10 exciting things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 7 to 9
Hello, weekend…
Yes, the weekend is finally here. If you still haven’t made plans yet, we’ve rounded up a few options for you. Gear up and grab your crew for a day of fun adventure and activities in Riyadh.
Here are ten exciting things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday December 7
Experience K-Pop nights at Namu
View this post on Instagram
K-Pop fans, you’re in for a treat. Namu, Riyadh’s authentic Korean barbeque restaurant, presents exclusive K-Pop Nights every Thursday and Friday. You can look forward to a gamut of contests and prizes with non-stop K-Pop music playing in the background. There’ll also be Polaroid instant cameras for you to capture the moment and create everlasting memories.
Namu, The Esplanade, Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Rd, Riyadh 12371, Sun to Wed 5pm to 12.30am & Thurs to Sat 1pm to 1.30am. @namu.ksa
Check out a winter market
View this post on Instagram
Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Hotel is gearing up for the festive season with a winter market. Expect an array of stalls filled with handcrafted items, festive-themed decorations and live entertainment. Best of all, it’s free entry for all to enjoy and no registration is required.
Winter Market at Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Hotel, Dec 7 & 8 5pm to 10pm, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12511. @marriottriyadhdq
XP Music Futures is back
View this post on Instagram
Gear up for three days filled with innovative talks, transformative workshops, and eye-opening musical discoveries, supercharging the region’s music industry. Dive into an exciting music-filled weekend, from 11am to 7pm, featuring a thoughtfully crafted line-up of activities to keep you engaged and entertained throughout the day.
XP Music Futures 2023, Dec 7 to 9, noon to 2am, JAX District, Riyadh. The ticket starts from SAR150 and can be purchased here. @xpmusicfutures
Friday December 8
Get hyped for House of Hype entertainment park
View this post on Instagram
A huge gaming and entertainment destination, House of Hype, is now open at Boulevard City. The entertainment park will have immersive experiences and places to explore, where you can play games, discover surprises, shop exclusive products, and win prizes, including 46 creator experiences, 29 immersive attractions, and 32 gaming experiences.
House of Hype, BLVD City, 4pm to 2am. The ticket price starts from SAR145 and can be purchased here.
Be mesmerised by the largest light art festival
View this post on Instagram
The citywide festival will illuminate our capital city with large-scale light art installations, building projections, performances, and more. Held under the theme “The Bright Side of the Desert Moon”, the event features over 120 artworks by around 100 artists. From urban to natural landscapes, Noor Riyadh is presented as a journey in five hubs – JAX District, KAFD, Salam Park, Wadi Hanifah and Wadi Namar. Accompanying the festival will also be an exhibition titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures”, which will be held at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2, 2024.
Noor Riyadh Festival, Nov 30 to Dec 16, 6pm to 1am, various locations. Noor Riyadh Exhibition, until Mar 2, 2024, Sat to Thurs 11am to 1am & Fri 4pm to 1am, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
Get inspired at the free Misk Art Week 2023
View this post on Instagram
Expect a creative forum, educational programmes, live performances, exhibitions and showcases, The Art Library Salon (a gathering point for literary and art enthusiasts), and a fun art and design market. There will also be Azeema exhibitions, workshops, stunning art installations, a live art space, art installation puzzles, and a kid’s zone. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and grab a nice little souvenir. Entry is free and all you need to do is register here to access the event.
Misk Art Week, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, Dist, 9346 King Saud Rd, An Namudhajiyah, until Sun Dec 10, 4pm to 11pm. miskartinstitute.org
Saturday December 9
Pop by the DQ Souq
View this post on Instagram
If you love fresh produce and supporting local businesses, pay a visit to the DQ Souq, which has made its return to the Diplomatic Quarter. There will be a fun, convivial atmosphere at the market, with delicious food at the various kiosks. Or sift through the wares and support the local creatives by purchasing their art pieces. The kids can also check out an outdoor cinema, drawing area, and mini animal corner. Plus, it’s free to enter the DQ Souq.
DQ Souq, Behind the AlArabiya building and Oud Square, every Sat, 4pm to 11pm. @saudidq
Check out the Saudi Games Fan Zone
View this post on Instagram
The largest event of its kind in the Kingdom, the Saudi Games 2023 involves athletes competing in various sports, including archery, padel, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, billiards, bowling, and boxing. The games aim to inspire the youth of Saudi Arabia and showcase Saudi Arabia’s ability to host massive events in an organised manner. To enjoy the ultimate experience of Saudi Games 2023, check out the free Fan Zone, featuring a wide range of sports, entertainment, and food and beverage kiosks all in one.
Saudi Games 2023, until Dec 10, 3pm, Prince Faisal bin Fahad Olympic Complex. Entry is free but you’re required to book a ticket here. @thesaudigames
Relive your childhood classics at Disney: The Castle
View this post on Instagram
As part of Riyadh Season 2023, the iconic Disney: The Castle at Boulevard Riyadh City is a live musical experience that brings you closer than ever to the iconic music of Disney’s beloved animated worlds. At this magical family festival, celebrate music from Disney’s most popular animated films through captivating performances in immersive musical worlds and exhilarating mini-concerts in front of the towering Disney Castle. Entry to Boulevard Riyadh City is free but tickets are required for the Disney: The Castle experience.
Disney: The Castle, weekdays 5pm to 12.30am & weekends 5pm to 1.30am, Boulevard Riyadh City. The ticket price starts from SAR125 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason