Mawazine 2026: Six Stages Across Rabat and Salé
Mawazine turns the entire Rabat-Salé metropolitan area into a music venue. For nine nights in June, six different stages operate simultaneously, each with its own genre identity, atmosphere and audience.
Four are free open-air stages welcoming tens of thousands of spectators each night. Two are intimate paid venues offering curated programming in historic settings.
This guide covers every stage in detail so you can plan your festival evenings confidently.
First time at Mawazine? Start with our complete Mawazine 2026 guide for dates, lineup overview and practical tips.
Stage Start Times
The official Mawazine website publishes specific start times per stage. Arriving early is recommended.
| Stage | Start Time | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| OLM Souissi | 20:45 (8:45 PM) | Free |
| Scène de Salé | 20:45 (8:45 PM) | Free |
| Scène Nahda | 21:45 (9:45 PM) | Free |
| Bouregreg | 21:45 (9:45 PM) | Free |
| Théâtre National Mohammed V | 19:30 (7:30 PM) | Paid |
| Scène du Chellah | 17:30 (5:30 PM) | Paid |
📍 Official recommendation: For the main outdoor stages, arrive at least 1 hour before the concert starts. Stages can fill to capacity, especially for major headliners.
1. OLM Souissi — International Stage
The main stage of Mawazine. Located in the upscale Souissi district facing the Sofitel Rabat hotel, OLM Souissi hosts the biggest international names. The venue capacity exceeds 100,000 on peak nights, with a massive open-air field and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | International pop, hip-hop, electronic, Afrobeats, reggaeton |
| Address | Avenue Imam Malik, facing Sofitel Rabat |
| Atmosphere | Energetic, massive crowd, peak festival experience |
OLM Souissi Schedule 2026
| Date | Artist | Genre | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 19 June | Ninho | French rap | 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 |
Best for: Festival-goers who want to see the biggest international headliners. Expect the largest crowds, the most energy, and the most production value.
Arrival tip: OLM Souissi is in the Agdal/Souissi district. The area gets very busy on concert nights. Use the tram (Agdal stop) or a petit taxi. Agree a fare of approximately 20–40 MAD from the city centre before setting off.
Explore Rabat with our Rabat travel guide →
2. Scène Nahda — Oriental Stage
Dedicated to the biggest stars of Arabic and Moroccan music. Located at Souk Hay Nahda III in the Hay El Barid district, the Nahda stage draws tens of thousands of fans per night and is the perfect setting for Arabic pop, oriental classics and Moroccan fusion.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Oriental, Arabic pop, Moroccan |
| Address | Souk Hay Nahda III, Hay El Barid |
| Atmosphere | Passionate crowds, family-friendly, strong local following |
Nahda Schedule 2026
| 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 |
Best for: Fans of Arabic and Moroccan music. Families and groups looking for a lively but less intense crowd compared to OLM Souissi.
Arrival tip: Nahda is in a residential area east of central Rabat. Petit taxis are the most convenient option from the city centre. Allow extra travel time.
3. Bouregreg — Rhythms of the World Stage
Edified on a paved esplanade facing the UNESCO-listed Kasbah des Oudayas, the Bouregreg stage is named after the river that separates Rabat from Salé. This is where African rhythms, Afrobeat, Afro-Cuban and world music take centre stage, with the Oudayas lit up as a backdrop.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | African rhythms, world music, Afrobeats, Afro-Cuban |
| Address | In front of the Oudayas, Rabat |
| Atmosphere | Scenic, riverside, dance-friendly |
Bouregreg Schedule 2026
| 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 |
Best for: Music lovers who want to dance. The riverside setting is spectacular at night. Less crowded than OLM but with excellent atmosphere.
Arrival tip: Walk from the Hassan district or the medina — it is a pleasant 10–15 minute walk along the river. Alternatively, take the tram to the Oudayas stop.
4. Scène de Salé — Moroccan Stage
On the Salé side of the Bouregreg river, this beachside stage celebrates Moroccan music in all its forms — Gnaoua, Chaâbi, Amazigh, rap, rock and more. The view across the river to Rabat adds to the atmosphere.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Moroccan (Gnaoua, Chaâbi, rap, rock, Amazigh) |
| Address | Plage de Salé |
| Entry | Free |
| Atmosphere | Local, cultural, beachfront |
Salé Stage Schedule 2026
The artist lineup for the Scène de Salé has not yet been announced as of May 2026. Historically, this stage features Morocco’s biggest domestic talents alongside rising artists. Check mawazine.ma for updates.
Best for: Anyone who wants to discover Moroccan music in its full diversity. The beachfront setting is unique among Mawazine stages.
Arrival tip: Take the tram across the Bouregreg to Salé from Rabat city centre. Petit taxis are also available from the Rabat side.
5. Théâtre National Mohammed V — Discovery Stage
An intimate indoor theatre in central Rabat hosting carefully curated concerts by world-class artists. This is the place for jazz, oriental classics and refined world music performances. Seating is limited and first come, first served.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Jazz, oriental, world music, classical |
| Entry | Paid |
| Start time | 19:30 |
| Seating | First come, first served |
Théâtre National Schedule 2026
| 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 |
Best for: Concert-goers who prefer a seated, high-quality listening experience. Perfect for classical and jazz fans.
Arrival tip: Central location in Rabat, walkable from the Hassan district and the medina. Arrive early for good seating.
6. Scène du Chellah — World Music Stage
Set within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chellah historic site, this is arguably the most atmospheric stage at Mawazine. The ancient Roman and Merinid ruins provide a stunning backdrop for traditional and world music concerts. Entry is paid and capacity is limited.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | World music, traditional, classical |
| Address | Chellah historic site, Rabat |
| Entry | Paid |
| Start time | 17:30 |
| Seating | First come, first served |
Chellah Schedule 2026
The artist lineup for the Scène du Chellah has not yet been announced as of May 2026. This stage traditionally features world music legends and traditional artists in an intimate setting. Check mawazine.ma for updates.
Best for: Music purists, couples, and anyone seeking a magical, intimate concert experience in a historic setting.
Arrival tip: Chellah is a 15-minute walk from the Hassan district or a short taxi ride from anywhere in central Rabat.
How to Choose Which Stage to Attend
With six stages running simultaneously, you cannot see them all in one night. Here is how to decide:
By Music Genre
| If You Like | Go To |
|---|---|
| International pop, hip-hop, EDM | OLM Souissi |
| Arabic music, oriental classics | Nahda |
| Afrobeats, dancehall, Afro-Cuban | Bouregreg |
| Moroccan Gnaoua, Chaâbi, rap | Salé (when announced) |
| Jazz, world music, traditional | Chellah or Théâtre National |
| Classical Arabic singing | Théâtre National |
By Budget
- Free: OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg, Salé
- Paid: Théâtre National Mohammed V, Chellah
- Ticket prices for paid stages have not been announced yet
By Crowd Preference
- Massive crowds (50,000+): OLM Souissi, Nahda
- Medium crowds (10,000–30,000): Bouregreg, Salé
- Intimate settings (few hundred to few thousand): Chellah, Théâtre National
By Location / Ease of Access
- Central / walkable: Bouregreg, Théâtre National, Chellah
- Transport required: OLM Souissi (tram/taxi), Nahda (taxi), Salé (tram/taxi)
Practical Tips for Stage Navigation
Can I visit multiple stages in one night?
Yes. Stages are spread across Rabat and Salé, so you can catch one artist at an early stage and another at a later stage. The Bouregreg, Théâtre National and Chellah are within reasonable walking distance of central Rabat. OLM Souissi and Nahda require transport.
How crowded do the stages get?
OLM Souissi can reach over 100,000 people for major headliners. Nahda draws tens of thousands. Bouregreg and Salé are less intense but still busy. Chellah and the theatre have limited capacity.
Is there food and drink at the stages?
Yes. Food stalls and drink vendors are present near all major stages. Traditional Moroccan street food, snacks and drinks are available. Prices are generally reasonable.
What about toilets?
Portable toilet facilities are available at all outdoor stages. The Théâtre National and Chellah have permanent restrooms.
Plan Your Festival Experience with Trimyo
Mawazine is the biggest event on Rabat’s cultural calendar. Use these Trimyo guides to plan your full trip:
- 🌍 Mawazine 2026 Main Guide — Dates, lineup, tickets and what to expect
- 🍽️ Rabat Food Guide — Best restaurants and street food between concerts
- 🗺️ Morocco Trip Planner 2026 — Build the perfect Morocco itinerary
- 📅 Best Time to Visit Morocco — Seasonal guide for your trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What stages are at Mawazine 2026? Six stages: OLM Souissi (International), Nahda (Oriental), Bouregreg (World Rhythms), Salé (Moroccan), Théâtre National Mohammed V (Discovery) and Chellah (World Music).
Are Mawazine stages free? OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg and Salé are free. The Théâtre National and Chellah require paid admission.
What time do Mawazine concerts start? Free outdoor stages start between 20:45 and 21:45. Théâtre National starts at 19:30. Chellah starts at 17:30.
Can I move between stages in one night? Yes. Several stages are within walking distance of central Rabat. Allow 20–40 minutes between venues depending on distance.
Which Mawazine stage has the biggest artists? OLM Souissi hosts the biggest international headliners including Ninho, Major Lazer, Nicky Jam, REMA and TYGA in 2026.
Where is the OLM Souissi stage? Avenue Imam Malik, facing the Sofitel Rabat hotel in the Souissi/Agdal district.
Is the Bouregreg stage free? Yes. Bouregreg is a free outdoor stage located in front of the Kasbah des Oudayas.
When will the Salé stage lineup be announced? Not yet published as of May 2026. Check mawazine.ma for updates.
How early should I arrive at a Mawazine stage? The official recommendation is at least 1 hour before the concert start time for main stages.
Is there food at Mawazine stages? Yes. Food vendors are present at all major outdoor stages. Options include Moroccan street food, snacks and drinks.
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Published · Updated · Original article on trimyo.com
Sources & Verification
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Frequently Asked Questions
What stages are at Mawazine 2026?
Six stages: OLM Souissi (International), Nahda (Oriental), Bouregreg (World Rhythms), Salé (Moroccan), Théâtre National Mohammed V (Discovery) and Chellah (World Music).
Are Mawazine stages free?
OLM Souissi, Nahda, Bouregreg and Salé are free. The Théâtre National and Chellah require paid admission.
What time do Mawazine concerts start?
Free outdoor stages start between 20:45 and 21:45. Théâtre National starts at 19:30. Chellah starts at 17:30.
Can I move between stages in one night?
Yes. Several stages are within walking distance of central Rabat. Allow 20–40 minutes between venues depending on distance.
Which Mawazine stage has the biggest artists?
OLM Souissi hosts the biggest international headliners including Ninho, Major Lazer, Nicky Jam, REMA and TYGA in 2026.
Where is the OLM Souissi stage?
Avenue Imam Malik, facing the Sofitel Rabat hotel in the Souissi/Agdal district.
Is the Bouregreg stage free?
Yes. Bouregreg is a free outdoor stage located in front of the Kasbah des Oudayas.
When will the Salé stage lineup be announced?
Not yet published as of May 2026. Check mawazine.ma for updates.
How early should I arrive at a Mawazine stage?
The official recommendation is at least 1 hour before the concert start time for main stages.
Is there food at Mawazine stages?
Yes. Food vendors are present at all major outdoor stages. Options include Moroccan street food, snacks and drinks.