What Is Mawazine?
Mawazine — Rythmes du Monde — is one of the world's largest music festivals. Held every June in Rabat and Salé under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the festival draws over 2.5 million spectators across nine days of concerts.
Created in 2001 by the Association Maroc Cultures, Mawazine ranks as the second largest music festival on the planet and the largest in Africa. What sets it apart is its commitment to making music accessible: roughly 90% of concerts are free and open to the public.
The festival transforms Rabat into a living stage. International superstars, oriental icons, Moroccan talent, African rhythms and world music artists perform simultaneously across six venues — from a 200,000-capacity open-air arena facing the Sofitel to an intimate UNESCO-listed Roman ruin that seats a few hundred.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Morocco, a Rabat local planning your festival week, or a traveller combining concerts with sightseeing, this guide covers everything you need to know for Mawazine 2026.
Mawazine 2026 Dates
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | June 19 – June 27, 2026 (9 consecutive days) |
| City | Rabat and Salé, Morocco |
| Edition | 21st edition (founded 2001) |
| Organizer | Association Maroc Cultures |
| Under the patronage of | HM King Mohammed VI |
Evening concerts run daily. Free outdoor stages typically start between 20:45 and 21:45. Paid intimate stage concerts start between 17:30 and 19:30.
⚠️ Booking tip: Rabat accommodation fills up quickly during Mawazine weekend peaks (especially the first and last weekends). Book early. See our where-to-stay guide for the best areas near each stage.
Plan your full trip with our Morocco trip planner 2026 →
Mawazine 2026 Confirmed Lineup
The following artists are officially confirmed on the Mawazine programme as of May 2026:
OLM Souissi — International Stage
| Date | Artist | Genre | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 19 June | Ninho | Rap / French hip-hop | 21:30 |
| Saturday 20 June | Major Lazer | Electronic / Dancehall | 22:30 |
| Monday 22 June | Nicky Jam | Reggaeton | 22:30 |
| Wednesday 24 June | REMA | Afrobeats | 21:30 |
| Friday 26 June | TYGA | Hip-hop / Rap | 22:30 |
Scène Nahda — Oriental Stage
| Date | Artist | Genre | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 19 June | Hassan Chakouch | Oriental | 21:00 |
| Sunday 21 June | Nacim Haddad | Moroccan | 22:30 |
| Monday 22 June | Asmae Lamnaouar | Moroccan | 22:30 |
| Wednesday 24 June | Hatim Ammor | Moroccan | 21:00 |
| Saturday 27 June | Tamer Hosny | Arabic pop | 22:30 |
Bouregreg — Rhythms of the World Stage
| Date | Artist | Genre | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 20 June | Stonebwoy | Afrobeats / Dancehall | 22:30 |
| Monday 22 June | Pongo | Kuduro / Angolan pop | 22:30 |
| Tuesday 23 June | Serge Beynaud | Coupé-Décalé | 22:30 |
| Wednesday 24 June | Orchestra Baobab | Afro-Cuban | 22:30 |
| Friday 26 June | Oumou Sangaré | Malian Wassoulou | 22:30 |
Théâtre National Mohammed V — Discovery Stage (Paid)
| Date | Artist | Genre | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 19 June | Mayada El Hennawy | Oriental | 21:00 |
| Sunday 21 June | Marwa Nagy | Oriental | 21:00 |
| Monday 22 June | Imany | Soul / Folk | 21:00 |
| Tuesday 23 June | Nouamane Lahlou | Oriental | 21:00 |
| Thursday 25 June | Lotfi Bouchnak | Arabic classical | 21:00 |
| Friday 26 June | Dee Dee Bridgewater | Jazz | 21:00 |
Stages with Lineup Not Yet Announced
As of May 2026, the artist schedules for Scène de Salé (Moroccan Stage) and Scène du Chellah (World Music Stage) have not yet been published by the festival. These pages on the official website are set to go live when the lineups are confirmed. Check mawazine.ma for updates.
Mawazine 2026 Stages — Complete Guide
Mawazine operates across six official stages. Four are large outdoor stages with free entry. Two are intimate paid venues.
Free Entry Stages (90% of concerts)
1. OLM Souissi — International Stage
The flagship stage of Mawazine. A massive open-air venue hosting the biggest international acts. Capacity exceeds 100,000 on peak nights.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | International pop, hip-hop, electronic, Afrobeats |
| Entry | Free |
| Start time | 20:45 |
| Address | Avenue Imam Malik, facing Sofitel Rabat |
| Capacity | 100,000+ |
| Accessibility | Located in Souissi/Agdal district |
2. Scène Nahda — Oriental Stage
Dedicated to the biggest stars of Arabic and Moroccan music. Draws tens of thousands of fans per night.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Oriental, Arabic pop, Moroccan |
| Entry | Free |
| Start time | 21:45 |
| Address | Souk Hay Nahda III, Hay El Barid |
| Accessibility | Located in the Nahda residential district |
3. Bouregreg — Rhythms of the World Stage
Set on a paved esplanade facing the Kasbah des Oudayas (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Dedicated to African and world music.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | African rhythms, world music, Afrobeats |
| Entry | Free |
| Start time | 21:45 |
| Address | In front of the Oudayas, Rabat |
| Accessibility | Central, walkable from Hassan district and medina |
4. Scène de Salé — Moroccan Stage
On the Salé side of the Bouregreg river. Dedicated to Moroccan music — from Gnaoua and Chaâbi to rap, rock and Amazigh.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Moroccan (Gnaoua, Chaâbi, rap, rock, Amazigh) |
| Entry | Free |
| Start time | 20:45 |
| Address | Plage de Salé |
| Lineup | To be announced |
Paid Entry Stages
5. Théâtre National Mohammed V — Discovery Stage
An intimate indoor theatre hosting carefully curated concerts. Seating is first come, first served.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | World music, jazz, oriental |
| Entry | Paid |
| Start time | 19:30 |
| Seating | First come, first served |
6. Scène du Chellah — World Music Stage
Set within the UNESCO-listed Chellah historic site. A poetic outdoor venue for traditional and world music in a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | World music, traditional, classical |
| Entry | Paid |
| Start time | 17:30 |
| Address | Chellah historic site, Rabat |
| Lineup | To be announced |
📍 Note: All stage addresses are official from mawazine.ma. Transport between stages is possible via Rabat tram (serves city centre, Agdal and Salé) and petit taxis (red).
🎶 Need more detail? Our Mawazine 2026 Schedule and Stages guide covers every stage with transport tips, crowd levels and how to choose where to go each night.
Tickets & Pricing
Free concerts: The four main outdoor stages — OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg and Salé — are completely free. No ticket required. Just show up.
Paid concerts: The Théâtre National Mohammed V and the Scène du Chellah require paid admission.
Ticket prices for paid stages have not been announced yet. Check the official Mawazine ticketing page at mawazine.ma or visit one of the official partner platforms:
Once prices are announced, the Trimyo guide will be updated.
How to Get to Mawazine Venues
Getting to Rabat
- By air: Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) is 15 minutes from the city centre. Alternatively, fly into Casablanca (CMN) and take the high-speed train (Al Boraq, 1 hour).
- By train: ONCF trains serve Rabat from Casablanca (1h), Marrakech (3h), Fes (2h) and Tangier (1h30). Rabat has two main stations: Rabat Ville (city centre) and Rabat Agdal.
Getting Around During the Festival
- Tram: The Rabat-Salé tram network connects the city centre, Agdal district and Salé. Useful for reaching OLM Souissi (Agdal stop) and Salé stage.
- Petit taxis: Red taxis for short trips. Always agree the fare before getting in. From city centre to OLM Souissi: approximately 20–40 MAD.
- Walking: The Bouregreg stage and Oudayas are within walking distance of central Rabat (Hassan district and medina).
Explore Rabat with our complete Rabat travel guide →
Practical Tips for Festival-Goers
Arrival Timing
The official Mawazine website recommends arriving at least 1 hour before the concert start time for main stages. For paid venues, seating is first come, first served — earlier is better.
Weather
June in Rabat is pleasant:
- Daytime: 25–30°C
- Evening: 18–22°C (can feel cooler near the Bouregreg river)
- Bring a light jacket or sweater for evening concerts
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (lots of standing and walking)
- Light layers for day-to-evening temperature shift
- Water bottle (stay hydrated)
- Small bag (larger bags may be restricted at venues)
- Phone power bank (for photos, maps, and tickets)
Language
- Arabic and French are the main languages in Rabat
- English is widely understood at major stages and hotels
- Festival announcements are typically in French and Arabic
Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- ATMs available in city centre, Agdal and near major stages
- Most food stalls near stages accept cash (small bills helpful)
Staying Safe in Large Crowds
- Designate a meeting point with your group before the concert
- Keep valuables in front pockets or a secure bag
- Stay hydrated — even evening concerts can get warm
- Medical tents are present at major stages
- Follow staff and security instructions
Who Is This Guide For?
- International tourists visiting Morocco specifically for the festival
- Moroccan residents planning their festival week from other cities
- First-time visitors who want to experience Morocco's biggest cultural event — see our dedicated first-timer guide for safety tips, what to bring and cultural etiquette
- Rabat locals looking for a practical overview of the 2026 edition
- Travellers combining concert nights with Rabat sightseeing and Moroccan cuisine
Our Best Time to Visit Morocco guide explains why June is an excellent month for travel.
Plan Your Rabat Trip with Trimyo
Mawazine is just one part of what makes Rabat special. Use Trimyo to build your full Morocco experience:
- 🌍 Rabat Travel Guide — Chellah, Hassan Tower, Oudayas and more
- 🍽️ Rabat Food Guide — Where to eat between concerts
- 🗺️ Morocco Trip Planner 2026 — Itinerary ideas for a longer stay
- 📅 Best Time to Visit Morocco — Seasonal guide for your trip
- 🏔️ Mawazine Weekend Itinerary — 2-day and 3-day plans combining concerts, culture and food
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates is Mawazine 2026? The festival runs from Friday, June 19 to Saturday, June 27, 2026 — nine consecutive days in Rabat and Salé.
Is Mawazine free? Approximately 90% of concerts are free, including all performances at OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg and Salé stages. The Théâtre National Mohammed V and Chellah stage require paid tickets.
How do I get tickets for Mawazine? Free stages require no tickets — just arrive. For paid stages, tickets are sold via official partners: billetteries.ma, events.ma, guichet.com and ticket.ma.
Who is performing at Mawazine 2026? Confirmed artists include Ninho, Major Lazer, Nicky Jam, REMA, TYGA, Tamer Hosny, Hatim Ammor, Oumou Sangaré, Stonebwoy, Pongo, Orchestra Baobab, Imany, Dee Dee Bridgewater and more. See the full lineup table above.
Where is Mawazine held? The festival takes place across six stages in Rabat and Salé: OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg, Salé, Théâtre National Mohammed V and Chellah. Addresses are listed in the stages section above.
What time do Mawazine concerts start? Free outdoor stages start between 20:45 and 21:45. Paid stage concerts at the Théâtre National start at 19:30, and Chellah concerts start at 17:30.
Is Rabat safe during the festival? Yes. Rabat is one of Morocco’s safest cities. The festival has extensive security and medical staff at all venues. Follow standard crowd safety practices and keep valuables secure.
What should I wear to Mawazine? Comfortable, casual clothing is fine for outdoor stages. Light layers are recommended — warm days (25–30°C) give way to cooler evenings (18–22°C). Themed or dressy outfits are common for paid theatre concerts.
Can I bring a bag to Mawazine concerts? Small bags are generally allowed, but larger bags may be restricted at main stage entrances for security reasons. Travel light.
When will the Salé and Chellah lineups be announced? As of May 2026, these are not yet published. Check mawazine.ma for updates. We will update this guide when they are announced.
© Trimyo — Original Morocco tourism intelligence. This article was researched and written by the Trimyo editorial team. If you find this content useful, please link to the original article rather than copying it.
Published · Updated · Original article on trimyo.com
Sources & Verification
No external sources referenced in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates is Mawazine 2026?
The festival runs from Friday, June 19 to Saturday, June 27, 2026 — nine consecutive days in Rabat and Salé.
Is Mawazine free?
Approximately 90% of concerts are free, including all performances at OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg and Salé stages. The Théâtre National Mohammed V and Chellah stage require paid tickets.
How do I get tickets for Mawazine?
Free stages require no tickets — just arrive. For paid stages, tickets are sold via official partners: billetteries.ma, events.ma, guichet.com and ticket.ma.
Who is performing at Mawazine 2026?
Confirmed artists include Ninho, Major Lazer, Nicky Jam, REMA, TYGA, Tamer Hosny, Hatim Ammor, Oumou Sangaré, Stonebwoy, Pongo, Orchestra Baobab, Imany, Dee Dee Bridgewater and more.
Where is Mawazine held?
The festival takes place across six stages in Rabat and Salé: OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg, Salé, Théâtre National Mohammed V and Chellah.
What time do Mawazine concerts start?
Free outdoor stages start between 20:45 and 21:45. Paid stage concerts at Théâtre National start at 19:30, and Chellah concerts start at 17:30.
Is Rabat safe during the festival?
Yes. Rabat is one of Morocco's safest cities. The festival has extensive security and medical staff at all venues. Follow standard crowd safety practices.
What should I wear to Mawazine?
Light layers are recommended — warm days (25–30°C) give way to cooler evenings (18–22°C). Comfortable shoes are essential for outdoor stages.
When will the Salé and Chellah lineups be announced?
As of May 2026, these are not yet published. Check mawazine.ma for updates.