Events & Festivals in Rabat

Morocco's premier film festival showcases Arab, African, and international cinema with competitions, retrospectives, and masterclasses. Expect red carpet events, filmmaker Q&As, and screenings at venues across the city including the Renaissance Cinema and the Mohammed VI Museum.

Celebrating the almond blossom season, this festival features traditional music, dance performances, and agricultural exhibitions. Local artisans sell crafts, and food stalls offer regional specialties amidst the blooming orchards in surrounding areas.

A major athletic event attracting runners from across Africa and Europe. The course winds through Rabat's landmarks including the Hassan Tower, Chellah ruins, and along the Bouregreg River, with different race categories for all levels.

Spring music festival featuring classical, jazz, and world music performances in historic venues. International and Moroccan musicians perform in atmospheric locations like the Chellah ruins and the National Library.

Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday with religious gatherings, chanting of devotional poetry, and community meals. Mosques are decorated with lights, and special sweets like 'sellou' are prepared and shared.

Morocco's largest literary event featuring book launches, author signings, panel discussions, and publishing exhibitions. Focuses on Arabic, French, and Amazigh literature with special sections for children's books.

Celebration of the cherry harvest with cooking demonstrations, cherry-based product markets, and traditional music. Local farmers sell fresh cherries and preserves, while chefs create special cherry-inspired dishes.

One of Africa's largest music festivals featuring international superstars, Arab music icons, and Moroccan artists across multiple stages. Past performers include Rihanna, Shakira, and local legends like Nass El Ghiwane.

Major Islamic holiday commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Families slaughter sheep, share meat with the poor, and gather for festive meals. The city becomes quiet as people celebrate at home.

Celebration of Morocco's diverse folk traditions with performances by musicians, dancers, and storytellers from different regions. Features Gnaoua music, Ahidous dance, and traditional costumes in energetic displays.

Summer-long series of concerts, theater performances, and family activities along the Bouregreg River. Includes open-air cinema, children's workshops, and food stalls with river views and cool breezes.

National holiday celebrating the King's accession to the throne. Features military parades, fireworks over the Bouregreg River, and patriotic displays. Government buildings are illuminated, and citizens display flags.

Showcase of contemporary theater from Morocco, Africa, and the Arab world with performances in Arabic, French, and sometimes English. Includes experimental works, traditional forms, and post-show discussions.

Celebration of Morocco's Andalusian musical heritage with performances by master musicians from Morocco, Spain, and other Mediterranean countries. Intimate concerts in historic venues feature traditional instruments like the oud and violin.

Celebration of the date harvest with tastings, cooking competitions, and displays of numerous date varieties. Local producers from the Draa Valley and other regions showcase their products alongside traditional date-based recipes.

Contemporary art fair featuring galleries from across Africa and the Middle East. Includes exhibitions, artist talks, and special projects focusing on emerging Moroccan and African artists across various media.

Prestigious equestrian event featuring show jumping competitions, Arabian horse shows, and traditional 'Fantasia' cavalry displays. Includes breeding exhibitions, equine health seminars, and riding demonstrations.

National holiday commemorating the 1975 Green March when Moroccans peacefully reclaimed the Sahara. Features patriotic ceremonies, educational exhibitions, and cultural events highlighting Sahrawi heritage and national unity.

Celebration of olive harvest season with olive oil tastings, cooking demonstrations, and traditional olive pressing displays. Local producers offer various olive varieties, oils, and olive-based products from different Moroccan regions.

Seasonal night market featuring holiday shopping, street food, and entertainment. Local artisans sell handicrafts, leather goods, and ceramics while food stalls offer warming winter dishes and sweet treats.

Citywide celebration with fireworks over the Bouregreg River, live music performances, and festive gatherings. Hotels and restaurants offer special dinners while public spaces fill with families and friends celebrating.

Celebration of winter citrus harvest featuring tastings of rare varieties, citrus-based cooking demonstrations, and agricultural exhibitions. Highlights include giant citrus displays, marmalade making, and citrus-inspired desserts.