11 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: October 5 to 7
Spa day, music festivals and exciting dining destinations to enjoy…
The weekend is upon us, and if you’re looking for things to do in Riyadh, you’re in the right place. If it’s music you’re into, why not check out a boutique music festival or a rooftop party? Or there is a pumpkin carving class, a milkshake masterclass, and a new restaurant for all to enjoy.
Here are eleven fantastic ways to spend the weekend in Riyadh.
Thursday October 5
Nothing better than a trip to the salon
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Whether you want a complete style and colour change, a quick trim or a top-to-toe beauty experience, Jacques La Coupe at Via Riyadh is where you want to head to. From Thursday October 5 to Saturday October 7, Jacques Hanna, the salon’s owner and stylist, will be here in Riyadh. So, if you’d like an experience with the man himself, be sure to book an appointment for a dream makeover. Unsure of what you want? Jacques and his friendly team will create one that’s bespoke to you – and you’ll love it.
Jacques La Coupe, Via Riyadh, Al Hada, Riyadh 12912, daily noon to 9pm. Tel: 055 244 9186. @jacqueslacoupeksa
Get freaky for a weekend of techno and melodic house
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Freaks of Nature returns to Riyadh this weekend. The open-air boutique festival is all about electronic music, art, and, most importantly, tons of fun. The two-day event, organised by Saudi creative agency Disrupt, will feature international artists, including Belgian DJ and record producer Lost Frequencies, techno house legends Agents of Time, Grammy-nominated electronic music artist Nic Fanciulli and Danish DJ Morten. Several Saudi and regional talents will also participate in the festival, including DJ Mubarak, Aziz.wav, KALI-B, Hamza Hawsawi, and Timba JD. Don’t miss Riyadh’s party of a lifetime.
Freaks of Nature – Episode 5: Querencia, Oct 5 & 6, AlDuhami Equestrian Center, Riyadh 13734. Book your tickets here. Regular tickets start from SAR395, and VIP tickets start from SAR1,350. @werfreaksofnature
Dining specials for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
To help raise awareness for breast cancer month, Robata will be adding new treats specially for this month – the raspberry soft serve dessert and the refreshing Haibisu drink. Plus, part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Zahra Breast Cancer Association.
Robata, Hittin, Riyadh 13512, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 1am. Tel: 9200 05613. @robatasaudi
Swifties, get ready to shake it off
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The majorly popular Taylor Swift Nights are back. The event will be held at The Warehouse. The tickets are available now for SAR84 here, and the event is going to start at 8.30pm, and until 9.30pm you and the gang can do karaoke from all the eras, and from 9.30pm to midnight, you can have a sing-along party.
Taylor’s Night in Riyadh, Oct 5, 8.30pm to midnight, The Warehouse, Diriyah. Book your tickets here. @taylorsnights.sa
Party high in the sky
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Did someone say rooftop party in Riyadh? For all you party aficionados, this gig is about to elevate your nightlife experience – literally. MDLBeast presents FOWG, part of its rooftop series in Riyadh. If you’ve ever wanted to dance under the stars with the city’s skyline as your backdrop, you’re in for a treat. The line-up showcases popular Egyptian band Disco Misr – known for remixing oriental heritage with disco and funk sounds – and Saudi-born musician DJ Loush, who are all at the top of their game.
FOWG: Rooftop Experience in Riyadh, Oct 5, 9pm to 2am, 4.04 KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. The ticket price starts from SAR499 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Friday October 6
Treat yourself to an indulgent spa day
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It’s no secret that a heavenly massage will do wonders for your mind, body and soul. So go on, live a little, and indulge in a day of personal pampering and relaxation at Sokoun Spa and Fitness Center. For the month of October, the spa is offering SAR880 for a Moroccan Hammam session and a 60-minute massage of your choice. For the ultimate pampering session, don’t forget to take advantage of the sauna and private jacuzzis selection. We insist.
Sokoun Spa and Fitness Center, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12213. Tel: 055 679 5017. @hyattregencyriyadholaya
Let’s shake things up a little
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Have you always wanted to know how to make BlackTap’s milkshakes? Well, now your kids can. Every Friday, BlackTap will be hosting a Kids’ Minishakes Masterclass for them to learn the art of creating the ultimate milkshake. For SAR99, each package comes with a kids’ meal.
BlackTap Kids’ Minishakes Masterclass, every Fri, 1pm to 6pm, KAFD, 3.04, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 11564. For children between six and 12 years old. @blacktapksa
Dine at celebrity-loved Mr Chow
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Bringing a dose of cinematic glamour to Riyadh, Mr Chow makes its first Middle East debut in the Kingdom. Located in the city’s bustling King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the celebrity-loved restaurant delights guests with its authentic Beijing cuisine and elevated European-inspired service. Signature dishes include green prawns, famous chicken satay, Peking duck and handmade Mr Chow noodles. You can also look forward to the brand’s signature hand-pulled noodle show – with Mr Chow the first to offer the now iconic experience as nightly entertainment.
Mr Chow, KAFD, Bldg 2.09, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily, 6pm to midnight. Tel:9200 12658. @mrchowriyadh
Saturday October 7
Come and take part in pumpkin carving
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Get ready to unleash your inner artist and make your way to this pumpkin carving session at Glaze Craze. Show off your skills as you craft together the spookiest pumpkin. Plus, you’ll get a complimentary coffee and a doughnut of your choice.
Glaze Craze Pumpkin Carving, every Sat 10am to 11am & every Sun 6pm to 7pm (every week of October), Glaze Craze, Shorofat, 7089 Abi Bakr As Siddiq Rd, An Nada, Shop No. 14, Riyadh 13317. SAR150 per person. To register, WhatsApp 055 941 8020. @glazecrazedonuts
Discover the fantastic flavours of Peruvian street food at COYA
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Step into the lively world of COYA, where Latin American roots intertwine with the vibrant spirit of our capital. Indulge in the tantalising flavours of Peruvian classics, discover the richness of Latin American street food, and savour signature mocktails expertly crafted by skilled mixologists. From now to Saturday October 7, COYA is about to blow your minds with its new taco platter. You’re welcome.
COYA Street Food Event, until Oct 7, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 12.30am, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223. Tel: 9200 10352. @coyariyadh
It’s the last day of Riyadh’s largest book festival
في #معرض_الرياض_الدولي_للكتاب_2023 ثروة ثقافية كونتها آلاف الكُتب والأعمال الأدبية؛ ننطلق معها لنكتشف عوالم ثمينة من الفن والأدب??.
#وجهة_ملهمة
#هيئة_الأدب_والنشر_والترجمة pic.twitter.com/SYjVnD2OoR— معرض الرياض الدولي للكتاب (@RyBookFair) October 4, 2023
Titled “An Inspiring Destination,” this year’s fair is the largest in the Kingdom and the Arab world in terms of the diversity of cultural programmes and range of activities. For the first time this year, it is organising a poetry recitation competition for children to enjoy learning poetic writing skills and recitation techniques, enhancing their linguistic skills and personality development. Other cultural activities include dialogue sessions, seminars, poetry evenings performed by elite classical and Nabati poets, workshops Saudi and international theatrical performances, musical and lyrical concerts, as well as the Book Talk event, which hosts a group of influential thinkers and authors, in activities that reflect all elements and components of culture.
Riyadh International Book Fair, until Oct 7, King Saud University. @Rybookfair
Images: Instagram