15 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: July 4 to 6
Weekend mode: Activated…
Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? Say a fond goodbye to the first half of 2024 and rush headlong into the second bit with more great events to come. For more fantastic parties and weekend shindigs, or if you’re just looking for activities to fill your calendars, simply scroll on. Make the most of the weekend with these 15 brilliant things to do in Riyadh.
Thursday July 4
Head to Chi SPACCA for an all-American feast
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For a Fourth of July feast to remember, bring the brood to chi SPACCA for a Burger Board (SAR135) set. Available all day from Thursday July 4 to Sunday July 6, gather your friends and family and relish in quintessential American delights – think juicy Spacca smash burger with Calabrian chilli and mint aioli, rich dry-aged beef burger, smoked brisket sandwich, and fried chicken thigh burger, all available in mini-tasting sizes. Vegans aren’t left out, either. You can order the mushroom burger served with a thick layer of mustard mayonnaise.
chi SPACCA, Via Riyadh, Sun to Thurs 6pm to midnight, Fri & Sat 1pm to midnight. The Burger Board is available from July 4 to 6 for SAR135. Make your reservations here. @chispacca.sa
Look at life through the lens
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Prepare to be swept away on a visual journey with the world of Saudi fashion as six photographers take you through their interpretation of Saudi culture. Free to the public, the exhibition, titled “Visual Voyages”, is an exploration that celebrates the fusion of fashion, traditions and innovation. Perfect for those who love art and fashion.
Visual Voyages Photography Exhibition, July 4 to 8, FCR – Future Creative Residence, JAX District. Free entry. @fcrjax
Dine at The 365 to celebrate America’s Independence Day in style
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The 365 at Fairmont Riyadh celebrates the Fourth of July with All-American barbeque classics. Look forward to crowd favourites paying homage to classic favourites – we’re talking fall-off-the-bone tender beef short ribs and brisket, all doused in smoky rubs and sauces that’ll make you thank the creator of BBQ. Round the crew for a filling meal.
The 365, July 4, 7pm, Fairmont Riyadh. SAR320 per person. Tel: 011 826 2626. @fairmontriyadh
The pudding you must save room for
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For those with a sweet tooth, Raoul’s brings you a delectable dessert to celebrate the Fourth of July. Sink into the indulgent Banana Coconut Bread Pudding (SAR60), layered with rich, tropical flavours, served with a dollop of velvety Crème Chantilly – guaranteed to leave you craving for more.
Raoul’s, Via Riyadh, Sun to Wed 6pm to midnight, Thurs to Sat 1pm to midnight. Make your reservations here. @raoulsrestaurant.sa
Get ready for two iconic days of melodic techno
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It’s one of the most anticipated weekends this summer. For those who are familiar with YellowPlus Entertainment, they never fail to put on cracking club nights with the freshest DJs and performers out there. This weekend’s shindigs will be headlined by Afterlife artists Cassian and Woo York, who will be performing on Thursday July 4 and Friday July respectively. Plus, don’t miss the live sets by DJs RDJ, Ant. Darko Delix, Alaa Jazaeri, Psykey, Kalo, Hash and FJ Zex.
YellowPlus: Two Days of Melodic Techno, July 4 & 5, 7pm, Saudi Media City, Al Qirawan, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR450 for a one-day pass and SAR799 for a two-day pass, and they can be purchased here. @yellowplus_sa
Get ready for AFT_r, the Esports World Cup aftershow
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Calling all party people. Head to Mohammed Abdo Arena for AFT_r, the Esports World Cup (EWC) after-party. Enjoy international, regional, and local artists every week after the Esports World Cup competitions. Join us on Thursday July 4 on the dancefloor and catch Aly Fathalla, ElGrandeToto, and Nooriyah. The highlight of the night, though, will be Ckay’s smooth Afrobeats.
AFT_r, 8.30pm, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City. Tickets cost SAR149 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Your weekend is set at Beast House
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The countdown to the weekend has officially begun. Check out Birmingham-based artist Subb-an, who’s showcasing his groovy basslines and hypnotic rhythms. Also, multi-talented selector K.LED will be presenting his unique take on House music alongside local digger Malba.
Beast House, July 4, 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 July 5
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
Check out the Esports World Cup tournaments
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Known as an elite multi-genre esports competition, it is expected to see over 1500 players with 30 esports clubs across 21 gaming titles. As well as watching the action, visitors to the tournament will be able to take part in a range of activities that combine sports, entertainment, education, culture and creativity.
Esports World Cup 2024, until Aug 25, 11am, 3246 Souwaid Ibn Harithah, Hittin, 6872, Riyadh 13516. The All Access Pass starts at SAR76 and can be purchased here. @ewc_en
Learn a variety of Saudi embroidery stitches
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Bonjour Saudi House is organising a new Saudi embroidery workshop every Friday throughout the month of July. Perfect for anyone looking for a structured introduction to Saudi embroidery, this workshop will supply everything you need to get started. Saudi artist, Om Hamad, will share with you all about traditional embroidered patterns, guide you through different stitches and sewing techniques, giving you the skills to approach all embroidery with confidence.
Saudi Embroidery Workshop, July 5, 12, 19 & 26, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Bonjour Saudi House, Al Samhaniya, Diriyah. SAR225 per person. DM @bonjoursaudi to book your spot.
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.
Saturday July 6
Spark your children’s imaginations at these art workshops
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Lift Studio & Space warmly welcomes kids from the age of seven to 12 to embark on a journey of self-expression and creativity. Here, kids will get to take part in three different creative workshops. They will be exposed to a variety of art materials and mediums, such as flower vase colouring on Saturday July 6, clothes peg making on Sunday July 7, and paper mache drawing on Monday July 8.
Artistic Camp Workshop with Mishael, July 6 to 8, 11am to 2pm, Lift Studio & Space. SAR167 for one day and SAR500 for all three days. Book your child’s spot via WhatsApp on 055 285 8800. @lift.ksa
For the bunch who love to brunch
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What better way to celebrate America’s independence than having brunch at Joan’s On Third? The casual eatery invites you to celebrate the flavours of America with a curated menu of dishes, from tender lamb shank and succulent braised beef cheeks to a decadent New York cheesecake platter served with a choice of vanilla whipped cream, blueberry compote, caramelised banana, or honeycomb toffee. There’s also the Family Fun Day buffet brunch, where you can eat worry-free from the Healthy Corner and Salad Section, or dig into comfort food from hearty chicken nuggets and tenders to creamy Mac and Cheese at the Hot Corner. Take your pick at the Sandwich Station and choose your cheeses with a Charcuterie and Bread Basket stand to fulfil your grazing. There’s no shortage of choice at Joan’s live pasta-making stations, where there is a variety of meat, seafood, and chicken dishes for mains. While it’s tough not to fill up on pastries and sweets, save room for some waffles and pancake stacks. And don’t forget to take a dip in Joan’s chocolate fountain.
Family Fun Day Brunch, July 6 noon to 5pm, Joan’s On Third, Via Riyadh. Make your reservations here. SAR190 per adult & SAR90 per child. @joansonthird_sa
Sign up for a French baking class
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Discover the original know-how and taste of genuine croissants and pains au chocolat, like an authentic Parisian baker. During this two-hour cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare the two iconic French pastries that are one of many tokens of French culture and are eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack daily.
French Cooking Workshop, July 6, 5pm to 7pm, Rootura, Al Takhassousi, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh 12341. SAR300 per person. Book your spot here. @alliancefrancaise_ksa
Rave through the night to electro sounds
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Join the revellers at The Warehouse and get ready for the second drop of Talent X by URX, which will see you dancing to techno beats. See some of the greatest DJs grace its decks, including rising DJ and producer Dilly, alongside the amazing underground gems Gassan, Morix, and Weltron.
Talent X, July 6, 8.30pm to 1am, The Warehouse, JAX District. Tickets are priced at SAR120 for standard and SAR200 for balcony, and they can be purchased here. @twh_ksa
Images: Supplied / Instagram