What to Do in Marrakech in October 2026: Photography, Air Show and Folklore Days
MARRAKECH · Culture
The Rencontres de la Photographie runs 7 to 10 October, the Marrakech Air Show fills the same weekend, and the Folklore Days run from 22 to 25 October. The month, day by day.
MARRAKECH — This guide is for people who live in Marrakech or are staying for weeks, not for a two-night tourist sprint. It covers the confirmed events, exhibitions and performances worth crossing the city for, with practical notes on venues, prices and how to plan around them. The focus is things to do in Marrakech October 2026.
The cultural calendar picks up in October after the summer lull. The first half of the month belongs to photography and aviation, the middle to theatre and design, and the last ten days bring poetry, music and folk traditions. One fixed-date public holiday falls in the month: Aïd Al Wahda (Unity Day) on Saturday 31 October.
1 to 10 October: Water, Photography, Air Show and a Women’s Race
Thursday 1 October to Friday 30 October
Énergies Créatives
Musée Mohammed VI pour la Civilisation de l’Eau au Maroc, Palmeraie · Price from the venue
A month-long exhibition about water, the resource that has shaped Marrakech for centuries. It is a good reason to visit the water museum in the Palmeraie, which many residents never get around to seeing. Check opening hours directly with the museum before you go.
Sunday 4 October, from 08:30
La Kéchoise 2026
Place de la Koutoubia, Medina · Registration at lakechoise.com
A women-only 7 km race, now in its sixth edition, starting from the Koutoubia, one of the most visible public spaces in the city. It brings a sporting energy to the Medina early on a Sunday morning. Register at lakechoise.com.
Wednesday 7 October to Saturday 10 October, schedules vary
Rencontres de la Photographie de Marrakech, 6th edition
Meydene, M Avenue, Palais Bahia, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Musée de l’Art Culinaire Marocain, Sofitel Marrakech, Mövenpick · Festival-wide price not stated; some exhibitions may be free
The principal visual-arts event of the month, themed “Deux siècles de lumière”. It spreads across several venues, from M Avenue to the Bahia Palace, with exhibitions, screenings, talks, master classes and portfolio reviews. Pick up a programme at Meydene or check the festival’s official channels for the daily schedule.
Wednesday 7 October to Saturday 10 October
Marrakech Air Show 2026, 8th edition
Marrakech Air Base, airport area · Public-access ticketing not stated
A major aerospace and aviation exhibition that draws industry professionals from across Morocco and beyond. Public access may be restricted, so verify ticketing and entry requirements before heading to the air base. It is a significant event for anyone working in aviation, defence or related sectors.
Wednesday 7 October
Miss Mermaid
Institut français de Marrakech, Gueliz · Price from the venue
A film screening followed by a discussion with Pauline Brunner and Marion Verlé. It is a French-language cultural evening in Gueliz, useful for francophone residents and anyone working on their French. Check the Institut français Marrakech for booking details.
Mid-October: Campus Fair, Theatre and Design
Wednesday 14 October, from 14:00
Campus Fair
Institut français de Marrakech, Gueliz · Price and registration from the venue
A higher-education orientation event for students and families. Foreign residents with school-age children may find it useful for understanding study pathways in Morocco and abroad. Registration details are not in the public listing, so contact the Institut français directly.
Thursday 15 October to Sunday 15 November
Élisabeth Busson: L’art du toucher
La Mamounia, Hivernage · Price from the venue
A contemporary art exhibition in one of Marrakech’s most storied hotels. It is a good excuse to see the Mamounia’s gardens and interiors while taking in new work. Verify entry arrangements with La Mamounia, as access policies for non-guests can vary.
Thursday 15 October, 19:00
Iqtibas by Sarah M.
Institut français de Marrakech, Gueliz · Price from the venue
A multidisciplinary performance combining theatre, dance and music. It is the kind of small-stage production that gives Gueliz its cultural rhythm. Check the Institut français for ticket prices and booking.
Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, daily times not stated
Creative & Design Summit by Les Impériales
Marrakech, exact venue not stated · Price and registration from the organiser
A professional summit for the creative, design and communication industries. It is aimed at people working in those sectors rather than the general public. Registration details are not in the public listing, so contact Les Impériales directly.
21 to 25 October: Poetry, OUM and Folklore Days
Wednesday 21 October, 19:00
Nuit de la poésie
Institut français de Marrakech, Gueliz · Free, fully booked
A poetry evening at the Institut français de Marrakech. The listing shows it as fully booked, so check the Institut français for any returned places.
Thursday 22 October, 20:00 to 22:30
OUM — “Dialddar”
Maison Denise Masson, Medina · Price from the venue
A headline Moroccan concert by OUM, whose work blends contemporary music with North African and international influences. Maison Denise Masson is a distinctive setting for live music in the Medina. Verify ticket prices and booking with the venue or organiser.
Thursday 22 October to Sunday 25 October, daily times not stated
Marrakech Folklore Days 2026, 8th edition
M Avenue and Jemaa el-Fna, Gueliz and Medina · Price from the venue; some public performances may be free
Four days of performances, parades, workshops and cultural exchange centred on living folk traditions. The Jemaa el-Fna component is likely to be the most accessible. Check the festival’s official channels for the daily programme and any ticketed events.
Late October: Holiday Weekend and Running All Month
Saturday 31 October, all day
Aïd Al Wahda — public holiday
Citywide · National public holiday
Morocco marks Unity Day on 31 October. It falls on a Saturday in 2026, so it adds no extra weekday closure.
Through Saturday 31 October
Maroc, regards d’hier et d’aujourd’hui
Maison de la Photographie, Medina · Price from the venue
A photography exhibition tracing Morocco’s visual history from early documentary work to contemporary portraits and architecture. The Maison de la Photographie is one of the Medina’s most rewarding small museums. Check the museum for October entry prices.
Planning your Marrakech in October
One fixed-date public holiday falls in October 2026: Aïd Al Wahda (Unity Day) on Saturday 31 October, so there is no extra weekday closure. The next fixed national holiday is Green March Day on Friday 6 November.
Getting around at night is easiest by taxi or ride-hailing app. Agree a fare before getting into a petit taxi if the meter is not running. For events in the Medina, allow extra time to walk from the nearest vehicle access point to the venue.
Prices in Marrakech are quoted in Moroccan dirhams (MAD or DH). The exchange rate to the US dollar changes daily, so check the rate published by Bank Al-Maghrib, your bank or a reputable provider on the day you pay. Many venues do not publish ticket prices online, so call ahead or ask at the door.
For weekly listings, check the Institut français de Marrakech, La Tribune de Marrakech events page, and the official Visit Marrakech events calendar. These are the most reliable local sources for confirmed dates and venue changes.
More from The Rio Times: Morocco news and guides, the Rencontres de la Photographie, the cost of living in Marrakech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest events in Marrakech in October 2026?
The Rencontres de la Photographie de Marrakech runs 7 to 10 October, the Marrakech Air Show runs the same weekend, and the Marrakech Folklore Days run from 22 to 25 October.
Are there any public holidays in Morocco in October 2026?
One fixed-date Moroccan public holiday falls in October 2026: Aïd Al Wahda (Unity Day) on Saturday 31 October. The next one is Green March Day on Friday 6 November.
When is La Kéchoise 2026 in Marrakech?
The sixth edition of La Kéchoise, a women-only 7 km race, starts at 08:30 on Sunday 4 October at the Place de la Koutoubia. Registration is through lakechoise.com.
How do I buy tickets for Marrakech events in October 2026?
Many venues do not publish ticket prices online. Contact the venue or organiser directly, and check the Institut français de Marrakech, La Tribune de Marrakech and Visit Marrakech for confirmed listings.
Sources: latribunedemarrakech.com, marrakechprivate.com, marrakechprivate.com, culturama.ma, themarrakechsociety.ma, visitmarrakech.com. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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