12 fun-tastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: June 27 to 29
Cheers to the weekend…
Can’t decide what to do this weekend? 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 taking part in an art workshop, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 12 fun-tastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday June 27
Savour a Parisian lunch at L’ami Dave
Experience a Parisian lunch in Riyadh with classic French cuisine at L’ami Dave. To start, indulge in French delicacies such as escargots de Bourgogne and carpaccio de boeuf with black truffle, followed by mouthwatering mains like Dover sole and steak frites. Every dish is served with meticulous care in an elegant setting reminiscent of Paris.
L’ami Dave, daily noon to 11pm, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, King Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, 4248 Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh 13315. Reservations can be made here. @lamidaveriyadh
Discover the future at this exhibition
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Want to be teleported to the year 2040? Now you can at the “Unfolding the Embassy” exhibition taking place at Fenaa Alawwal in the Diplomatic Quarter. Enter the space, and you’ll find that a SpaceX satellite orbiting the globe is the new reality, complete with a reception area, books, and brochures. The exhibition brings together a diverse array of media, including installations, videos, photographs, and print works, to address critical themes such as the global economy, the Anthropocene, and the impact of AI. The exhibition runs until Sunday September 1, as part of Riyadh Season.
Unfolding the Embassy, Mon to Sat 10am to 10pm, Fenaa Alawwal, Diplomatic Quarter. The ticket is priced at SAR20 per person and can be purchased here. @fenaaalawwal
Stop by Spinneys to pick up your staples and more
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If you haven’t heard, Spinneys has finally opened in Riyadh. The beloved grocer chain from the UAE will be having an Opening Weekend Festival from Thursday June 27 to Saturday June 29 from 6pm to 10pm. You can look forward to a parade, live music, food sampling, a spin-the-wheel game with prizes, and face painting for the kids.
Spinneys, daily 8am to 2am, La Strada Yard, King Abdullah Rd, Riyadh 12472. Opening Weekend Festival June 27 to 29, 6pm to 10pm. @spinneysksa
Get fired up for Nashville hot chicken
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Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant at Nawaf Square certainly beat others to the naming rights, even if it wasn’t the first in Riyadh to show off saturated photos of deep red chicken and lots of drizzled sauces atop fries, inside buns, and on salads. But the hot tenders here are first-rate: more meat than breading, juicy, encased in a crunchy fried shell and dialled up to the heat level you’re comfortable with.
Nashville Riyadh, Nawaf Square, 6441 Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, Sat to Wed 3pm to 2am, Thu to Fri 3pm to 3am. @nashvilles.sa
Your weekend is set at Beast House
The countdown to the weekend has officially begun. Celebrating Fête de la musique in collaboration with the French Embassy, Beast House is proud to present French talents, DJ & producer D’Julz and French singer Canine headlining a massive night, with the local support of king of the underground Vinyl Mode as Joj kicks things off with her mellow selections. Trust us when we say the vibe, atmosphere, and talent here make this one of the hottest gig venues in the city.
Beast House, June 27, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, J12, JAX District, Riyadh 13732. The tickets are priced at SAR185 for ladies, SAR375 for gents, and SAR450 for couples, and they can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday June 28
Indulge at Sadelle’s for an exquisite breakfast and brunch
Known for its legendary bagels and sticky buns, Sadelle’s offers an exquisite breakfast and brunch experience featuring traditional New York classics and exclusive Mansard dishes like shakshouka, grilled halloumi, and hummus. The elegant yet relaxed environment makes it perfect for starting your day with a delicious meal.
Sadelle’s, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, daily 7am to 11.30am. Reservations can be made here. @sadellesriyadh
A fun family day out on an adventure farm
If you’re looking for a family adventure away from the hustle and bustle of Riyadh, requires minimal effort in planning, and don’t mind a two-hour drive out of the city centre, then the Alshebah Resort is the place for you. Look forward to live animal encounters such as deers and emu, camel and horse rides, and a kid’s play area – this really is an action-packed day for all ages. There are also food stalls, a café and picnic areas – perfect for a day out with families and friends.
Alshebah Resort Hotah bin Tamim, Al Islamiah, Howtat Bani Tamim 16511, Saudi Arabia, Thurs & Fri 7am to 3am, Sat to Wed 7am to midnight. SAR30 for adults and SAR10 for kids.
Calling all Swifties
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It will be a spectacular Taylor Swift release party celebrating all things “The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD)”. Engage in various activities designed to delight every Swiftie, from live performances to karaoke and sing-alongs. You’ll also get the chance to meet fellow Swifties and make friendships that last forever and always.
TTPD Release Party, June 28, 8pm to midnight, Level Up, Hittin, Riyadh 13513. The ticket is priced at SAR75 and can be purchased here. @lvlupsocialhub
Continue to party it up at Beast House
Can’t get enough of Beast House? Gabu is coming back with an exciting showcase on Friday June 28, featuring Berlin DJ & producer Marc Brauner, who is set to take you on a night of groove. Joining him on the evening are local House hero Dabous and versatile selector and producer O’Squared.
Beast House, June 28, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, J12, JAX District, Riyadh 13732. The tickets are priced at SAR250 for ladies, SAR500 for gents, and SAR600 for couples, and they can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday June 29
Dim sum cravings: activated
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Get your chopsticks ready; it’s time for a dim sum feast. If you’re a fan of Cantonese food, the Yum Cha brunch at Yauatcha is where you’ll want to be on weekends. Starting off with a selection of starters from the delectable four-course menu is the classic platters of steamed and fried dim sum: har gau, scallop shu mai, wild mushroom dumpling, venison puff, mushroom spring roll, and good ol’ sesame prawn toast. Following the dim sum is the crowd-favourite crispy golden prawn. For mains, choose from the classic sweet and sour prawn, wok-tossed rib eye beef, or Mongolian chicken, which comes with sides of pak choi and egg fried rice. Be sure to leave room for desserts with a crisp and refreshing apple and ginger Spritz mocktail in hand.
Yauatcha, Plaza Level, Mode Al Faisaliah Mall, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11433, Fri & Sat noon to 6pm. SAR270 per person for a four-course set menu (minimum of two persons). Tel: 920 006 555. @yauatchariyadh
Relax and rejuvenate at Mansard Spa by L’Occitane
Unwind with signature treatments at Mansard Spa by L’Occitane, featuring separate sections for men and women. The spa offers a French-inspired ambience that harmonises with L’Occitane’s signature treatments and aromatic scents, providing an unmatched home for relaxation and well-being in Riyadh. Ladies can also enjoy an indoor pool, jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, and a salt cave for halotherapy.
Mansard Spa by L’Occitane, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, King Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, 4248 Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh 13315. Tel: 011 829 0950. @mansardspabyloccitane
Dine in style at House of Grill
Meet the chef behind House of Grill at Fairmont Riyadh Hotel. Embark on a culinary journey curated by Chef Nicolas Isnard, who will be in town this weekend.
House of Grill, Fairmont Riyadh, Sun to Fri 12.30pm to 11pm, Business Gate, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11552. Tel: 011 826 2626. @houseofgrillksa