Quick answer
- When
- 2026 — 25–27 June 20262027 — late June 2027 (dates to confirm)
- Where
- Moulay Hassan Square, Bab Marrakech, Borj Bab Marrakech and medina stages · Essaouira
- Type
- Music · All audiences, family-friendly and festive open-air vibe
- Pricing
- Most concerts free; paid pass for some premium stages/evenings
- Getting there
- Essaouira-Mogador airport; bus/transfer from Marrakech (≈3 h); best base: Marrakech or Essaouira
- Official site
- www.festival-gnaoua.net
* Official dates to confirm.
How to plan Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde simply
Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde works like a mini-trip: start with the dates (25–27 June 2026), choose a practical area in Essaouira, then keep a short activity before or after the event.
- Dates and tickets
- Check official dates, ticketing and the exact venue before booking non-refundable transport.
- Where to stay
- Choose accommodation in Essaouira near the tram, train station, medina or venue depending on the event.
- Add-on ideas
- 3 local ideas can complete the event: guided tour, hammam, boat trip, food tour, nature excursion or family activity.
- Useful booking tip
- On GetYourGuide, compare times, recent reviews, starting point and cancellation terms before booking.
- Typical search
- Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde + things to do in Essaouira + where to stay
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Flight search to Essaouira (ESU)
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Plan your stay for Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde
Visitors coming to Essaouira for an event often need flights, the right neighbourhood, activities and other city highlights. These links connect the full trip path.
About the event
Born in 1998, the Gnaoua Festival has become the flagship gathering for gnaoua music — an Afro-Moroccan spiritual heritage — and its fusions with jazz, blues, reggae and electronic music. The famous "fusions" bring a gnaoua maâlem and international guests together on stage for one-off creations.
Most concerts are free and held outdoors, in a UNESCO-listed medina bathed by the Atlantic. It is one of Morocco’s most accessible and festive events, but also one of the busiest: accommodation in Essaouira goes very fast for these dates.
Where to stay during the event
Live Agoda rates
Available stays in Essaouira
Indicative Agoda rates for 2026-08-05 -> 2026-08-06, to confirm before booking.
Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort
From
€170 per night
View on Agoda
RIAD MIMOUNA
From
€145 per night
View on Agoda
Hotel Mechouar Plaza
From
€77.73 per night
View on AgodaPrices, availability, terms and fees are checked on Agoda at click time.
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Find a stay in Essaouira
Compare dates, availability and Agoda rates without leaving the page.
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Good to know
- Book accommodation very early: Essaouira sells out months ahead for the Gnaoua festival.
- Stay in or right next to the medina to walk home after the evening concerts.
- Arrive 1–2 days early to enjoy the atmosphere before the weekend crowd peak.
- Don’t miss the "fusions": they are the most unique moments of the festival.
Tickets and activities
Activities to book around Essaouira
During a major event in Essaouira, the best time slots sell quickly. Keep a short activity or guided tour for the day, then your evening for the festival, concert or match.
Essaouira from Marrakech: coast, medina and lunch in a small group
- Small group
- Lunch included
Redirects to our partner
Essaouira from Marrakech: beach, medina and ramparts with lunch
- Lunch included
Redirects to our partner
Essaouira from Marrakech: small group and argan cooperative
- Argan cooperative
- Transport included
Redirects to our partner
