Casablanca Entertainment

Although nightlife in Casablanca tends to be a throw-back to the 1960s, with a mix of stripper bars thrown in, the hotels here offer upscale and hassle-free options, particularly for women travellers. In addition, Morocco boasts all sorts of festivals and experiencing one of these occasions can be a memorable experience, with the singing, dancing, specially-prepared foods and market souks.

Nightlife

At the centre of Casablanca, the clubs are reminiscent of the 1960s, many also having a theme park-type atmosphere, with strippers added to the mix. There is more happening out at Aïn Diab, though none of these options are recommended for women tourists in search of a place for a hassle-free drink. Hotel bars provide a good option, however, if you want a drink in comfortable and non-aggressive surroundings.

In general, nightclubs open around 23:00 and close at about 03:00. The really trendy spots along the corniche don't even open until around midnight. Brick, at 41 boulevard de la Corniche, features rock, country, blues and jazz; and the Fandango, at rue de la Mer Egee-sur La Corniche and Le Cafconce at 10 rue de la Mer Adriatique are pleasantly decorated places with soft lighting that is more in line with the atmosphere of the film that made Casablanca famous. 

Theatre and music

Live music is featured nightly at the clubs found both in the city centre and along the corniche, with a variety of music choices on offer from 1960s hits to contemporary jazz and country. The action usually starts relatively late, at around midnight. Some hotels and tourist venues offer traditional Moroccan shows with costumed entertainers; however, the music and theatre scene in Casablanca is not particularly compelling, with the exception of Casablanca’s annual festival, held in July, when fans of music as well as live theatre can have their fill during this eight-day, city-wide extravaganza of music, theatre and dance performances.

Festivals

Joining in with the fun at one of Morocco's festivals, called moussems and amouggars, can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to this country. There are festivals of all kinds, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the music and dance as well as an opportunity to try out special regional foods and visit markets, or souks. These particular festivals are held to honour saints (marabouts). Apart from the Aïd Es Seghir and Aïd El Kebir, they constitute the main religious and social celebrations. 

• Casablanca Festival is held in July and is one of the city's major music events, featuring cinema, art and street theatre as well as music during this popular, open-air event. The entertainment spans eight days and boasts more than 400 entertainers from many artistic backgrounds. Music is the core of the festival and concerts are held on three open-air stages, featuring both Moroccan and foreign groups. Cinema also features prominently, with a programme including a selection of contemporary Arab offerings as well as selected international art films. Street theatre events truly distinguish this festival, transforming neighbourhoods and the city with their spectacle of music, sounds and sights. Visitors are enthusiastically welcomed to all festival events and there is no admission charged.