Gnaoua Festival 2026 in Essaouira: Experience the Musical Event of the Summer
This week, Essaouira is no longer just the City of the Trade Winds. It becomes the world capital of music. From June 25 to 27, 2026, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival holds its 27th edition — and if you are in Essaouira right now or still hesitating to come, let us give you a very good reason not to miss it.
A festival like no other
Since 1998, the Gnaoua Festival has built something unique in the world: a space where the ancestral rhythms of the gnaoua maâlems meet jazz, blues, reggae, electronic music and traditions from around the world. This is not just another festival. It is an experience that literally transforms the city for three days. Essaouira joined the UNESCO Creative Cities network in 2020, largely thanks to this festival. Suffice it to say that when the music plays here, the whole world listens.
- Since 1998: 27 editions of a unique world festival
- Musical fusion: gnaoua, jazz, blues, reggae, electronic music
- Essaouira designated a UNESCO Creative City since 2020
The 2026 line-up: heavy hitters
This edition brings together 460 artists from Morocco and all corners of the globe. Here is what awaits you on the stages of Essaouira:
Carlinhos Brown
The Brazilian star, heir to the Afro-Brazilian traditions of Bahia. Percussionist, composer, extraordinary performer. His concert promises to be one of the highlights of the summer.
Richard Bona & Asmaa Lmnawar
The Cameroonian bass virtuoso reunites with the great Moroccan voice on the Essaouira stage. A rare artistic chemistry and a moment that promises to be unforgettable.
The Harlem Spirit of Gospel by Anthony Morgan
All the power and fervour of African-American gospel, harmonies that move right through you.
Yasmine Hamdan
The leading figure of the contemporary Arab alternative scene, between electronic music and the musical memory of the Levant.
47Soul
The Palestinian collective and their explosive Shamstep, blending electronic music, hip-hop and dabké traditions.
Hoba Hoba Spirit, Oudaden, Bob Maghrib
The Moroccan scene in full force, between rock, reggae, Amazigh music and gnaoua heritage.
What you will experience in the streets
The festival is also the medina bursting into life. Spontaneous concerts, street performances, unlikely encounters between musicians from around the world in the alleyways of the old city. For three days, every corner of Essaouira becomes a stage. That is the magic: the atmosphere overflows from the main stages and takes over the entire city. You do not need a ticket to feel something extraordinary.
- Spontaneous concerts in the medina alleyways
- Street performances and improvised shows
- Encounters between musicians from around the world
- A unique atmosphere that takes over the whole city
Take the opportunity to discover Essaouira differently
The festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year — and it is also the perfect opportunity to explore the region with a different energy. After an evening of concerts, a buggy ride on the dunes at sunrise, a horse ride on the beach or an excursion in the surroundings takes on a whole new flavour. At Enjoy Essaouira, we are here to organise the perfect stay around the festival — activities, insider tips, local addresses. Contact us on WhatsApp and we will take care of everything.
Practical info
Everything you need to know to enjoy the festival: Dates for the 2027 edition and for the year's other festivals are in our Essaouira festival calendar 2026-2027.
- Dates: June 25, 26 and 27, 2026
- Location: Essaouira, Morocco — Moulay Hassan Square and open-air stages
- Entry: free for most open-air concerts
- Full programme: festival-gnaoua.net
Enjoy Essaouira — Your local concierge to experience Essaouira the way it should be.
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Make the most of the festival
Discover our activities and let us organise your perfect stay around the Gnaoua Festival — adventures, local tips, and great addresses.
