12 awesome things to do in Riyadh this weekend: September 1 to 3
Hello, September…
The first weekend of a new month kicks off a run of big shows with a ton of parties and concerts in Riyadh. Here’s a look at all the other awesome stuff happening this weekend, too.
Thursday September 1
1. Visit the largest falconry exhibition
The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition is back for the fourth time, so here’s your chance to get up close to falcons and their different species. You can also expect a variety of attractions, including falcon-themed art exhibitions, conservation talks, interactive games to teach children about falcon rearing, displays of hunting weaponry, and a pavilion of modified off-road cars used for long hunting trips. Plus, the event site houses shooting ranges, food and public seating areas, and parking for more than 15,000 vehicles.
International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, until Sept 3, 4pm to 11pm, King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, Malham 13380. Tickets can be purchased at the Virgin Megastore, Platinumlist website, and from club offices in Malham during the exhibition. SAR25 for general admission, while entry to the arms display will cost SAR75 and VIP tickets are going for SAR1,500.
2. Dine at Urban Kulture, the new restaurant at The Esplanade
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Urban Kulture is one of the latest fusion restaurants in Riyadh to hit the scene. The menu contains a unique combination of ingredients inspired by Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Asia to deliver rippling flavours in a casually gourmet setting. Short ribs empanadas, chorizo flatbread, Indomie spicy chicken noodles, tuna Nikkei, and beef quesadilla are some of the most popular meals here.
Urban Kulture, The Esplanade, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, daily 6pm to 12.30am. @urbankulture.sa
3. Immerse yourself in colourful Polish culture
The Republic of Poland presents its celebration of folklore right in the heart of the Diplomatic Quarter. Watch performers dressed in colourful traditional costumes telling stories through folk dance and music – from its national dances and the aristocratic Bolognese dance to simple cougar dances with their flowing movements and traditional harvest dances like Mazurka.
Polish Folklore, Sept 1 to 7, 8.30pm to 10.15pm, Diplomatic Quarter, Cultural Palace, AlSafarat District, Riyadh. Book your tickets here. The price starts from SAR100. @mocsaudi
4. Attend the Gamers8 closing concert
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The closing concert of Gamers8 will see local DJ Loush kickstarting the show, followed by regional favourites Jazzy Spa Sounds – made up of DJs Warchief and Chindy, who hail from Saudi Arabia and Oman. The night also features top performances from Saudi Arabian superstar Rabeh Saqer, alongside legendary DJs Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, who will close off the eighth and final Gamers8 live concert. All regular tickets are sold out, but VIP tickets are still available.
Gamers8, NXT LVL Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, 8pm to 1am. Book your tickets here. The VIP ticket starts from SAR1,000. @gamers8_en
Friday September 2
5. Sample the delicious buffet offerings at La Brasserie
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Can’t get enough of Friday brunch? Head down to La Brasserie and enjoy a spread of delicious gourmet comfort food inspired by various regions around the world and refreshing bevvies. A perfect spot for family and friends.
La Brasserie Friday Brunch, every Fri 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. SAR397 per person. Tel: 011 273 2005. @labrasserieruh
6. Learn to cook Italian food
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If you have always wanted to learn how to cook like a genuine Italian chef, here’s a masterclass on preparing eggplant parmigiana and the classic tiramisu. It’s the perfect way of learning to cook great food while discovering Italian culture and cuisine.
Cooking with Chef Stefano, Sept 2, 6pm to 10pm, INTO Centre, 4395 Prince Muhammad IbnSaad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, 7080, Riyadh 13516. Register here. SAR610 per person. Open to both genders above 14 years old. @into_ksa
7. Party with a view
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Perched up on the 77th floor of the Kingdom Tower is Spazio, one of Riyadh’s fine dining restaurants that boast fabulous views of the city in every direction. On special nights like September 2, it will transform into a private club where you can find DJ Sam Shure performing in Saudi Arabia for the first time. When it comes to his DJ-ing style, the charismatic Berliner channels his creative diversity into versatile sets, being able to serve up various atmospheres. So, get dancing until late as he will put a spell on the crowd with his very own definition of contemporary club music. Local DJs Jeme and OAH, as well as DJ S-Donz from Egypt, will also feature, and it’s set to be a party that everyone will love. You can’t go wrong if you are looking for a great night high above the city and grooving to some popular beats.
Terminal 77 by SugarBeat Club, Sept 2, 9pm to 4am (Doors close at 1am), 77th floor, Kingdom Tower. The price starts from SAR400. For tickets, contact 054 494 0141 or DM @sugarbeat_club
8. Dance your night away at Mystique Night
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It seems like the party never ends in Riyadh. For all you rave-heads and techno-fiends out there, Mystique Night will take over the space at Diriyah Biennale Foundation. The rotating cast of trendy DJs blends heavyweights such as Citizen Kain and Marino Canal with local heroes like DJs RDJ and Jeme for a mix of boundary-pushing beats that defy conventional description. Dress glamorously and clear your calendar for the next morning: the party goes on late, and you won’t want to miss a minute.
Mystique Night, Sept 2, 9pm to 4am, Diriyah Biennale Foundation, JAX District, JAX 01, Ad-Diriyah, Riyadh 13732. Above 21 only. Book your tickets here. The price starts from SAR250. @euphoria.electro
Saturday September 3
9. Swing into theatres to catch the ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’
Get your web shooters ready. Spider-Man: No Way Home is swinging back into theatres with the re-release of Spider-Man: No Way Home – Fun Stuff Version with 11 minutes of new, never-before-seen footage. The Fun Stuff Version of the film will feature both extended and deleted scenes that didn’t make it to the original theatrical cut. No Way Home was significant for bringing the three eras of live-action Spider-Man actors – Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland – to the big screen together, thanks to the help of the multiverse.
Spider-Man: No Way Home – Fun Stuff Version, Action/ Adventure, Rating PG12, 2h 40min. Book your tickets here.
10. Check out the Riyadh Homecoming Festival
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There will be no shortage of fun at the family-friendly Riyadh Homecoming Festival. Sprogs will be kept occupied in the various interactive and educational experiences: environmental sciences; arts and languages; a simulated space experience where you can take a virtual space flight to Mars; a ninja warrior experience to help children develop mental and physical skills; and a career experience to help youngsters make decisions about their future. Among the highlights are a circus show and a performance by singer Rasha Rizk, known for singing Arabic theme songs for popular cartoons and anime. The festival also offers a variety of restaurants, cafes and shops.
Riyadh Homecoming Festival, until Sept 5, 6pm to midnight, Hittin, Riyadh 13516. Book your tickets here. SAR20 per person. Free entry for children below five.
11. Ready, set, yoga
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Break away from the hubbub of your day-to-day routine and reset at the luxurious Al Faisaliah Spa. They have just launched a premium yoga experience at the ladies’ spa twice a week, with five different types of yoga on offer, from Ashtanga, Vinyasa and hot yoga to powerful flows and restorative yin. You’ll leave feeling like you’re floating on a cloud – physically and mentally.
Yoga Classes, every Sat 6pm to 7pm & every Wed 7pm to 8pm, Al Faisaliah Spa. SAR200 per person. Enjoy a 10 per cent discount for all yoga classes for the first month. Tel: 011 273 3000. @alfaisaliahspabyespa
12. Dress up for the Gamers8 World Cosplay Summit
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Dress up as your favourite anime, manga, game hero or character at the world’s most prestigious international cosplay competition to be held for the first time outside of Japan. There will be about 40 countries coming together to perform on stage for a chance to win US$110,000. Don’t miss out on music, dance, and Japanese pop culture. The festival will also feature Japanese singer Kitadani Hiroshi and Syrian singer and lyricist Rasha Rizk.
Gamers8 World Cosplay Summit, Sept 3 & 4, 8pm to 1am, Festival Zone, Boulevard Riyadh City. Book your tickets here. The price starts from SAR85. @gamers8_en
Images: Instagram / Social