The Marrakech Comedy Festival will launch its first edition from June 4 to 6, 2026, bringing together a new generation of Moroccan and international comedians in the heart of Marrakech.
From June 4 to June 6, 2026, the Palais des Congrès of Marrakech will host the inaugural edition of the Marrakech Comedy Festival, a new cultural event dedicated to stand-up, emerging comic talents and cross-cultural humor. Designed as a platform connecting francophone and arabophone comedy scenes, the festival aims to position Marrakech as a growing destination for live entertainment and contemporary performing arts.
The first edition combines gala nights, solo performances and international broadcasting partnerships, highlighting both Moroccan comedians and rising names from the French-speaking comedy world.
Marrakech Comedy Festival 2026 Lineup
| Show | Artists | Date | Venue | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francophone Gala | Malik Bentalha, Paul de Saint Sernin, Meryem Benoua, Léopold Lemarchand, Sossam | June 5 & 6, 2026 | Palais des Congrès | French |
| Arabophone Gala | Eko, Zoubir Hilal, Saif Eddine Settif, Amine des Inqualifiables, Ghita Kitane | June 4, 2026 | Palais des Congrès | Arabic / Darija |
| Solo Show | Yassar | June 4-6, 2026 | Palais des Congrès | Darija |
| Solo Show | Nordine Ganso | June 4-6, 2026 | Palais des Congrès | French |
A New Comedy Event for Marrakech
The francophone gala, hosted by Malik Bentalha, will showcase some of the most promising names in the new French-language comedy scene. The lineup includes Paul de Saint Sernin, known for his sharp punchlines and television appearances, Meryem Benoua, one of the fast-rising female voices in stand-up comedy, Léopold Lemarchand, recognized for his absurd and observational humor, and Sossam, blending comedy and magic into an interactive stage experience.
The arabophone gala will be led by Moroccan comedian Eko and highlights the growing popularity of Morocco’s stand-up scene. The evening will feature Zoubir Hilal, Saif Eddine Settif, Amine des Inqualifiables and Ghita Kitane, offering audiences a mix of social satire, everyday Moroccan humor and new-generation comic storytelling.
The festival will also feature two highly anticipated solo performances. Moroccan comedian Yassar will present a one-man-show in darija centered on daily life, family situations and modern Moroccan society through energetic storytelling and relatable humor.
Meanwhile, Nordine Ganso, considered one of the rising talents of the francophone comedy landscape, will perform a solo show blending personal memories, identity, emotions and observations of ordinary life through a poetic and intimate comedic style.
International Broadcast and Ticket Information
The francophone gala of the Marrakech Comedy Festival will receive international exposure through a broadcast partnership with Disney+, while also airing on 2M and TV5 Monde. This international distribution strategy reflects the organizers’ ambition to position the festival beyond Morocco’s borders and strengthen Marrakech’s cultural visibility.
According to festival director Karim Debbouze, the objective of the event is to create a platform dedicated to emerging comedians while maintaining strong artistic standards and offering new talents direct exposure to wider audiences.
Ticket sales are currently available on Guichet.ma. The francophone galas scheduled for June 5 and 6 are already sold out, while tickets remain available for the arabophone gala on June 4 and the solo performances by Yassar and Nordine Ganso.
Why This Festival Matters
The launch of the Marrakech Comedy Festival reflects Morocco’s growing investment in live entertainment, creative industries and youth-oriented cultural programming. By combining local talents, international broadcasting and bilingual programming, the festival aligns with Marrakech’s positioning as one of the leading cultural capitals in North Africa.
With stand-up comedy becoming increasingly popular across Morocco and the broader francophone world, the event could quickly establish itself as a major annual comedy gathering in the region.
Quick Festival Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival | Marrakech Comedy Festival |
| Dates | June 4-6, 2026 |
| Location | Palais des Congrès, Marrakech |
| Main Broadcasters | Disney+, 2M, TV5 Monde |
| Languages | French, Arabic, Darija |
With its mix of emerging talents, international broadcasting ambitions and bilingual programming, the Marrakech Comedy Festival 2026 positions itself as one of Morocco’s most promising new cultural events. By giving visibility to a new generation of comedians while embracing both francophone and arabophone audiences, the festival aims to establish Marrakech as a major destination for live comedy in the region.
