sessions and spa treatments to the onstage line-up, while Marrakesh’s usual attractions remain just a short shuttle-ride away.

When to visit

The festival is held annually in early to mid-September, typically running for three days, from Friday to Sunday.

Keen to uncover the Red City? Discover the best things to do in Marrakesh, and find out how to enjoy the perfect weekend in Marrakesh.

9. Visa For Music, Rabat

VFM was born to celebrate music of African and Middle-Eastern origin, whether the artists come from Morocco or (as in 2018) Montreal and Korea. 

An important part of this Rabat event is a surrounding set of conferences and workshops to encourage the development of homegrown arts and culture in Morocco.

How to get there 

Fly into Rabat-Salé Airport, or take a train from Casablanca (1 hour) or Marrakesh (4.5 hours).

When to visit

The event is held annually in November, typically over 4–5 days.

Now you’re armed with intel on the best festivals to visit in Morocco, you might also want to browse our Morocco itineraries for more ideas while you plan your trip.

Not keen on planning? Our local Morocco travel experts can handle every last detail of your trip, from curating your ideal itinerary through to booking your Morocco accommodation and transfers.

Insider tip: if you’re short on time, it’s perfectly possible to see stacks of top attractions on a 7 days in Morocco itinerary.