Marrakech in September 2018 – Festivals, Events & Things to Do
While temperatures dip a little at this time of year, compared with the heat of high summer, September is still very warm with night-time lows of around 20˚C and day-time highs of 33˚C. Around eight hours of sunshine per day provide visitors with ideal conditions to enjoy the festivals, events and things to do in Marrakech during September.
Marrakech in September 2018 – Festivals & Events
This month’s events & festivals kick off with the International Salsa Festival in the Palmeraie district on the northern edge of Marrakech. Attended by a host of international Salsa stars, this spectacular fiesta, featuring workshops, pool parties and more, is scheduled to run from the 5th to 11th September.
Oasis Festival: if you’re into underground electronic music this will be an event for you. Scheduled to take place in Marrakech between 14th and 16th September, it features an eclectic line-up of house and techno's finest delivering an exciting soundtrack to a vibrant weekend under the North African sun. New for 2018: ‘Welcome to the Kingdom’ is a cultural space curated by Moroccan designer Amine Bendriouich who aim is to display the best of avant-garde creations in the fields of art, design and music as well as some of the best emerging and established dance acts in the world right now.
The organisers have just announced that Sasha, one of electronic music’s most enduring and innovative acts, will be making his Oasis debut this year.
Imilchil Marriage Festival: those more interested in traditional culture should take note of the fascinating marriage festival which takes place each September (the exact date to be announced shortly – it depends on the start of the harvest) in the usually peaceful village of Imilchil, set by a lake high in the mountains of the Middle Atlas. An annual matchmaking event, it exists essentially for local women looking for potential husbands. As many as 30,000 people from all over the mountains turn up with their horses and camels to camp and participate in what is, by any standards, a major event for the Berber people at which tourists (now permitted to come and enjoy what was, until recently, a Berber-only event) can admire a remarkable spectacle, not least the beautiful displays of traditional and ceremonial costumes. But the event is not just about love; there’s some great food too, as well as much music and dance.
Things to Do in Marrakech in September
For families, a trip to Oasiria Water Park will offer a welcome reprieve from the relentless pace of the Ochre City. Children of all ages will thoroughly enjoy the park’s many water rides and extensive pools, while Mum & Dad can relax with some reasonably priced refreshments and al fresco food on equally affordable loungers.
Another great place to visit in September is the Majorelle Garden. Designed over some 40 years by French artist Louis Majorelle, this beautiful city oasis features art installations, fountains and other water features, as well as a fascinating variety of trees and plants. One of the most popular visitor attractions in Marrakech, the garden is the perfect place to visit at any time of year.