12 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: May 30 to June 1
Cheers to the weekend…
Can’t decide what to do with your days off? While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, raving it out all night, or even exploring an immersive exhibition, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 12 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday May 30
Immerse in the grand tapestry of European culture
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The 3rd European Film Festival (EUFF) in Saudi Arabia is taking place now until Thursday June 6 at the VOX Cinemas in Century Corner. EUFF is a window into the intriguing world of European cinema and also offers a platform to Saudi filmmakers. Cinemaphiles can look forward to a showcase of handpicked, critically acclaimed masterpieces from across 21 European countries.
European Film Festival, until June 6, VOX Century Corner, Riyadh. Book your tickets here. @voxcinemasksa
Pop by Lavazza Coffee Design for your next caffeine break
Lavazza Coffee Design had us at hello, thanks in part to its contemporary design and chic Milanese interior, which sits pretty within the vibrant culinary enclave of Laysen Valley. But the real star of the show is the coffee experience here, which features the exclusive Lavazza’s premium 1895 coffee collection. Bonus points: Lavazza Coffee Design doubles as a café, complete with a table service area. The menu, ranging from breakfast and savoury dishes to irresistible desserts, is curated by acclaimed Italian Chef Igor Macchia. Drawing inspiration from global influences, Chef Igor infuses his signature dishes and brews with Middle Eastern tastes and flavours, making them ideal for pairing with 1895 premium coffee.
Lavazza Coffee Design, Laysen Valley, Salem Bin Abi Baker Shikhan St., Building 30, Riyadh. @lavazzasaudi
Celebrate Africa and its culture at the Diplomatic Quarter
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It’s Africa Day. In celebration of the annual occasion, visitors can look forward to a fun two-day event filled with various activities, including live performances and light shows, a children’s area, an animal petting zone, food stalls where you can have a taste of African cuisines, and many more.
Africa Day – The Year of Education by DQ, May 30 & 31, 6pm to 11.30pm, Grassy Park, Diplomatic Quarter. Register here to attend. @saudidq
Dance to the beat at the Melotech Party
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Get ready for a new experience in Riyadh with this innovative concept, ‘Melotech Presents: XTENDED Series’ – where music knows no bounds. The one and only JEME will headline the show with an exclusive extended three-hour set, alongside Darko Delix and Melon. Look forward to an exceptional fusion of music and ambience and an electrifying atmosphere.
Melotech Presents JEME, May 30, 8pm onwards, The Warehouse, JAX District. Tickets start from SAR300 and can be purchased here. @MelotechRecords
Check out the fantastic value and flavour this season in Via Riyadh
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Cool Inc, a luxury and lifestyle hospitality brand, responsible for exporting the cool gastronomical spots at Via Riyadh, turns one this weekend. In celebration of its milestone, diners can enjoy 20 per cent off at all its restaurants from Thursday May 30 to Saturday June 1. Love a side of entertainment while dining? Spago and chi SPACCA have live music on Thursday night, while you can check out a jazz band at Scott’s and a DJ and dancing shows at Raoul’s on Friday. For something more family-friendly, there is the Family Funday Brunch at Joan’s On Third on Saturday from noon to 5pm.
Via Riyadh. @coolinc.sa
Party it up at Beast House
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The countdown to the weekend has officially begun with Parisian House savant, Djebali, bringing the house down with groove connoisseur and co-founder of party brand EKO Daddybisht at Beast House on Thursday May 30, alongside Jeddah’s very own house selector Varoo. Trust us when we say the vibe, atmosphere, and talent here make this one of the hottest gig venues in the city.
Beast House, May 30, 9pm to 3.30am, Beast House, J12, JAX District, Riyadh 13732. The price starts from SAR250 per person. @_beasthouse
Friday May 31
Take a journey through Saudi with Friday Brunch at La Brasserie
If you haven’t heard, there’s a brand-new Friday Brunch at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh’s La Brasserie, encompassing Saudi Arabia’s rich and vast culinary heritage. Showcasing authentic dishes from all 13 provinces, amid an array of traditional artworks and live Arabic entertainment, this culinary first in Riyadh promises to transport guests across every corner of the Kingdom. Diners can look forward to a menu that reflects each dish’s cultural and historical significance. This includes Margoog from Riyadh, Hasawi Rice from Eastern, and Samak Mkashan from Jazan. Guests will receive a welcoming drink of Zamzam Water with Taif Rose from Mecca, before indulging in a selection of sweet treats such as Ajwa Date Cake and Kleeja. The brunch also features interactive stations, international selections and a special kids menu.
13 Regions Brunch, every Fri 1pm to 5pm, La Brasserie, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. SAR397 for adults & SAR198 for children aged seven to 12. Tel: 011 273 2005. @mo_alfaisaliah
Let the historic 5 vs 5 battles ignite
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Prepare for an extraordinary showdown as Frank Warren’s elite team of five boxers faces Eddie Hearn’s beast squad of five boxers on Saturday June 1 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, in a unique event pitting Queensberry against Matchroom. And the best out of five wins. The five fights make up the undercard of the undisputed light heavyweight championship clash between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. It’s going to be a brilliant main event, with just as an impressive undercard with world title opportunities and world title belts up for grabs. Boxing fans, are you ready for yet another unforgettable showdown?
5 vs 5: Queensberry vs Matchroom Boxing Event, June 1, 9pm, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Only SAR800 Platinum and SAR1,200 diamond tickets are left, and they can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Continue to dance the night away at Beast House
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Can’t get enough of Beast House? Dance to the beats of the multi-talented, K.LED, presenting his jazz-inspired take on House & Microhouse, while French-Algerian spinner, Sirus Hood, serves up his unique brand of Chicago house-inspired sets.
Beast House, May 31, 9pm to 3.30am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR250 per person. Book your tickets here. @_beasthouse
Saturday June 1
Breakfast at Rüya
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Rüya Riyadh has launched its first Turkish Breakfast. Get ready to be transported to the Turkish homely kitchens with an open oven bakery table, letting the warm, freshly baked smell of bread dance around the room, and Turkish breakfast specialities. Available at SAR158 per person, all tables will be presented with unlimited baskets of hot freshly baked Sourdough, accompanied by Lavash, Simit and a spread of Turkish Cheeses, including Erzincan Tulum, Aged Goat Cheese, Kashar Cheese and Exine White Cheese. Also on the lavish and comforting spread, diners can enjoy a selection of breakfast condiments, including Butter, Kars Honeycomb and Kaymak, Marinated Olives, Tomatoes and Cucumber Crudites and Toasted Sesame Seeds and Sahine – making for a true Turkish feast.
Turkish Breakfast at Rüya Riyadh, every Sat 10am to 4pm. Tel: 9200 10692. @ruya_riyadh
Breathe. Meditate. Relax.
Zen-seeking warriors, experience oneness at lululemon’s free yoga event – in celebration of International Day of Yoga – on Saturday June 1 at the impressive Astor Grand Ballroom at The St. Regis Riyadh in Via Riyadh. Starting at 4.30pm, there will be a 45-minute Reviving Mobility session with Hela Hijazi, Riyadh lululemon Ambassador and seasoned yoga instructor with over five years of teaching experience. This will be followed by a 45-minute Vinyasa Flow yoga session with Sarah Farhoud, and a Refreshing Breathwork & Sound Journey with Ghalia Al Madani from 6pm to 6.45pm. So, pick your tribe and enjoy, or breathe in, breathe out, and do all three classes.
lululemon Free Yoga Events, June 1, from 4.30pm, Astor Grand Ballroom, The St. Regis Riyadh, Via Riyadh. Register here.
Visit the ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition
The ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition has made its first international stop in Riyadh. Unfolding through three distinct spaces at the National Museum – from the raw beauty of nature to bustling town streets and the setting of a private home, the exhibition enables visitors to experience the evolution of perfume-making through a blend of historical treasures and modern artistic expressions.
Perfumes of the East, until Sept 14, Mon to Wed & Sat 9am to 6pm, Thurs 9am to 9pm & Fri 2pm to 9pm, National Museum. Tickets are priced at SAR29 and can be purchased here.