Marrakech’s events range from Islamic religious festivals shifting with the lunar calendar to international film and arts events. This guide covers the major annual events with timing and practical details for visitors.
Marrakech Festival Calendar
Marrakech International Film Festival (November/December)
The Marrakech International Film Festival runs for 8-9 days in late November or early December, typically starting the last week of November. The main venue is the Palais des Congres on Avenue Mohammed VI in the Hivernage district. The festival draws major international stars and directors to its red carpet.
Free open-air screenings take place in Jemaa el-Fna square, one of the world’s most atmospheric cinema experiences. The full program is published in October on the festival’s official website. Tickets for indoor screenings are available at the Palais des Congres box office. The open-air Jemaa el-Fna screenings are free and require no tickets.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan (dates shift back 10-11 days each year) is the Islamic month of fasting. During Ramadan, restaurants in the medina may be closed during daylight hours. Restaurants in Gueliz and Hivernage remain open and serve lunch as normal to non-fasting visitors.
Alcohol is not served anywhere during daylight hours in Ramadan. At sunset, the city comes alive as people break their fast. Jemaa el-Fna fills with families eating harira soup and chebakia pastries. The 3-day Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan is a joyous celebration with family gatherings, new clothes, and special meals. Tourist attractions remain open.
Eid al-Adha (Aid al-Kebir)
Eid al-Adha (70 days after Eid al-Fitr) commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. In Morocco, families that can afford it slaughter a sheep. The ritual happens in homes and public spaces. Visitors will see sheep being transported in the days before and may witness slaughter in the streets. This can be confronting. Many restaurants close for 1-2 days. Tourist attractions operate reduced hours.
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival (July)
The Festival National des Arts Populaires runs for 5-7 days in July, featuring Moroccan folk music, dance
crafts. Performances take place at the El Badi Palace ruins, the 16th-century royal palace that is now an atmospheric open-air venue. The festival brings Gnawa musicians, Berber ahidous dancers, and Andalusian orchestras. Tickets: 50-150 MAD ($5-$15). Program details are published by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture 2-4 weeks ahead. The El Badi Palace is a 5-minute walk from Bahia Palace.
Oasis Festival (September)
Oasis Festival is a 3-day electronic music festival held at the Fellah Hotel in the Palmeraie (palm grove), 12km north of the medina. It draws international DJs and roughly 5,000 attendees per day. Tickets: 150-250 EUR ($163-$272). The festival runs in mid-September.
Transport from central Marrakech is by shuttle bus (included with some ticket tiers) or taxi (150-200 MAD round trip). The September weather in Marrakech averages 33°C (91°F), so the heat is still intense during daytime sets.
