Morocco's Unforgettable Events
From ancient harvest festivals in remote valleys to world-class music on Atlantic beaches. Discover 28+ events that transform Morocco into a year-round celebration of culture, art, music, and tradition. Most recur annually — the months are dependable, the exact dates shift each year, so confirm them before you book.
How to use this festival calendar
Morocco runs a packed events calendar all year, but the smart way to plan is by month and season, not by a fixed date. Almost every festival here recurs annually — the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira, the Marrakech Film Festival, Mawazine in Rabat, the Rose Festival near Kelaat M’Gouna — yet organisers confirm exact dates only a few months ahead, and religious observances move with the Islamic lunar calendar. So use the calendar below to pick a window, then confirm the precise dates on the official festival site before booking. The headline events fill hotels three to four months out; we build private trips around any of them and arrange the stays, transfers and guiding around the event you choose. We are a tour operator, not a ticket seller.
Written by the Serenity Morocco editorial team · Reviewed by Amina El-Fassi, Imperial Cities & Cultural Immersion
Explore by Category
Morocco's events span every passion and interest. From world-renowned music festivals to intimate harvest celebrations, find the experience that speaks to your soul.
Morocco's Signature Festivals
These are the events that define Morocco's cultural calendar. World-class festivals that attract visitors from every continent and create memories that last a lifetime.
Marathon des Sables
Marathon des Sables
The Marathon des Sables (MdS) is legendary among ultra-runners. Approximately 1,000 competitors from 50+ countries run 251 kilometers (156 miles) across the Sahara Desert over 6 stages, carrying everything they need in a backpack (except water, which...
Rose Festival (Festival des Roses)
Festival des Roses
The Valley of Roses explodes with color each May during the three-day rose harvest festival. Kelaat M'Gouna, between Ouarzazate and the Dades Gorge, becomes the epicenter of celebration with elaborate floats covered in rose petals, traditional music ...
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde
The Gnaoua Festival transforms Essaouira into Morocco's music capital for four extraordinary days. Gnaoua masters (maalems) perform traditional spiritual music alongside international jazz, reggae, and blues artists in genre-bending fusion sets. Mult...
Mawazine - Rhythms of the World
Mawazine - Rythmes du Monde
Mawazine is one of the world's biggest music festivals by attendance (2.5+ million). Held across multiple stages in Rabat, it features global superstars (past: Rihanna, Maroon 5, The Weeknd, Stevie Wonder) alongside Moroccan and Arab artists. The OLM...
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Festival de Fès des Musiques Sacrées du Monde
Since 1994, the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music has brought together spiritual musicians from every corner of the world. Performances include Sufi whirling dervishes, Indian devotional music, gospel choirs, Tibetan monks, Jewish cantors, and more....
Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM)
Festival International du Film de Marrakech
Founded by King Mohammed VI, the Marrakech Film Festival has become a highlight of the global cinema calendar. The 9-day festival brings A-list celebrities, acclaimed directors, and film industry professionals to Marrakech for premieres, retrospectiv...
Event Calendar
Plan your Morocco visit around the events that interest you most. Every month brings something special, from intimate harvest festivals to massive music celebrations.
Winter
December, January, February5 eventsJanuary
2 eventsNew Year's Eve in Marrakech
December 31 - January 1 (2 days)
Marrakech International Marathon
Late January 2026 (1 day)
February
3 eventsAlmond Blossom Festival
Mid-February (varies with bloom) (3 days)
Atlas Ski Season Peak
January-March (peak: February) (3 months)
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
February 20-23, 2026 (4 days)
Spring
March, April, May8 eventsMarch
2 eventsMorocco Beauty Expo
March 15-18, 2026 (4 days)
Atlas Electronic Music Festival
March 26-29, 2026 (4 days)
April
3 eventsMarathon des Sables
April 3-13, 2026 (10 days (6 racing days))
Chefchaouen Spring Festival
April 18-21, 2026 (4 days)
Casablanca International Jazz Festival (Jazzablanca)
April 15-18, 2026 (4 days)
May
3 eventsRose Festival (Festival des Roses)
May 8-10, 2026 (3 days)
Gnaoua World Music Festival
May 27-30, 2026 (4 days)
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
May 27-29, 2026 (3 days)
Summer
June, July, August8 eventsJune
3 eventsMawazine - Rhythms of the World
June 12-20, 2026 (9 days)
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
June 6-14, 2026 (9 days)
Sefrou Cherry Festival
Mid-June (varies with harvest) (3 days)
July
3 eventsThrone Day (Fête du Trône)
July 29-30, 2026 (2 days)
Marrakech National Folklore Festival
July 10-19, 2026 (10 days)
Timitar - Agadir World Music Festival
July (dates vary) (4 days)
August
2 eventsMawlid (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)
August 26, 2026 (1-2 days)
Alegria - Amazigh Culture Festival
August (dates vary) (3 days)
Autumn
September, October, November7 eventsSeptember
2 eventsTanjazz International Jazz Festival
September 17-20, 2026 (4 days)
Oasis Festival
September 11-13, 2026 (3 days)
October
3 eventsErfoud Date Festival
October (varies annually) (3 days)
El Jadida International Horse Show (Salon du Cheval)
October 14-19, 2026 (6 days)
Saffron Harvest Season
Late October - Early November (2-3 weeks)
November
2 eventsMarrakech International Film Festival (FIFM)
November 28 - December 6, 2026 (9 days)
Green March Anniversary
November 6, 2026 (1 day)
Free Events & Festivals
Many of Morocco's best events are completely free. Street festivals, harvest celebrations, national holidays, and open-air concerts that welcome everyone.
Almond Blossom Festival
The Anti-Atlas transforms into a pink and white dreamscape when almond trees blossom. A magical celebration of nature with Berber music and cultural events.
Chefchaouen Spring Festival
Celebration of spring in Morocco's blue pearl with art exhibitions, music performances, and traditional crafts.
Rose Festival (Festival des Roses)
Morocco's most enchanting festival celebrates the Damascene rose harvest. Streets are carpeted with petals, Rose Queen crowned, and entire valleys bloom pink.
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Morocco's most iconic music festival. Four days of spiritual Gnaoua music fused with international jazz, blues, and world music on the Atlantic coast.
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
The most important Islamic holiday. Three-day celebration commemorating Abraham's sacrifice. Family gatherings, feasts, and charity.
Sefrou Cherry Festival
Morocco's oldest festival (since 1920). Charming celebration of cherry harvest with Cherry Queen pageant, parades, and folk music.
Throne Day (Fête du Trône)
Morocco's biggest national celebration. Commemorates King Mohammed VI's coronation with parades, fireworks, and nationwide festivities.
Timitar - Agadir World Music Festival
Celebration of Amazigh (Berber) music alongside international world music. Four days of FREE concerts on Agadir beaches and public squares.
Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)
Celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday with processions, special sweets, and spiritual gatherings. Fes and Meknes have the grandest celebrations.
Festivals (3)
National celebrations and major festivals
New Year's Eve in Marrakech
Marrakech transforms for New Year's Eve with spectacular gala dinners, rooftop parties, and electric atmosphere in Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Throne Day (Fête du Trône)
Morocco's biggest national celebration. Commemorates King Mohammed VI's coronation with parades, fireworks, and nationwide festivities.
Green March Anniversary
National holiday commemorating the 1975 Green March when 350,000 Moroccans peacefully marched to reclaim Western Sahara.
Cultural (3)
Heritage, folklore, and cultural celebrations
Chefchaouen Spring Festival
Celebration of spring in Morocco's blue pearl with art exhibitions, music performances, and traditional crafts.
Marrakech National Folklore Festival
Spectacular showcase of Moroccan folk traditions. Berber dancers, acrobats, snake charmers, and storytellers perform in atmospheric El Badi Palace ruins.
Alegria - Amazigh Culture Festival
Celebration of Souss-Massa Amazigh culture with traditional music, dance, poetry, and artisan crafts.
Sports (4)
Marathons, equestrian, and extreme sports
Atlas Ski Season Peak
Morocco's ski season peaks in February with reliable snow in the Middle Atlas mountains near Ifrane.
Marathon des Sables
The toughest footrace on Earth. 251km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert over 6 days. Competitors carry all supplies.
El Jadida International Horse Show (Salon du Cheval)
Morocco's premier equestrian event. Spectacular fantasia displays, show jumping, Arabian horse breeding, and cultural horsemanship.
Marrakech International Marathon
Run a marathon through Marrakech's palm groves and historic sites. One of Africa's premier running events with perfect January weather.
Music (8)
World music, jazz, electronic, and sacred music
Atlas Electronic Music Festival
Cutting-edge electronic music festival set against stunning Atlas Mountain backdrop. Three days of world-class DJs, art installations, and desert vibes.
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Morocco's most iconic music festival. Four days of spiritual Gnaoua music fused with international jazz, blues, and world music on the Atlantic coast.
Mawazine - Rhythms of the World
Africa's largest music festival. 2.5 million attendees over 9 days. International superstars and Moroccan artists. Many concerts FREE.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Profound celebration of spiritual music from every tradition. UNESCO recognized. Sufi musicians, gospel choirs, Buddhist monks in ancient Fes.
Timitar - Agadir World Music Festival
Celebration of Amazigh (Berber) music alongside international world music. Four days of FREE concerts on Agadir beaches and public squares.
Tanjazz International Jazz Festival
Intimate jazz festival in historic Tangier. World-class jazz musicians in stunning venues from Italian palace to hidden medina riads.
Oasis Festival
Boutique electronic music and arts festival in stunning desert-oasis resort. Pool parties by day, electronic music under stars by night.
Casablanca International Jazz Festival (Jazzablanca)
Morocco's premier jazz festival. Four days of world-class jazz in Casablanca with international legends and rising stars.
Film (1)
International film festivals and cinema
Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM)
One of Africa's most prestigious film festivals. International cinema royalty, red carpet premieres, and free outdoor screenings in Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Art (1)
Contemporary art fairs and exhibitions
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary African art. Top galleries, collectors, and artists converge in Marrakech.
Food & Harvest (3)
Rose, cherry, date, and saffron harvest festivals
Rose Festival (Festival des Roses)
Morocco's most enchanting festival celebrates the Damascene rose harvest. Streets are carpeted with petals, Rose Queen crowned, and entire valleys bloom pink.
Sefrou Cherry Festival
Morocco's oldest festival (since 1920). Charming celebration of cherry harvest with Cherry Queen pageant, parades, and folk music.
Erfoud Date Festival
Celebration of the date palm harvest with tastings of 20+ date varieties, camel races, and Saharan cultural events.
Religious (2)
Islamic holidays and spiritual celebrations
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
The most important Islamic holiday. Three-day celebration commemorating Abraham's sacrifice. Family gatherings, feasts, and charity.
Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)
Celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday with processions, special sweets, and spiritual gatherings. Fes and Meknes have the grandest celebrations.
Trade & Expo (1)
Trade shows and industry exhibitions
Morocco Beauty Expo
Major beauty and cosmetics trade show featuring Moroccan argan oil products, cosmetics, and international beauty brands.
Nature (2)
Seasonal blooms, harvests, and natural spectacles
Almond Blossom Festival
The Anti-Atlas transforms into a pink and white dreamscape when almond trees blossom. A magical celebration of nature with Berber music and cultural events.
Saffron Harvest Season
The precious saffron harvest in Morocco's saffron capital. Witness the dawn harvest of purple crocus flowers and traditional saffron processing.
Festival Travel Tips
Attending a Moroccan festival is one of travel's greatest experiences. Here's how to make the most of it.
When to Book
- Major festivals (Gnaoua, FIFM, Mawazine) sell out hotels 3-4 months ahead
- Music festival tickets typically go on sale 2-3 months before
- Religious holiday dates shift annually based on the Islamic calendar
- Spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) have the most events and best weather
- Book transport early for nationwide holidays when domestic travel surges
Accommodation Tips
- Small cities (Essaouira, Chefchaouen) fill up completely during festivals
- Consider nearby towns as a base when your target city is fully booked
- Riads in medinas put you in the heart of the celebration
- Beach festivals often have camping options on-site
- Luxury hotels offer special festival packages with VIP access
Cultural Etiquette
- Dress respectfully at religious celebrations and sacred music events
- Ask permission before photographing performers and locals
- Try local festival foods, they are often unique to that event
- Learn a few Arabic or French phrases, locals deeply appreciate the effort
- During Ramadan and Eid, be sensitive to local customs and schedules
Dealing with Crowds
- Arrive early to secure good viewing spots at free outdoor events
- Keep valuables secure in crowded festival environments
- Arrange transport before events end, taxis become scarce at midnight
- Weekday performances are typically less crowded than weekends
- VIP and paid sections offer more space at free festivals
Getting Around
- Many festivals offer shuttle buses from major cities
- Rent a car for remote festivals (rose harvest, saffron, almond blossom)
- Trains connect Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier
- Grand taxis are affordable for inter-city travel in groups
- Plan for increased traffic and delays during national holidays
Tickets & Access
- Many of Morocco's best festivals are completely FREE
- Ticketed events often sell VIP passes with premium viewing
- Some trade shows require professional credentials for entry
- Festival passes typically offer better value than single-day tickets
- Follow official festival social media for lineup announcements
Your Complete Guide to Morocco's Events and Festivals
Morocco is a country that celebrates life with extraordinary passion and colour. Throughout the year, cities, towns, and remote valleys come alive with festivals that honour everything from ancient musical traditions to contemporary African art, from the harvest of precious saffron threads to the world's toughest footrace across the Sahara. Attending a Moroccan festival is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country's rich cultural tapestry.
Music Festivals: Morocco's Greatest Stage
Morocco's music festival scene is among the most vibrant in the world. The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira draws over 500,000 attendees for four days of spiritual Gnaoua music fused with international jazz, blues, and reggae on the Atlantic coast. Mawazine in Rabat is Africa's largest music festival by attendance, with 2.5 million people enjoying international superstars and Moroccan artists across multiple free stages. The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music brings together spiritual traditions from every corner of the globe in one of the world's most atmospheric settings.
Harvest Festivals: Celebrating Morocco's Natural Bounty
Some of Morocco's most charming events celebrate the harvest of its renowned natural products. The Rose Festival in Kelaat M'Gouna fills the Dades Valley with pink petals and traditional Berber music each May. The Cherry Festival in Sefrou, dating back over a century, crowns a Cherry Queen amidst parades and folk dancing. In autumn, the Date Festival in Erfoud showcases over 20 date varieties with camel races, while the precious saffron harvest in Taliouine offers visitors the chance to join dawn flower picking and see the world's most expensive spice processed by hand.
Planning Your Festival Visit
The key to a successful festival trip in Morocco is advance planning. Major events like the Gnaoua Festival and Marrakech Film Festival can sell out accommodation months ahead, particularly in smaller cities like Essaouira. Religious holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar and shift dates each year, so confirm timing before booking. The best approach is to combine festival attendance with broader exploration of Morocco's extraordinary landscapes, cuisine, and cultural heritage.
At Serenity Morocco Tours, we specialise in crafting bespoke itineraries around Morocco's festivals and events. Whether you dream of dancing to Gnaoua rhythms on an Essaouira beach, walking through valleys carpeted in rose petals, or watching A-list celebrities on the Marrakech red carpet, our local experts will design the perfect festival experience for you, complete with insider access, premium accommodation, and seamless logistics.
Morocco events, answered
Are the dates on this page confirmed for this year?
Treat every date here as approximate. Most of these festivals recur each year, but organisers usually confirm exact dates only two to four months ahead, and religious observances shift with the Islamic lunar calendar (roughly eleven days earlier each year). Use the months and seasons to plan, then confirm the precise dates on the official festival site before you book flights or hotels — your travel designer can verify the current dates with you.
Which Moroccan festivals are worth planning a whole trip around?
The most internationally known are the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira, the Marrakech International Film Festival, the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, Mawazine in Rabat, the Rose Festival in Kelaat M’Gouna and the Marathon des Sables. These draw large crowds and book out accommodation early, so they reward planning several months in advance.
When is the best season for festivals in Morocco?
Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly September to November) carry the densest festival calendar and the most comfortable weather. Spring brings harvest celebrations like the Rose Festival and almond blossom; early summer brings the big music festivals. High summer is hot inland, and winter is quieter but still has marquee events such as the Marrakech Film Festival.
Do I need tickets, and can you get them for me?
Many of Morocco’s best events — street festivals, harvest celebrations, national holidays and several open-air concert stages — are free to attend. Others are ticketed, and passes typically go on sale a couple of months before. We are a tour operator, not a ticket vendor: we build your trip around an event and arrange stays, transfers and guiding, and we point you to the official channels for any ticket purchase.
How far ahead should I book accommodation for a festival?
For the headline festivals, book three to four months ahead — small host cities such as Essaouira and Chefchaouen fill completely. If your chosen city is full, basing yourself in a nearby town and travelling in is a common workaround we can arrange.
Can a festival be combined with the rest of a Morocco trip?
Yes — that is how we build most festival trips. We anchor your itinerary on the event you care about, then add the desert, the Atlas, the imperial cities or the coast around it as one private, tailor-made route, with a driver moving you between them.
Plan Your Festival Trip
From VIP access at the Marrakech Film Festival to front-row seats at Gnaoua, our festival tour packages combine the best events with luxury accommodation, expert guides, and seamless logistics. Every trip is tailored to your interests and schedule.