The Marrakech English Book Festival 2027 is scheduled for Friday, January 15, through Sunday, January 17, in Marrakech, Morocco. The three-day event brings Moroccan and international writers together for author conversations, readings, book signings and workshops. It is also an opportunity for visitors to discover Moroccan stories through English-language literature.
The organizers have confirmed the dates, the two medina venues and several programme highlights. However, the complete session timetable and ticket prices have not yet been published. This guide separates the confirmed details from the information visitors still need to check before making plans.
Marrakech English Book Festival 2027 at a Glance
| Detail | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 15–17, 2027 (Friday–Sunday) |
| City | Marrakech, Morocco |
| January 15–16 venue | Riad El Bacha, Avenue El Glaoui, Marrakech Medina |
| January 17 venue | Dar Bellarj Foundation, 9 Toualat Zaouiat Lahdar, Marrakech Medina |
| Main focus | English-language literature connected with Morocco |
| Tickets | Sales announced for December 2026; prices not confirmed as of October 22, 2026 |
What Is the Marrakech English Book Festival?
The Marrakech English Book Festival is a biennial literary event organized by the Marrakech English Book Association, a volunteer-led organization. Its focus is books written in English that engage with Morocco’s history, culture and people, in both fiction and nonfiction. The festival gives emerging Moroccan writers a platform alongside established international authors.
Earlier editions took place in 2022 and 2025. The 2027 gathering is the third edition, making it a relatively young event rather than a longstanding annual book fair. For travelers, its appeal lies in listening to writers, discussing books and seeing a side of Marrakech that goes beyond conventional sightseeing.
Where Will the 2027 Festival Take Place?
There are two confirmed locations, both within Marrakech’s historic medina. Check the date of your chosen session carefully, because the festival changes venues on its final day.
Riad El Bacha: Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16
The first two days are scheduled at Riad El Bacha on Avenue El Glaoui. The organizers describe this traditional building as the modern incarnation of Dar Cherifa, which hosted events during the festival’s first edition. The festival book market is also planned here, allowing visitors to browse titles associated with the guest authors and Moroccan writing.
Ask for the exact entrance and arrival instructions before attending. Being in the medina does not mean the venue will be obvious from the nearest main road, particularly if this is your first time navigating the older streets.
Dar Bellarj Foundation: Sunday, January 17
Sunday’s programme moves to the Dar Bellarj Foundation at 9 Toualat Zaouiat Lahdar, close to Ben Youssef Madrasa. The organizers have also identified Dar Bellarj as the location for children’s activities. Its position in the northern medina makes it convenient to combine a festival session with a cultural visit if the schedules allow.
For example, you could explore the nearby madrasa independently or consider a Ben Youssef Madrasa and Marrakech Museum cultural tour on another part of your trip. This is a separate sightseeing activity, not part of the festival programme.
What Is Planned for the 2027 Programme?
Author Conversations, Readings and Book Signings
The announced daytime format includes approximately five guest-author events per day, typically involving interviews, readings or panel discussions. The organizers also describe opportunities to meet featured writers and have books signed after their sessions. Exact author-by-author times should be checked once the detailed timetable is released.
Names listed on the festival’s official 2027 author page include Abdelmajid Sebbata, Anissa M. Bouziane, Jeff Koehler and Jerry Brotton. These are confirmed names from the published lineup, not a claim that every author will appear on every day.
The Marrakech English Book Award and Arabic Fiction
The Marrakech English Book Award presentation is included in the 2027 programme. The award recognizes literary work in English connected with Morocco and gives additional visibility to writers publishing in the country.
The festival is also dedicating this edition to the 20th anniversary of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. A keynote discussion involving figures associated with that prize has been announced. This adds a useful wider perspective on the relationship between Arabic-language literature, translation and English-language readership, without changing the festival’s core focus.
Workshops, Open Mic Sessions and the Book Market
The organizers plan illustration and children’s book workshops, alongside opportunities for writers to speak during open mic intervals. Workshop facilitators named on the official site include Antonia Diamandescu, Ghita Abens, Mehrdokht Amini and Tonka Uzu. Individual workshop capacities, age guidance and reservation conditions should be checked when registration details are available.
The book market is intended to feature guest-author works, other relevant titles and self-published books by emerging Moroccan writers. Visitors interested in purchasing books should check payment options at the venue rather than assuming that every stall will accept the same methods.
Marrakech English Book Festival 2027 Tickets and Entry
As of October 22, 2026, the festival’s dedicated ticket page says that sales are expected in December. It does not provide confirmed 2027 admission prices. Although other pages mention general admission, student passes and VIP options, visitors should wait for published ticket details before relying on any particular price or entitlement.
The organizers describe the festival as a small event with limited places. If there is a particular author or workshop you want to attend, check the official festival announcements when booking opens. Confirm whether a pass covers all three days, a specific day or selected sessions, and whether workshops require separate reservations.
How to Plan Your Trip to Marrakech for the Festival
Choose Accommodation With Both Venues in Mind
If the festival is your main reason for visiting, consider staying in or near the central or northern medina so that you can reach the announced venues without repeatedly crossing the city. Before booking a riad, ask about the nearest vehicle-access point and the walking route to the entrance. Some medina addresses require a walk through pedestrian lanes with luggage.
If this is your first trip, the Marrakech travel guide for first-time visitors can help you choose a neighborhood and decide how much additional sightseeing to allow.
Arrive Before Your First Session
Arriving on Thursday, January 14, is a practical option if you want to attend Friday morning events without a same-day travel risk. Marrakech Menara Airport serves the city, but your transfer time will depend on traffic and where your accommodation is located. You can explore Morocco airport and city transfers for a separately arranged journey; this service is not an official festival transfer.
January can bring cool mornings and evenings, with occasional rain. Bring a light warm layer and comfortable walking shoes for the medina. If access arrangements are important to you, ask the organizers directly about stairs, seating and step-free access at both historic venues.
Leave Space for the City
You do not need a packed sightseeing schedule alongside a full programme of author events. A Marrakech medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa walking tour can help first-time visitors get their bearings, while a guided tour of the Marrakech souks offers a closer look at local crafts and market streets.
If you extend your stay beyond the festival, you could consider an Agafay Desert sunset excursion from Marrakech. Keep it on a separate day rather than assuming it will fit between festival sessions.
FAQ
When is the Marrakech English Book Festival 2027?
The confirmed dates are Friday, January 15, through Sunday, January 17, 2027.
Where is the festival being held?
The first two days are scheduled at Riad El Bacha on Avenue El Glaoui. The final day moves to the Dar Bellarj Foundation near Ben Youssef Madrasa. Both venues are in the Marrakech medina.
Is the Marrakech English Book Festival open to visitors?
Yes, it is planned as a public literary festival for readers, writers and other interested visitors. Admission arrangements and session availability should be confirmed when ticket sales open.
Is the festival conducted in English?
English is the festival’s main language, and the event focuses on English-language books associated with Morocco. Check individual session details if you need to know whether translation or interpretation is provided.
Are ticket prices confirmed?
No confirmed 2027 admission prices were published on the festival’s dedicated ticket page as of October 22, 2026. That page said sales would begin in December.
Are there activities for children?
Yes, the announced plans include children’s workshops and a programme at Dar Bellarj on Sunday. Age suitability, availability and any booking requirements should be checked with the organizers.
Is the 2027 Festival Worth Including in Your Marrakech Trip?
The Marrakech English Book Festival 2027 is a worthwhile addition for travelers interested in books, contemporary Moroccan voices and cultural exchange. Its January dates and two medina venues are confirmed, and the published programme already includes author discussions, workshops and an award presentation. Book travel around the confirmed dates, but check the final timetable and ticket arrangements before committing to specific sessions.
For more ideas on combining Marrakech’s culture, historic sights and nearby experiences, continue planning with Visit Morocco Together.
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