12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: September 26 to 28
Out of office, into 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, rave it out all night, or even take part in a culinary masterclass, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday September 26
Here’s where to lunch
Whether you’re after a long lazy lunch or need a decadent location to get down to business, La Petite Maison Riyadh loads its menus with classic and contemporary French-Mediterranean dishes. Its business lunch menu has always been a huge hit, and its new additions include runner bean salad with artichoke; clams with garlic, parsley, and cherry tomatoes; Pistou Trofie pasta with sundried tomatoes and olives; LPM bouillabaisse; herb-marinated chicken with sauteed spinach complemented by roasted baby potatoes. Make sure you finish with the moreish crispy chocolate with hazelnut mousse. The two-course Le Petit Menu is SAR180, while the Le Grand Menu features three courses and is priced at SAR230.
La Petite Maison Riyadh, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Business lunch every Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 3.30pm. @lpmriyadh
Party it up at Beast House
The countdown to the weekend has officially begun… UK house aficionado and founder of London’s legendary ‘Toi.Toi.Musik’ party, Voigtmann, kicks off the weekend with Thursday’s headline spot. Melisma founder, and Chilean tech-house expert, Felipe Valenzuela, adds his signature spice to the night as local minimal house favourite, K. Led, opens up the night.
Beast House, Sept 26, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, J12, JAX District, Riyadh 13732. The price starts from SAR185 per person and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Shop beautifully made, children’s Saudi fashion brand
While shopping for yourself is fun (and boy, is it fun) there’s something about buying bits for the small people in your life, be it your own child, a niece or nephew, or godchild, that takes retail therapy to the next level. Ein Ghein, a children’s Saudi fashion brand, brings Arabic identity to its beautiful collection for children of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teenagers, using eco-friendly fabrics like Egyptian & Indian organic cotton. Each piece showcases beautiful Arabic writing, ranging from classic sayings in various dialects to playful phrases from beloved Arabic songs and proverbs. Timeless but with a strong contemporary feel, you’ll be pleased to hear Ein Ghein has launched the debut of its highly anticipated first collection at Harvey Nichols in Al Faisaliah Mall.
The collection is also available for global online shopping at www.ein-ghein.com
A taste of Saudi, Japanese style
Embark on a gastronomic journey that interlaces the rich culture of Japanese and Saudi culinary traditions and modernity. On Thursday September 26 and Friday September 27, epicures are invited to an exclusive dinner experience at ROKA Riyadh for a special collaboration with Saudi Chef Nawal Alkhalawi. Drawing on the bold flavours of Saudi Arabia with the refined taste of Japan, the set dinner menu, priced at SAR380, unfolds a selection of visually stunning plates.
ROKA x Chef Nawal Alkhalawi, Sept 26 & 27, ROKA Riyadh. Tel: 9200 17652. @rokarestaurant.ksa
Friday September 27
Enjoy the best of Beethoven
There is something you can always count on for a memorable time – enchanting candlelight concerts. Coming up on Friday September 27 is a concert at Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace on Beethoven’s Best Works. The performance will be brought to life by the incredibly talented pianist Ghida Knio, who will take guests on a journey through the composer’s iconic repertoire. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with Beethoven’s most treasured masterpieces, such as “Fur Elise”, “Waldstein Sonata”, “Moonlight Sonata” and more. You don’t need to know all things Beethoven, though, to enjoy the evening; simply sit back and savour the stunning atmosphere and pieces you’ll hear.
Candlelight: Beethoven’s Best Works, Sept 27, 6.30pm & 8.30pm, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace. Tickets start from SAR225 and can be purchased here.
An electrifying night of non-stop high-energy music
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Yellowplus rave parties are always a good shout, and on Friday September 27, Yellowplus presents an all-night B2B extravaganza. They’re showcasing an epic B2B journey featuring Afterlife iconic Yubik B2B 19:26 with an extended three-hour set, the dynamic duo Dish Dash, the groove masters Darko Delix, and the energetic Half-Brothers. You’ll find house and electronic lovers alike flocking here, so check this event out if you’re looking for a rave in Riyadh.
YellowPlus present B2B Night Featuring Yubik & 19:26 in Riyadh, Sept 27, Saudi Media City, Shamas, Al Qirawan, Riyadh 13545. Tickets start from SAR375 and can be purchased here. @yellowplus_sa
Indulge in Chef Nicolas’ culinary creations
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Celebrated Chef Nicolas Isnard is back at Fairmont Hotel Riyadh until September 28 for an exclusive series of culinary experiences. Renowned for his innovative fusion cuisine, Chef Nicolas will present a captivating five-night tasting menu at House of Grill, showcasing his signature dishes. Guests will also have the extraordinary opportunity to learn from the master chef himself during interactive cooking classes available between September 26 and 28. The three-course masterclass menu will highlight Chef Nicolas’ renowned Seared Scallops with Mushroom Flower and Tom Yum Sauce.
Tasting Menu (SAR500), until Sept 28, 6.30pm to 11pm & Masterclass (SAR690), Sept 26 to 28, 5pm to 7pm, House of Grill, Fairmont Hotel Riyadh. WhatsApp: 011 826 2629. @houseofgrillksa
DIY paint your own fluid art balloon dog
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Paint, drip, and splash your own creative masterpiece at Lift Studio. Using fluid acrylic paints, you can create stunning and unique designs on a small bear or a balloon dog. Let your creativity flow as the colours blend and interact to form mesmerising patterns. Explore the joy of fluid art and bring your balloon dog model to life with vibrant and flowing colours.
Fluid Art Workshop, Sept 27, 7pm to 9pm, Lift Studio & Space. SAR89 for a small bear & SAR138 for a balloon dog. @lift.ksa
Get in on the act
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A venue that needs no introduction, Level Up is a hotspot for the cool people, and is known for its lively, enthusiastic atmosphere and high-energy events. On Friday September 27, it is hosting an open mic night and welcomes comedians, spoken word artists, and other performers to take the stage. Whether you’re up there testing out some new rhymes or just soaking in the sounds, the open mic night at Level Up guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Open Mic Night, Sept 27, 9pm to midnight, Level Up. SAR60 per person. Book your spot here. @lvlupsocialhub
Continue to dance the night away at Beast House
Can’t get enough of Beast House? On Friday September 27, Beast House presents Swedish house duo and MDLBeast Records’ artist, MoonTalk , highly regarded for their hypnotic productions, as well as local house savant with his signature retro-tech sounds, BKR.
Beast House, Sept 20, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR185 per person and tickets can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday September 28
Catch The Middle East’s first travelling water circus
Fontana, the Middle East’s first travelling water circus, is hoisting its big top in Riyadh. Taking place until the end of December, the shows are held under the Fontana circus tent pitched up at the open space next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall. Brought to the capital by the Lebanese group Cirque Du Liban, the aquatic show combines a thrilling mix of mind-bending illusions and astounding acrobatics. Expect to see awe-inspiring dancers, gravity-defying aerialists, and incredible circus thrills that will enthral the entire family.
Fontana by Cirque Du Liban, until end-Dec, 6pm to 9pm (the show starts at 7pm sharp), Fontana Circus, Al Mughrizat, Riyadh (next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall). Tickets start from SAR95 and can be purchased here. @fontanashow
Dine at Madeo
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Back by popular demand, feel the warmth of European hospitality at Madeo with a live band serenading guests every Tuesday and Saturday. Boasting deliciously authentic Italian cuisine, Madeo welcomes guests into the ideal setting for family gatherings and memorable dining experiences.
Madeo, Via Riyadh, Live band every Tues and Sat, starting from 8pm. Reservations can be made here. @madeoristorante.sa