Just a few weeks ago I was wondering what I would do with my new-found free time once high season in Marrakech ended.  You see I work in tourism and events here in Marrakech, and when it’s event season, time to relax and chill out is minimal to non-existent.

But in a city like Marrakech where the arts scene is growing, the design scene expanding, and cool initiatives are brewing, I knew there had to be something to do here.  There had to be more than just the regular vernissages, which are always fabulous especially at David Bloch and BCK Gallery. So with a little digging I’ve put together the following weekly social calendar of events from some of the trendiest venues in Marrakech from Wednesday to Sunday:

Monday

No known events.  Stay tuned for updates.

Tuesday

No known events.  Stay tuned for updates.

Wednesday

The Institute Francais screens film-festival worthy films every Wednesday night starting at 7 p.m. with a small entrance fee. As it’s hosted by the Institute Francais, the films are in French.  But don’t let that put you off, perhaps there’s no better time like the present to learn a little francais.

After the film, head on over to KechMara where the menu has improved as has the musical programming.  DJ Mademoiselle Saouira plays deep chill-out tunes in a funky ambiance until the wee hours of the morning.  The art exhibits, trendy crowd and decor add to the buzzy ambiance here.

Thursday

For a unique cultural experience, head on over to Cafe Clock for the story-tellers performances in both Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and English on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.  This unique program started at Cafe Clock as an apprenticeship program for bilingual (Darija and English) Moroccans to learn traditional storytellers from a maalem storyteller and translate them in to English for a broader audience.  Get there early as the enthusiastic storytellers are gaining in popularity.

On Thursdays to Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. a pianist will liven up the cozy bar and dining room at Riad El Fenn located just inside Bab Lksour and open to non-resident hotel guests.  The dining room, recently updated by up-and-coming interior stylist Willem Smit, is filled with art works to admire as you sink in to one of the plush sofas.  You may just feel like you’re having a drink in an art gallery. After all in local dialect Darija, Riad El Fenn mean House of Art.

Friday

When Friday finally rolls around, I knock off work at midday and head to the Amal Training Centre for the best couscous in town.  The food here during the week is delicious, but on Fridays the garden is the place to be as locals, expats and tourists flock for couscous, the traditional Friday dish.  Book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.

Then when it’s time for after-work drinks, head on over to KechMara on Rue de la Liberte for Latin Jazz.  The bands turns up the cool from 8 p.m. and the menu makes this a cheap, yet decent, night out!

Kick the weekend off with a cocktail in the bar at Riad El Fenn as the pianist tickles the ivories from 7 to 9 p.m. then plan to stay for dinner as local DJ-about-town Aziz Nogood spins the latest tracks until 11 p.m. Super trendy ambiance, great wine list, and a mouth-watering menu makes this one of my favourite venues in town!

Saturday

Don’t expect to be sitting for long if you happen to be at Cafe Clock when the Hawaryat ladies take to the floor.  Drumming, singing and dancing is sure to follow when the ladies get the crowd moving from 6 p.m.

Sunday

Another chance to enjoy traditional Gnaoua music at Cafe Clock with a changing weekly line-up from 6 p.m.  A great opportunity for a cross-cultural exchange in this bright and colourful cafe in the Kasbah district.