With Ramadan just a month away, it seems all the festivals and events are happening NOW. And I can’t say I’m complaining. With something to do basically every night whether a dance performance, a concert or a new gallery opening, we are filled with culture here in Marrakech. And to help you sort out your social calendar, here are few of my top tips:

Awaln’Art

Those awesome people over at Awaln’Art (Khalid Tamer, Claire Le CGoff and Imane Barakat to name a few) have put together a smashing program of dance, storytelling, circuses and conferences as the festival, now part of the Marrakech Biennale, celebrates its 10th year. I’m looking forward to the Les Vadrouilles circus performance on 6 May at 5 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. on Saturday 7 May at the CyberPark. The 1er Mouvement as well as Cie Brotha from Anotha Motha and Marcel Leeman performing at La Conserverie from 5 to 7 May and 4 and 5 May respectively.

More information: Awaln’Art

Flamenco evening

Once again the Marrakech Biennale is pulling out all stops to present in partnership with L’Institut Cervantes de Marrakech and the Embassy of Spain in Morocco La Otra Piel by Úrsula López, a flamenco show at Dar Attakafa on Wednesday 4 May at 7 p.m. Fashion, dance and music makes flamenco one of my favourite dance styles!

MadJazz Festival

From 5 to 7 May the French Institute will host the MadJazz Festival and I’m most looking forward to seeing Othman El Kheloufi in the outdoor theatre on Friday evening from 7:30 p.m. and GABACHO MAROC at 8 p.m. on Thursday evening.

More information: MadJazz Festival

Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival
12 to 15 May 2016

It’s my favourite weekend of the year. It compares to my annual weekends in Las Vegas when I was still living in Canada. A weekend of Gnaoua and fusion concerts until the wee hours of the morning gets me excited every time. Through in a few VIP parties and I can hardly contain my excitement. On program this year: Maalem Abdesslam Alikane fusing with Songhoy Blues on Thursday evening, Randy Weston on Friday evening and Christian Scott on Saturday evening.

More information: Gnaoua Festival

Giacometti in Morocco

For the first time ever in Africa, the Musée Mohamed VI d’ Art Moderne et Contemporain in collaboration with the Fondation Alberto et Annette Giacometti is hosting a retrospective of this Swiss sculptor’s works of art. If you’ve been in Meknes, perhaps you are familiar with his water-seller sculpture near the granaries. On now until 4 September, this will be the perfect escape from Marrakech late May as the temperatures are climbing!

More information: Musee Mohammed 6