10 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this weekend: January 11 to 13
Happy weekend, folks…
Lining up plans in Riyadh? From immersive exhibitions and rave parties to other family-friendly events, you won’t be short of things to do this weekend. Here are ten wonderful things to do in Riyadh.
Thursday January 11
Check out the ‘Beyond the Door’ exhibition
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If you’ve always been intrigued by the traditional Najdi doors, look no further than the ‘Beyond the Door’ exhibition, organised as part of the Diriyah Season. Visit At Turaif’s gardens to experience the legacy and artistry behind every door. This exhibition pays homage to Najdi craftsmen’s ingenuity and showcases contemporary art bound by the craft’s essence and design. Learn more about the revival of this waning art form, and enjoy the beauty of those doors, their engravings and their colours.
Beyond the Door Exhibition, until Feb 4, daily 3pm to 11pm, At-Turaif Park, Diriyah. Book your tickets here. @diriyahseason
Sign up for a free French class
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Bonjour. Ça va? Would you like to learn to speak French? If your answer is an enthusiastic oui, then here’s some good news for you. For one night only, come and discover the French language with a free beginners’ class at Alliance Francaise. It’ll be a quick introduction to French, beginning with numbers up to ten, and learning to introduce yourself. Following this, treat yourself to a slice of the French King cake, a classic French pastry traditionally eaten in January, and stand a chance to win a place in their upcoming cooking workshop to learn how to make the cake.
Free French Class, Jan 11, 7pm, Alliance Francaise, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Kindi Plaza, Gate 14, Al Safarat, Riyadh. Register here. @alliancefrancaise_ksa
Date night at Chez Bruno
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For a romantic ambience reminiscent of the southern French countryside, Chez Bruno at Bujairi Terrace delivers perfectly with every minute detail, from food to service. Settle in for a truffle-filled culinary voyage, accompanied by their signature dishes, and you’re sure to have a consistently great date night experience whether you’re out for a casual or celebratory dinner. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy live music performance every Thursday while you dine at our favourite European restaurant.
Live Music at Chez Bruno, every Thurs 8pm to 11pm, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah. @chezbrunoksa
Catch the Spanish Super Cup Semifinal: Barcelona vs Osasuna
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La Liga champions Barcelona will face off against Copa del Rey runners-up Osasuna in the second semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona is aiming to defend their Super Cup title after securing victory against Madrid in the previous year’s final, marking their first triumph since the expansion of the event to four teams. On the other hand, Osasuna is set to make its inaugural appearance in any form of the Super Cup. Don’t miss out.
Spanish Super Cup Semifinal: Barcelona vs Osasuna, Jan 11, 10pm (Gates open at 6pm), AlAwwal Park. Tickets start from SAR75 and can be purchased here.
Friday January 12
Take a trip down to JAX for Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition
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Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition, titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures”, is held at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2. This year, the show celebrates light as a flux, where artists, as cartographers of light, comprehend the dynamic nature of human and cultural identity amidst the shifting sands of time.
Noor Riyadh Exhibition, until Mar 2, 2024, Sat to Thurs 11am to 1am & Fri 4pm to 1am, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
Take part in art workshops for the whole family
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The old doors of Najdi are known for their rich decoration. They are inspired by nature and represent the culture and deep roots of the central Saudi region. Love the lavishly and ornately decorated doors? Now, you can delve into the world of crafts in the “Carving and Creating Traditional Doors” workshop with Faris AlHerma. There’s a kids session from 4.30pm to 7.30pm while the adults session will be held from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
Carving and Creating Traditional Doors Workshop, Jan 12, 4.30pm to 7.30pm for kids & 7.30pm to 10.30pm for adults. Book your spot here. @diriyahseason
Rave in the ruins of an abandoned hospital
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ERGA takes place every weekend in the now-defunct Irqah Hospital and is an audio-visual spectacular where the music takes you on a mental sonic trip across various sounds and styles. Featuring two separate dance floors known as The Ward and The ER, its location is the most dystopian one ever seen. Headliners on Friday January 12 include Franky Rizardo, ANT, B-Hydra, Emad, Rash, and NHA. It looks like it will be a sick Friday night at ERGA.
ERGA, Jan 12, 9pm to 2am, Irqah Hospital, Riyadh 12586. The ticket price starts from SAR199 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Another packed night of music
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7out Events & Entertainment, a bespoke events company, is hosting a Red Moon party at Wakanda Club. Look forward to homegrown talents, DJs Shancoty, Dr K and Reymon, who are all set to lay down the hottest tunes. So, grab your squad and head on down.
Red Moon, Jan 12, 11pm, Wakanda Club, 6677 Al Haweya, Riyadh 12935.
Saturday January 13
Take the kids to the Big Fun Museum
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Visit the Big Fun Museum for a whole world of fun and illusion waiting to be discovered. This new attraction features three immersive adventures in one place – Fairy Forest, Museum of Emotions, and Museum of Illusions. The right place to have a great time with friends and family.
Big Fun Museum, Park Avenue, Gate 4, Sun to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs noon to 2am, Fri 3pm to 2am, Sat 1pm to midnight. Tickets start from SAR80 and can be purchased here. @bigfun_family
Party it up at FOWG
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If you’ve ever wanted to dance under the stars with the city’s skyline as your backdrop, you’re in for a treat. Get ready for an epic musical night with MDLBeast at KAFD’s hottest rooftop experience. This weekend, FOWG will be held on Saturday night instead. Soak in Riyadh’s best views and hottest vibes with a slate of groovy beats by Benny Bennasi, LeSad and DJ Mesha as they light up the sky.
FOWG: Rooftop Experience in Riyadh, Jan 13, 9pm to 1am, 4.04 KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. The ticket price starts from SAR249 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast