Casablanca hosts Morocco’s biggest music festivals, an international book fair that draws 500,000 visitors, and a growing calendar of events reflecting the city’s role as the country’s cultural and economic capital. Most major events run in spring and summer when the weather is warmest and driest.
Jazzablanca Festival (Casablanca Jazz Festival)
Morocco’s premier jazz event, held over 7-10 days in late April each year since 2006. The festival programs 30-40 acts across jazz, blues, soul and world music fusion, with a mix of international headliners (past acts include Herbie Hancock, Ibrahim Maalouf, Marcus Miller) and Moroccan artists. Main stage concerts take place at the Place des Nations Unies and the Anfa Park open-air venue. Tickets: 300-600 MAD (€27-54) for headline concerts, many daytime and smaller-venue shows are free. The full programme is published on jazzablanca.com by mid-March. The April timing delivers pleasant spring temperatures of 20°C (68°F) with only 6 rainy days on average.
Casablanca Festival (Mawazine spillover)
Following the decline of the Rabat-based Mawazine Festival, Casablanca launched a city-wide summer festival in July featuring free open-air concerts, street theatre, art installations and film screenings. Events are spread across Place Mohammed V, the Corniche and the Old Medina squares. Most events are free. The festival runs for 10 days in mid-July. Check the Casablanca Events and Animation official Facebook page for the schedule (typically posted two weeks before). July weather means 26°C (79°F) highs but expect morning marin fog until mid-morning.
Salon International de l’Edition et du Livre (SIEL)
The International Publishing and Book Fair, Africa’s largest book fair, held annually in February at the Office des Changes exhibition centre (CICEC) on Route d’El Jadida. The 10-day event draws 500,000-plus visitors and 700-plus exhibitors from 40 countries. The programme includes author talks, book signings, children’s workshops and a dedicated section for English-language publishing that has grown rapidly since 2022. Entry costs 10 MAD (€1). Open daily 10:00-19:00. February’s cool weather (18°C highs, 50mm rain) makes this an indoor-focused month anyway.
Boulevard des Jeunes Musiciens (L’Boulevard)
Morocco’s largest alternative music festival, held annually in late August or early September since 1999. Focused on Moroccan rock, hip-hop, metal and electronic acts alongside international alternative artists. The festival runs over 4-5 days with 50-plus acts across three stages at the RUC stadium (Racing Universitaire de Casablanca) in the Maarif district. Tickets cost 200-350 MAD (€18-32) for a festival pass. The event includes a tremplin (springboard) competition for unsigned Moroccan bands. September timing means 26°C (79°F) with minimal rain (6mm).
Ramadan in Casablanca
Ramadan shifts by approximately 10 days each year. In Casablanca, most restaurants in the city centre, the Corniche hotels and the Marina zone remain open during daylight for non-fasting visitors, unlike in more conservative Moroccan cities. The ftour (break-fast) meal at sunset is a major social event and many upmarket hotels run elaborate ftour buffets for 200-400 MAD (€18-36). After ftour, the city centre fills with families strolling until late at night. Expect reduced daytime activity in the Habous Quarter and Medina where shops may open late (from 10:00-11:00) and close early (16:00).
