The short answer
The main one is the National Festival of Popular Arts in July, with folk troupes from every region at El Badi Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa; its 55th edition ran from 2 to 6 July 2026. In late June, the Gnaoua festival fills Essaouira. Dates for 2027 had not been announced when we checked.
In more detail
The Popular Arts festival has run for more than half a century: Amazigh dance, Gnawa, Aissawa, horsemen and fire-eaters, with evening shows in the ruins of El Badi in the July heat. Watch for the official announcement in spring.
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira, about 2 hours 45 minutes west, pairs Gnawa masters with jazz and world musicians over three nights. The 2026 edition ran from 25 to 27 June. Essaouira's rooms sell out, so book well ahead if you plan to go.
Summer also has Throne Day on 30 July, a national holiday with flags and lights across the city. In the Agafay, the Oasis electronic music festival returned in 2026 in a new format, but sources disagree on its 2026 dates and 2027 has not been announced. Plan evening events around the heat: July and August highs are about 37 °C. For any festival, confirm the dates on the official announcement before you book flights.