Marrakech – You know summer’s really here when your inbox fills up with invites, your group chat is a mix of sun emojis and “who’s going to what?”, and suddenly everyone becomes a music connoisseur. 

But let’s be honest — summer in Morocco isn’t just about the heatwaves. It’s about that perfect cocktail of beats, crowds, and those unforgettable festival moments that make you want to pause real life, just for a beat (or ten).

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to plan your ultimate music summer — this is it. 

Morocco is rolling out the red carpet for every kind of music lover, from nostalgic pop fans to jazz heads to electro-night owls. 

Here’s your VIP guide to the festivals that will turn Morocco into one big open-air stage in 2025.

Mawazine (Rabat & Sale – June 20-28)

Let’s start with the heavyweight. Mawazine isn’t just a festival — it’s the festival. Celebrating its 20th edition this year (cue the applause), it’s going bigger, louder, and way more international.

Imagine 50 Cent taking over OLM Souissi on June 21, Will Smith dropping charisma and maybe a verse on June 25, and Kid Cudi sending us all to another galaxy on June 23. 

Add Moroccan pride El Grande Toto to the mix, and suddenly you’re planning outfits for every night.

If Arabic music is more your vibe, head to Annahda for Nancy Ajram and Myriam Fares. 

And for that soul-soothing, cross-cultural experience, the Bouregreg stage is bringing in the likes of Yemi Alade and Burning Spear. Trust me, it’s not just a concert — it’s a global tour in one city.

Gnaoua and World Music Festival (Essaouira – June 19-21)

This one’s for the old souls, the vibe chasers, and those who want more than just a lineup — they want a story. Gnaoua is the kind of festival that makes your heartbeat a little slower, in the best way.

Around 33 maâlems (think: masters of spiritual groove) are teaming up with global artists for collaborations that are anything but ordinary. CKay is stopping by, and so is Tunisian oud genius Dhafer Youssef.

Oh, and Essaouira? It’s the kind of coastal city that whispers “stay” when you only booked a weekend.

Jazzablanca (Casablanca – July 3-5 & 10-12)

Classy, smooth, and secretly wild — Jazzablanca is like that friend who says “just one drink” and then keeps you out dancing until 3am. Spread across two weekends, this jazz (and not just jazz) festival is bringing together 180 musicians from 14 countries.

From intimate soirées in the village to big shows under the stars at Anfa Park, it’s a musical feast. And yes, five Moroccan artists will be holding it down locally — because jazz may be global, but it’s also got homegrown flair.

Nostalgia Lovers Festival (Casablanca – July 3-5)

Ever wish you could time-travel back to your teenage bedroom and blast Las Ketchup without shame? You’re not alone.

This one’s for the millennials, the karaoke queens, and everyone who’s ever screamed “this is my song!” when Whigfield came on.

With acts like Boney M Xperience, Modern Talking, Lou Bega, and Mr. President (yes, seriously), it’s a throwback party that promises to be gloriously over the top. One night with Technotronic and you’ll be sweating glitter.

Casablanca Music Week (June 20-29)

New kid on the block but already flexing like a veteran, Casablanca Music Week (or CMW, if you’re fancy) is shaking things up.

Think concerts, yes. But also cinema nights, gaming zones, sport, and even deep chats. Basically, it’s giving “festival meets lifestyle event,” and we’re here for it.

The lineup is delicious: Shaggy, Wyclef Jean, Tayc, Dadju, Gims… It’s basically the playlist you didn’t know you needed — live.

So, what’s the move?

Whether you’re front row with your hands in the air or sprawled on a picnic blanket absorbing the magic, Morocco’s music scene this summer is all about connection, celebration, and unapologetic joy.

Because music isn’t just something we listen to — it’s something we live through. And this summer? We’re living loud.