The El Jem festival, in full the El Jem International Symphonic Music Festival, brings orchestras every summer to the town's Roman amphitheater, in the heart of the Tunisian Sahel. Concerts take place in the evening, from July to mid-August, in a World Heritage monument. The 39th edition was held from July 11 to August 15, 2026.
Origins and meaning of the festival
The setting is half the show. The amphitheater of El Jem was built around 238 AD, in the Roman town of Thysdrus, which grew rich on the olive oil trade. According to UNESCO, which made it a World Heritage site in 1979, it could hold about 35,000 spectators. Its facades, with three tiers of arcades, measure 148 by 122 meters.
The El Jem Symphonic Music Festival showcases great symphonic music, but not only that. Programs mix opera, classical music, film scores and crossovers with Arabic song. It is directed by Mabrouk Laâyouni, who champions the idea of a festival in the service of heritage.
The 2027 edition will mark the festival's 40th anniversary, according to La Presse.
The El Jem festival: what you will see
Each evening features a different orchestra or ensemble, Tunisian or foreign. In 2026, five countries were represented: Tunisia, Italy, France, Spain and Austria. Here are some highlights of that program, published by Kapitalis.
| Date in 2026 | Concert |
|---|---|
| July 11 | Dido and Aeneas, by the Tunis Opera (opening) |
| July 15 | Sousse Symphony Orchestra, with singer Dorsaf Hamdani |
| July 18 | Camerata de Barcelona, Colores de España |
| July 25 | L'Orphéon Orchestra, Ravel's Boléro and Scheherazade |
| August 6 | Orchestra Instabile di Arezzo, film music |
| August 12 | Carthage Symphony Orchestra |
| August 15 | Violinist Yury Revich and the ensemble The Sound (closing) |
Concerts are played in the arena, under the sky. On closing night in 2026, the weather forced a break of about thirty minutes before the concert began, according to La Presse.
Dates and places
The festival takes place every summer, usually from July to mid-August, on certain evenings only. There is not a concert every day: in 2026, there were ten evenings over five weeks. Check the program before planning your visit.
In 2026, the program was presented on June 11. The 2027 dates had not been announced as of mid-October 2026.
Our advice
Visit the amphitheater and its museum during the day, then come back in the evening for the concert. You will see the same monument in a whole new light.
Attending the El Jem festival
Tickets
Ticket prices for 2026 were not published in the sources we consulted. In 2025, several concerts sold out, with about 12,000 spectators over the whole festival. So buy your seats as soon as the program comes out, especially for the foreign orchestras.
Getting there
El Jem lies halfway between Sousse and Sfax, according to the Routard guide. The town is served by the A1 highway and by train, with a station close to the center. The amphitheater, the museum and the town center are all within walking distance of each other.
Mahdia, on the coast, is about 42 km away. You can stay on the coast and come to El Jem for the evening. If you come by car, avoid driving at night off the main roads, as France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice) recommends.
What to bring
The concert is held outdoors. Bring a bottle of water and a light jacket for late in the evening, and pack insect repellent.
Watch out
Tunisia is under heightened vigilance, and a state of emergency has been in force since 2015. El Jem is not in an area advised against, but stay away from gatherings and demonstrations, and follow the instructions of staff at the entrance.
Entry requirements
Depending on your nationality, you will either enter Tunisia without a visa or need to apply for one: check your case on our Tunisia entry requirements page. French passport holders can enter without a visa for up to three months, with a passport valid for at least three months after entry. Also check your own government's travel advice. For health and money, see our Tunisia page, and for other events, our calendar of festivals in Tunisia.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the amphitheater on the day of a concert?
The Routard guide says a combined ticket usually gives access to the amphitheater and the archaeological museum. Check closing times on site on concert days.
Are there other festivals in El Jem?
Yes. The Roman Days of Thysdrus take place every year, usually in the spring, with costumed parades and gladiator shows.
Do you need to know classical music to enjoy the festival?
No. The program mixes well-known great works, film scores and Tunisian song. The setting of the amphitheater at night is reason enough to make the trip.
