Festivals, events & timing
When is the Gnaoua festival in Essaouira?
The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira usually takes place in June, over a long weekend, filling the seaside town with free concerts, Gnawa musicians and international acts. It’s one of Morocco’s biggest and most famous music festivals, drawing huge crowds to the medina and beach stages.
Exact dates shift year to year, so check the official festival programme when planning, and book accommodation early because Essaouira sells out completely for it. Many performances are free and open-air, giving the whole town a euphoric atmosphere.
If you love music and don’t mind crowds, timing an Essaouira visit for the Gnaoua festival is a fantastic experience. If you prefer the town calm, avoid that weekend, as it’s at its busiest and priciest.
Planning a trip and want this sorted for you? We’re a local Berber team in Merzouga — tell us your dates and we’ll build a route, handle the logistics, and answer every question like this one before you arrive.