Morocco is a country that blends ancient traditions with colourful festivals, music, food, and cultural celebrations and many of its most exciting events only happen once a year. If you're planning a trip in the coming months, here are the top Moroccan events you can still catch this year, from desert festivals to food fairs and spiritual gatherings. Whether you're visiting Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, or the Sahara, these seasonal events offer unforgettable experiences you won’t find year-round.

Festival of Roses – Kelaat M’Gouna (May)

Held in the Valley of Roses, this fragrant festival celebrates the harvest of thousands of pink Damask roses. Expect traditional Berber music, dance, colourful parades, and mountains of rose-infused products. It’s one of the most beautiful and photogenic celebrations of spring in Morocco.

Gnaoua World Music Festival – Essaouira (June)

A world-famous music festival that blends traditional Gnaoua rhythms with jazz, blues, reggae, and world music performers. The entire city of Essaouira becomes alive with music, free concerts, and cultural workshops. A must for music lovers.

Merzouga International Festival – Sahara Desert (June or July)

Hosted in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, this desert festival blends Berber culture, nomadic traditions, camel racing, music, and poetry. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in Morocco — a true Sahara experience under star-filled skies.

Fez Festival of Sacred Music – Fez (June)

This UNESCO-supported festival brings together musicians from around the world celebrating spiritual and sacred music. Concerts are held in historic palaces, gardens, and public squares, creating a magical atmosphere in one of Morocco’s oldest cities.

Tan-Tan Moussem Festival – Southern Morocco (July)

A UNESCO-recognised gathering of nomadic tribes featuring camel parades, traditional dances, storytelling, and desert crafts. It’s a rare chance to see Morocco’s nomadic heritage celebrated at scale.

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival – Marrakech (July)

This vibrant festival fills Jemaa el-Fnaa and surrounding streets with dancers, acrobats, musicians, fire performers, and folklore groups from around Morocco. It’s raw, exciting, and extremely authentic.

Tafraoute Almond Blossom Festival – (Late Winter / Early Year)

Though early in the year, it's worth mentioning for those planning ahead — Tafraoute’s festival celebrates the blooming almond trees with music, markets, and dance in the pink granite mountains.

International Film Festival Marrakech – Marrakech (December)

One of Africa’s most prestigious film festivals, attracting global filmmakers and showcasing world cinema. Expect red carpets, cultural events, and screenings in iconic venues across the city.

Many of Morocco’s best festivals are spread across cities, mountains, and deserts. Car hire in Morocco makes it much easier to experience multiple events, visit remote areas, and discover hidden villages without relying on limited transport options.