Fez hosts some of Morocco’s most significant cultural festivals, anchored by the world-famous Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. The city’s events calendar reflects its role as the country’s spiritual and intellectual capital, with gatherings focused on sacred music, Sufi culture, and traditional crafts. Here are the major annual events and festivals in Fez, with dates and practical details for planning your trip. For monthly temperatures and rainfall data, see our Fez weather by month. For a complete overview, visit our Fez travel guide.
Fez Events and Festivals: World Sacred Music Festival
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is the city’s flagship cultural event, drawing international musicians and audiences to the medina each year. In 2026, it runs from June 4 to June 7. Performances take place at multiple venues: Bab Makina (the main stage, a 14th-century parade ground), Jnan Sbil Gardens, and the Prefecture Hall. The festival features sacred and spiritual music traditions from around the world , Sufi chants, Christian gospel, Buddhist throat singing, Hindu bhajans, and more. Past performers have included the Whirling Dervishes of Konya, Youssou N’Dour, and the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo. Tickets range from 200 to 800 MAD (US$20 to $80) per concert, with some free afternoon performances. The festival also includes art exhibitions, poetry readings, and film screenings. Book accommodation 2 to 3 months in advance as the city fills up. The opening night concert at Bab Makina is the highlight. For the full programme, check the official website fesfestival.com. To choose the best season for your trip, read our guide to the best time to visit Fez.
Fez Events and Festivals: Festival of Sufi Culture
Held annually in October (exact dates vary, typically mid-month over 8 days), the Festival of Sufi Culture celebrates Morocco’s deep Sufi spiritual traditions. Unlike the Sacred Music Festival’s global scope, this festival focuses specifically on Sufi music, poetry, and philosophy from across the Islamic world. Events include Sufi chanting (samaa), roundtable discussions with scholars, and art exhibitions. Venues include the Dar Tazi cultural centre and the Jnan Sbil Gardens. Most events are free or low-cost (50 to 100 MAD). The festival is smaller and more intimate than the June event, attracting a predominantly Moroccan audience with a mix of international visitors. If you’re interested in Islamic spirituality and traditional Moroccan culture, October is the ideal time to visit Fez. Find the top attractions in our guide to things to do in Fez.
Fez Events and Festivals: Ramadan in Fez
Ramadan transforms daily life in Fez. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to run from approximately February 18 to March 19 (dates shift by about 11 days each year on the Gregorian calendar). During the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Restaurants and cafes in the medina close during daylight hours, though some in Ville Nouvelle remain open discreetly for non-fasting visitors. The medina is quieter during the day but comes alive after iftar (sunset meal). At sunset, families gather to break the fast with harira soup, dates, and chebakia cookies. The Taraweeh prayers at the Quaraouiyine Mosque draw large crowds. Craft workshops close or operate reduced hours. Alcohol is not served anywhere. For travellers, Ramadan offers a unique cultural experience, but it’s not ideal if you want full access to restaurants and normal business hours. Eid al-Fitr, the 3-day celebration ending Ramadan, brings family gatherings and closed shops. Learn about each area in our Fez neighborhoods guide.
Fez Events and Festivals: Craft and Food Events
The Fez Festival of Culinary Arts typically runs in April or May, celebrating Moroccan gastronomy with cooking demonstrations, tasting events, and workshops led by local and international chefs. Dates are announced 2 to 3 months ahead. The Moussem of Moulay Idriss II, held in September, is a religious and cultural pilgrimage honouring Fez’s patron saint with processions through the medina and Sufi gatherings. It’s a local rather than tourist event, but visitors are welcome to observe. The International Festival of Amazigh Culture, usually in July, showcases Berber (Amazigh) music, dance, and art from across North Africa at venues including the Mohammed V Theatre in Ville Nouvelle. For accommodation recommendations, see where to stay in Fez.
Fez Events and Festivals: Month-by-Month Calendar
- February to March: Ramadan (2026, dates approximate). Spiritual atmosphere, quiet days, lively evenings. Limited restaurant hours.
- April: Fez Festival of Culinary Arts. Cooking demos, tasting events. Dates vary.
- June 4 to 7, 2026: Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. The big one. Book accommodation early.
- July: International Festival of Amazigh Culture. Berber music and art.
- September: Moussem of Moulay Idriss II. Religious pilgrimage and processions.
- October: Festival of Sufi Culture. 8 days of Sufi music, poetry, and philosophy.
For exact dates each year, check with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (visitmorocco.com) or the Fes Festival official website, as dates can shift by a few days and Ramadan moves annually. Practical information is in our Fez travel tips guide.
