Gnaoua Festival 2026 returns to Essaouira from June 25 to 27 with one of its strongest lineups in recent years. Richard Bona, Carlinhos Brown, 47SOUL, Hoba Hoba Spirit and legendary Maâlems will transform the Atlantic city into Morocco’s global music capital.
The festival combines free concerts, spiritual Gnawa performances, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, jazz collaborations and Amazigh music across Essaouira’s iconic venues including Moulay Hassan Square, the Beach Stage and Bayt Dakira.
Here is the complete Gnaoua Festival 2026 lineup, schedules, top concerts, venue guide and essential travel tips for visitors.
Quick Festival Facts
| Location | Essaouira, Morocco |
| Dates | June 25-27, 2026 |
| Main Venue | Moulay Hassan Square |
| Entry | Most concerts are free |
| Main Artists | Richard Bona, 47SOUL, Carlinhos Brown, Hoba Hoba Spirit |
Top Concerts to Watch at Gnaoua Festival 2026
- Richard Bona live in Essaouira
- 47SOUL at the Beach Stage
- Carlinhos Brown & Hamid El Kasri fusion show
- Hoba Hoba Spirit opening night concert
- Harlem Spirit of Gospel meets Gnawa
Gnaoua Festival 2026 Full Schedule
| Date | Highlights | Major Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, June 25 | Opening concerts and African fusion performances | Mehdi Nassouli, Hoba Hoba Spirit, Selamnesh Zéméné |
| Friday, June 26 | Jazz, gospel and Palestinian electro fusion | Richard Bona, 47SOUL, Harlem Spirit of Gospel |
| Saturday, June 27 | Afro-Brazilian celebrations and Gnawa fusions | Carlinhos Brown, Hamid El Kasri, Oudaden |
Thursday June 25 Highlights
The opening night focuses on large fusion concerts and modern Gnawa collaborations at Moulay Hassan Stage.
| Time | Venue | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 20:30 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Mehdi Nassouli with Ganavya & Sylvain Barou |
| 21:40 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou |
| 23:00 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Selamnesh Zéméné |
| 23:45 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Mohamed Montari with Badume’s Band |
| 00:15 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Hoba Hoba Spirit |
Mehdi Nassouli opens the festival with one of the event’s most anticipated collaborations, mixing traditional Gnawa spirituality with jazz and global sounds.
The night closes with Hoba Hoba Spirit, the iconic Casablanca fusion-rock band known for blending Moroccan rhythms with energetic live performances.
Friday June 26 Highlights
Friday brings together jazz legends, gospel choirs and electronic fusion projects across Essaouira’s main venues.
| Time | Venue | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 20:00 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Maâlem Amine Daoudi |
| 21:15 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Richard Bona |
| 22:15 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Asma Lmnawar & Richard Bona |
| 23:00 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Harlem Spirit of Gospel with Mehdi Qamoum |
| 00:30 | Beach Stage | 47SOUL |
Richard Bona, one of Africa’s most respected jazz musicians, headlines Friday night with a special fusion performance in Essaouira.
Palestinian collective 47SOUL is expected to attract one of the festival’s biggest crowds with its powerful blend of electronic music, Dabkeh rhythms and modern Arab sounds.
The collaboration between Harlem Spirit of Gospel and Gnawa master Mehdi Qamoum promises one of the festival’s most emotional performances.
Saturday June 27 Highlights
The final day celebrates Afro-Brazilian percussion, Amazigh music and grand Gnawa fusion performances.
| Time | Venue | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 21:15 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Hassan Boussou Residency Project |
| 22:30 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Carlinhos Brown |
| 23:45 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Hamid El Kasri |
| 00:00 | Moulay Hassan Stage | Hamid El Kasri & Carlinhos Brown Fusion |
| 00:30 | Beach Stage | Oudaden |
Brazilian superstar Carlinhos Brown headlines the closing night with an explosive Afro-Brazilian percussion show.
His fusion concert with legendary Maâlem Hamid El Kasri is expected to become one of the defining moments of Gnaoua Festival 2026.
The final evening also highlights Amazigh heritage through iconic Moroccan group Oudaden.
Why Visitors Love Gnaoua Festival
- Free concerts across the medina
- Beachfront festival atmosphere
- Authentic Gnawa spiritual music
- International fusion performances
- Walkable UNESCO-listed old city
- Unique mix of Moroccan and global cultures
Best Festival Venues in Essaouira
Moulay Hassan Stage
The main open-air venue hosting the festival’s largest concerts and international headliners.
Beach Stage
The most energetic space for younger audiences, electronic performances and fusion acts.
Bayt Dakira
An intimate venue dedicated to spiritual and traditional Gnawa performances.
Dar Souiri
A historic cultural venue known for acoustic concerts and artistic discussions.
How to Get to Essaouira for Gnaoua Festival 2026
Visitors can reach Essaouira by direct flights from several European cities or by road from Marrakech, Casablanca and Agadir. During the festival, buses and taxis become extremely busy, so early booking is highly recommended.
The medina remains fully walkable during the event, making it easy to move between concert venues, restaurants and cultural spaces.
Where to Stay During the Festival
Most visitors choose between traditional riads inside the medina and beachfront hotels facing the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Medina for direct access to venues
- Beachfront district for quieter stays
- Bab Doukkala for local atmosphere
- Skala area for sea views
You may like: Essaouira Travel Guide 2026: Hotels, Food, Weather & Local Tips
Food & Cultural Experiences
Beyond music, the festival is also one of Morocco’s best cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy grilled seafood, traditional markets, art galleries and Essaouira’s famous Atlantic atmosphere between concerts.
- Essaouira fishing port
- Historic Skala ramparts
- Local art galleries
- Argan oil cooperatives
- Traditional craft workshops
Related guide: Moroccan Culinary Fusion: Modern Twists on Traditional Flavors
Why Gnaoua Festival Matters
Over nearly three decades, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival has helped transform Gnawa music into one of Morocco’s most internationally recognized cultural traditions.
The festival continues to position Essaouira as a major African cultural destination by connecting Moroccan heritage with jazz, reggae, gospel, electronic music and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
From legendary Maâlems and international stars to spiritual ceremonies and fusion experiments, Gnaoua Festival 2026 once again confirms Essaouira’s status as one of the world’s most unique music destinations.
Official Festival Website: Festival-gnaoua.net
Related festival guide: Mawazine 2026 Lineup: Full Artists List, Dates & Festival Guide
