Events & Festivals in Casablanca

This olive harvest celebration in the greater Casablanca region delivers tastings of olive oils and table olives, demonstrations of traditional preservation methods, and sales of local agricultural products. It draws local families and food producers. A niche agricultural fair. Good for foodies interested in regional produce.

A forum dedicated to documentary filmmaking, featuring screenings of Moroccan and international non-fiction works followed by discussions with directors. The focus is on social, political, and environmental issues. The audience is thoughtful and engaged. A stimulating event for those interested in real-world stories.

This major literary event draws publishers, authors, and readers from across Morocco and the Francophone world. The fair features book signings, panel discussions with writers, and extensive stands selling titles in Arabic and French. The atmosphere is busy and intellectual, attracting families and students. It is well-suited for anyone interested in Moroccan and North African literature.

This international marathon attracts professional and amateur runners to course that often winds along the Corniche and through central Casablanca. Participants can choose between the full marathon, a half marathon, and shorter fun runs. The event creates a city-wide buzz, with cheering spectators lining the routes. It suits serious athletes and casual runners looking for a scenic challenge.

A classical and world music festival that brings famous orchestras and soloists to Casablanca's historic and modern venues. Performances range from symphonic works to chamber music and often feature collaborations with Moroccan artists. The atmosphere is formal and refined, appealing to dedicated music lovers. The festival significantly enriches Casablanca's cultural scene each spring.

Ramadan shifts the city's entire rhythm. After sunset, night markets materialize selling traditional foods, sweets, and crafts for breaking the fast. Quartier Habous comes alive. The atmosphere turns communal, festive, unlike any other time. Visitors witness a profound cultural experience after dark.

This festival celebrates Morocco's varied regional music and dance traditions, with troupes from the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara, and coastal areas performing in Casablanca. Events include open-air parades and staged shows featuring Gnawa music, Ahidous dances, and other folk arts. The atmosphere is colorful and participatory, good for families and those interested in authentic cultural expressions.

This festival corrals dozens of vendors into one space to show Casablanca's street food range, from classic Moroccan tagines and brochettes to modern fusion bites. Cooking demonstrations and live music run throughout. The scene stays informal and crowded. Adventurous eaters can sample widely without crisscrossing the city.

Though Essaouira hosts the main event, Casablanca often holds a significant satellite celebration featuring master Gnawa musicians and international fusion artists. Concerts build trance-like, spiritual atmospheres through relentless rhythms and call-and-response singing. A deep immersion into one of Morocco's essential musical traditions, no travel required.

One of North Africa's premier jazz festivals, Jazzablanca has a mix of international jazz stars and popular Moroccan acts. Concerts are held at an open-air stage on the Corniche and in intimate club settings. The atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated, drawing a stylish crowd. This event is a cornerstone of Casablanca's summer nightlife.

Celebrating the worldwide Fête de la Musique, this event takes over multiple streets and squares across Casablanca with free, continuous live music. Genres span from rock and pop to traditional Moroccan, with amateur and professional groups performing. The atmosphere is festive and all-ages, with entire neighborhoods turning into pedestrian music venues. It well suits casual explorers.

This important religious holiday is observed with early morning prayers at mosques and throughout the city's neighborhoods. Families gather for shared meals and charitable giving. The day is quiet, respectful, and family-oriented, with many shops and businesses closed. Visitors should be aware that public life slows down significantly in Casablanca on this day.

A multi-week festival offering free outdoor concerts, film screenings, and theater performances in parks and public plazas across Casablanca. The programming is varied, from contemporary Moroccan pop to circus acts. The atmosphere is laid-back and communal, with locals bringing picnics to enjoy on the grass. It is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers and families.

Throughout the summer, a nightly market springs up along the Ain Diab Corniche, featuring stalls selling clothing, crafts, jewelry, and street food. The vibe is lively and social, with crowds strolling along the oceanfront. It's less about serious shopping and more about the evening promenade and people-watching. This suits anyone looking for a casual Casablanca night out.

Professional tennis tournaments, often part of the ITF or ATP Challenger circuits, are held at Casablanca's premier clubs. They feature rising international players and established Moroccan pros. The setting is more accessible than a grand slam, allowing fans to get close to the action. A treat for sports enthusiasts visiting in summer.

This event shows the work of established and emerging Moroccan fashion designers. Runway shows, showroom appointments, and industry talks highlight contemporary North African design. The atmosphere is exclusive, professional, and glamorous, attracting buyers, press, and style-conscious attendees. It places Casablanca firmly on the regional fashion map.

This festival has championed Moroccan rock, metal, hip-hop, and alternative music for years. It spotlights emerging bands through competitive categories judged by professionals, with concerts staged in a large theater. The energy hits hard. Raw, youthful, electric. A dedicated local fanbase keeps returning. Come here to catch the next wave of Moroccan music before it breaks.

This regional film event screens Arab, African, and international selections, often welcoming directors and actors to Casablanca. Modern multiplexes and historic theaters both host screenings. The vibe balances red-carpet galas with public showings. Industry insiders mingle with devoted fans. Film lovers should mark this on their calendar.

Casablanca marks the Prophet Muhammad's birthday with religious readings, communal prayers, and processions. Mosques glow with illumination. Special sweets circulate among families and neighbors. The mood stays peaceful, devotional, quietly joyous. Observers gain real insight into the city's spiritual rhythms.

Every two years, this major art event fills multiple Casablanca venues with Moroccan and international works. Installations, paintings, video art, and performances address pressing contemporary themes. The crowd mixes art world professionals with curious locals. Intellectual and avant-garde in tone, it turns ordinary city spaces into temporary galleries for a limited run.

French-language theater companies from Europe and Africa converge on Casablanca's stages for this festival. Programming spans classic plays to contemporary works, frequently followed by post-show discussions. The audience leans engaged, culturally literate, francophone. The event underscores the city's deep French cultural ties.

Moroccan artisanship takes over the city for this celebration, with pop-up markets, workshops, and open studios running throughout Casablanca. Visitors watch ceramics, textiles, leatherwork, and woodworking happen in real time. Craftspeople sell directly. The emphasis falls on quality, tradition, and supporting local makers. Excellent hunting grounds for authentic, high-end souvenirs.

This specialized festival projects animated shorts and features globally, with particular attention to African and Arab productions. Aspiring animators attend workshops. Students enter competitions. Weekend matinees draw families. The overall mood stays creative, playful, accessible to younger viewers.

Classical music, jazz, and Moroccan traditional sounds fill indoor venues through Casablanca's cooler winter months for this concert series. The setting favors acoustics and seated attention over summer festival chaos. Curated programming attracts audiences who prefer intimacy to crowds. A civilized alternative when temperatures drop.

New Year's Eve centers on the Ain Diab Corniche, with crowds massing at beach clubs, hotels, and open spaces for the midnight countdown. Ticketed parties with dinners and DJs operate at some venues. Public areas cost nothing but compress thousands together. The energy soars. Jubilant, loud, suited for those who thrive in large, lively gatherings.