Marrakech Autumn Guide 2026: Exhibitions, Festivals & More

 

Autumn means sunshine-filled days, perfect temperatures, deep blue skies – and life shifting up a gear after the slow pace of summer. Then, as we move deeper into the season and the days start to shorten, it’s time to cosy up just a little for the cooler days ahead.

Autumn is always one of our favourite times of year here at El Fenn, and this one is shaping up to be busier than most. Here’s our pick of what’s on.

 

Autumn at El Fenn: Boutique, Rooftop Sundays & Retreats

 

If you think clothes here are all about summer, think again. We’ll be launching the new shopping season in the El Fenn boutique with exclusive designs from our pick of Marrakech fashion talent. We love the clothes created by the modern makers we partner with. Think winter but with a colour twist.

We’ll also be kicking off the new season on the rooftop in style with the return of our Sunday Sessions. That means our pick of Marrakech DJ talent, the El Fenn mixology team on cocktail duty and a sunset backdrop that never gets old.

The latest edition of our retreat programme also begins this November. First up, 9-13 November, is the Fashion Retreat with style influencer Denise Boomkens. It’s followed by the Art Retreat, 23-27 November, hosted by Vanessa Branson and Rita Alaoui. We can’t wait to share our favourite addresses, inspirations and places with everyone attending. 

 

Culture in the City

 

MACAAL – Known for its rotating, site-specific installations, MACAAL is worth visiting soon because much of what’s currently on show will be gone by early next year. Right now, that includes Statues Also Breathe by Prune Nourry – 108 clay sculptures made with Nigerian art students and the families of the Chibok schoolgirls, rooted in the Yoruba terracotta tradition. Yassine Balbzioui’s in-situ staircase installation, Crazy Lines, is also on show. Exhibitions here shift often, so it’s worth checking MACAAL’s exhibitions page closer to your visit.

Marrakesh-Timbuktu – This new museum opened in June 2026 and is a permanent home for the life’s work of Bert Flint, a Dutch anthropologist who spent decades collecting rural Amazigh, Tuareg and West African art. The collection previously lived at the Tiskiwin Museum, until the building was damaged and the collection displaced after the 2023 earthquake. This restored riad is its new chapter. Find out more.  

Maison de la Photographie – Running until 31 October, Maroc, regards d’hier et d’aujourd’hui (“Morocco, Views from Yesterday and Today”) traces the evolution of photography of Morocco – from early documentary images through to contemporary portraits, street life and architecture – building a dialogue between past and present. More here. 

Yves Saint Laurent Museum – Closing 29 September, Yves Saint Laurent et ses chiens (“Yves Saint Laurent and his dogs”) looks at the designer’s dogs as muses and icons throughout his life and work. A smaller, more personal side of the YSL story, and worth catching before it ends.

Rencontres de la Photographie de Marrakech (RPM) – 7-10 October marks the 6th edition of this independent photography festival that gathers images from all over the world. This year, everywhere from India to Bulgaria and Guatemala features. More details here

Marrakech International Film Festival – 20-28 November. We love the glamour and energy this festival always brings to our city, with its mix of red carpet events, masterclasses and free public screenings in Djemaa el Fna. Details of this year’s programme and jury have not yet been announced, but past jury presidents have included Bong Joon Ho, Luca Guadagnino and Jessica Chastain. More details here

 

A Coastal Add-On

 

MOGA Festival, Essaouira  Just under three hours from Marrakech, MOGA brings its boutique blend of electronic music, art and Atlantic coast wellness to Essaouira from 30 September to 4 October, marking its 10th anniversary edition. Expect an intimate, design-conscious crowd, free MOGA OFF programming across the medina at the start of the week, then ticketed MOGA IN sessions at Hôtel Le Golf d’Essaouira & Spa from Friday through Sunday. A good excuse to pair a coastal detour with your Marrakech stay. Don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes.

 

Best Things to Do in Marrakech in Autumn: Fruit, Snow & Stargazing

 

Fruit season – Figs, pomegranates and fresh dates are at their peak. Head to Amal, Farmer’s or Farm Slimane to taste the season at its best, or simply let El Fenn’s own seasonal menus do the work for you.

Snow on the Atlas Mountains – Catch the first snowfall on the Atlas Mountains from the El Fenn rooftop. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, lace up your boots, head into the mountains and go find it on a hike.

Stargazing in Agafay – As desert nights turn colder and clearer, spend an evening stargazing in Agafay at Al Kamar, White Camel or Inara – just an hour from El Fenn. Watch the sunset first, then gather round the fire as the stars come out. Read our guide to the Agafay Desert.