Jazz in Rabat: 28th edition brings Moroccan-European musical encounters

This update focuses on Jazz in Rabat 28th edition. The Jazz in Rabat festival will return to Hassan II Park for its 28th edition from 24 to 26 September 2026, offering three evenings of musical encounters between Moroccan and European artists.

Jazz in Rabat 28th edition: a date to plan trips around

Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Morocco, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the Wilaya of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, Jazz in Rabat 28th edition is shaping up to be a key cultural event of the season.

For Moroccans living abroad, these dates are a good opportunity to schedule a short stay in Rabat around a free and accessible event, while reconnecting with the country’s contemporary music scene.

The festival will take place in the open-air amphitheatre at Hassan II Park, in the heart of the capital, easy to reach from Rabat-Agdal and Rabat-Ville railway stations as well as from Rabat-Salé airport.

Three nights, twelve bands and tailor-made creations

Over three evenings, six European formations and six Moroccan projects will share the stage. The spirit of the festival lies in original creations designed especially for this 28th edition, building bridges between local traditions and contemporary jazz.

The opening night will bring together:

• Amara Quartet, a Portuguese female ensemble revisiting fado,
• Moroccan percussionist and composer Khalid Kouhen,
• French-German sextet Thérapie de Couple,
• and the Mohamed El Menjra STVNK Quintet.

On the second night, Herak | Bulatkin Quartet, influenced by Slavic, Gypsy and Balkan music, will perform in dialogue with Moroccan violinist Hicham Telmoudi. Belgian band NØ Steam, blending jazz, funk and hip-hop, will then share the stage with the Sara Moullablad Quartet.

The closing night will feature Azure Trio, led by Austrian musician Ulrich Drechsler, who promotes a “jazz for dancing”, in collaboration with the Younès Fakhar “Tamzaj” Quartet. The final evening will also host the Antonio Lizana Quintet, a leading name in Spanish flamenco jazz, and the Abir El Abed Sextet.

A cultural bridge between Morocco and Europe

Beyond the programme itself, the festival positions Rabat as a meeting point between Morocco and several European countries. The projects on stage mix fado, flamenco, Balkan sounds, funk, hip-hop and Moroccan colours.

For those who come back to Morocco for short periods, Jazz in Rabat 28th edition offers a chance to discover emerging Moroccan musicians performing alongside established European artists. It is also a way to feel how dynamic Rabat’s cultural life has become, boosted by new infrastructure and events.

The programme also includes masterclasses at the Centre Culturel Les Étoiles de Sidi Moumen in Casablanca, announced for Friday 25 September. They target young musicians and passionate amateurs who want to deepen their practice or understand how these cross-border projects are built.

Preparing your visit and making the most of your stay

Practical details regarding schedules, access conditions and any required reservations still need to be confirmed officially by the organisers. Before booking flights or trains, it is advisable to check the latest updates on institutional or official channels.

For Moroccans abroad planning a trip around that time, this festival can be part of a wider stay that combines administrative appointments, family visits and cultural outings. Readers can also consult Canal212’s guide on key procedures for Moroccans living abroad to make the most of these multi-purpose trips.

With open-air concerts in Hassan II Park, unique collaborations and masterclasses in Casablanca, this 28th edition further anchors Rabat as a cultural capital, connected to European stages while highlighting Moroccan talent.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.