7 fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend: July 20 to 22
It’s here…
Get the scoop on all the fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend. Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list.
Thursday July 20
Beat the heat with these refreshing drinks
Summer is here, which certainly gives us a reason to drink a cool and crisp, and fruity and refreshing mocktails. So, sip on Rüya’s colourful and delicious concoctions to escape the hot days. Priced at only SAR45, our favourites are the Anatolian Fizz, which is a hit no matter how hot it gets, and the Berry Colada, which will make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway. Sun’s out, drinks out.
Rüya Riyadh, 1224 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243, daily 12.30pm to 1am. @ruya_riyadh
Free face painting for the kids
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Add a brush of colour and a smile to your kid’s day with free face painting. There are also some fabulous drawing and colouring activities to keep them occupied.
The Boulevard, July 20 & 21, 8pm to midnight, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13513. Free entry. @theboulevard_riyadh
Friday July 21
Feel the thrill of an actual F1 car
If you’ve got a need for speed, this one’s for you. Here, you can strap into the state-of-the-art simulators and take part in the weekly racing tournaments with friends and family.
Aramco Sim Arena at Gamers8, Boulevard Riyadh City, 6pm to 1am. Book your spot here.
Catch the Gamers8 concert
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MDLBeast, the leader in the music entertainment industry, has announced a series of musical concerts to be held during Gamers8 2023, the world’s largest gaming and esports festival. Featuring some of the biggest Arab and international star singers and DJs, the third-week concert on July 21 will be a very exciting night for attendees, with special musical performances by Metro Boomin, Afrojack, DAFENCII, Wegz and Muayyad Al-Nafei.
Gamers8 Week 3 Concert, July 21, 6pm, Mohammed Abdu Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh. Tickets for the Gamers8 concerts are priced from SAR159 and can be purchased via the Gamers8 website.
Saturday July 22
Check out Misk Art Institute’s Summer exhibition
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We love ourselves some art here in Riyadh, and Misk Art Institute is one of the best places to check some out. Taking place until August 31, the Summer 2023 exhibition will be showcasing works from 33 visual artists from all over Saudi Arabia, exploring on the theme of ‘Tradition’ through paintings, photography, drawing, and sculptures. This exhibition presents works that express an aspect of society’s culture that – despite the influences of modern life – has been preserved and passed down from one generation to another. From nationally recognised cultural events to intimate traditional practices that are passed down through families, each artist represents their own version of tradition.
Misk Art Week’s Summer exhibition, until Aug 31, Sat to Thurs 10am to 4pm, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall. miskartinstitute.org
Try the juiciest, spiciest and hottest chicken
If you’re in Tahlia Street and in the mood for some of that sweet, salty, tangy crunch and heat, Dave’s Hot Chicken is there for you. The wildly popular, Nashville-style hot chicken chain from LA debuts its first KSA location in Riyadh. Expect crispy fried chicken sliders and tenders with customisable heat levels, plus mac and cheese, slaw and crinkle-cut fries. The chicken is brined and then fried, and ranges in seven spice levels that tick up from ‘no spice’ all the way to ‘reaper’. The latter is so red-hot that it’s only available to daring customers who actually have to sign a waiver.
Dave’s Hot Chicken, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223. @daveshotchickengcc
Create-a-puppet workshop
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Enjoy interactive puppet-building workshops at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Create a colourful thread doll of your very own. You’ll be guided from start to finish as you assemble your own customised puppet. Perfect for hanging on the wall of your room or as a keychain.
Puppet Workshop, July 22, 4pm to 6pm, National Museum of Saudi Arabia, King Saud Rd 2722 8745, Riyadh 12631. Book your spot here. SAR99 per person. For 18 years and above only. @museums_moc
Images: Social