Holland Gnawa Festival: concerts and free events in The Hague

Holland Gnawa Festival returns to The Hague from 28 October to 7 November 2026. Its eighth edition brings concerts, workshops and a free parade to venues across the city. For newcomers, it offers ways to discover local stages and Moroccan musical traditions without needing to know the music in advance.

The official English programme lists each event and links to venue ticket pages. The opening at Juliana Plaza on 28 October is invitation-only, so plan around the public performances instead.

A concert that needs no Dutch

On Thursday 29 October, Gnaoua Electro Live at Korzo brings Trans Sahara Electro and Elements of Baraka together from 8.15pm to 10.40pm. The venue labels the show “No Dutch Required”.

The two acts mix North African musical traditions with electronic sounds. Trans Sahara Electro features Efe Erdem, musicians from Marmoucha Orchestra and Aziz Ozouss. Elements of Baraka combines singing and percussion with dub and techno influences. Korzo is at Prinsestraat 42. Use its event page for tickets and current visitor information.

Try a workshop or a free jam session

Theater De Regentes hosts Kalimba Quartet on Friday 30 October. Khalil Mounji and Mbemba Diabaté bring Gnawa and West African musical traditions together.

The evening starts with an instrument and culture workshop at 7pm, followed by a concert from 8.15pm to 9.15pm. A free jam session follows in the theatre café until 10.15pm. The venue offers separate ticket options, including a concert-and-workshop combination. Check the booking page before choosing rather than assuming the workshop is included with every ticket. The theatre is at Weimarstraat 63.

Join the parade on 1 November

The Gnawa Parade on Sunday 1 November is free. Remork & Karkaba brings brass instruments together with Moroccan Gnawa percussion, singing and dance. Everyone is welcome to join the walk.

Check the linked event listing for the latest meeting point and departure details before travelling.

Closing night at Amare

Gnawa Diffusion plays Amare’s Danstheater on Saturday 7 November at 7.45pm. The group mixes Gnawa with styles including rock, rap and reggae. Amare lists standard ticket prices from €20 to €40, depending on the seating category. Check current availability when booking.

All times are local to The Hague. Each venue handles its own tickets and visitor arrangements, so check access information for the particular performance you choose.

Gnawa musicians in Tunisia, 2018. Photo: Monaam Ben Fredj, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped.