14 amazing things to do in Riyadh this week: October 20 to 23
New week, new plans…
Riyadh is a city that’s full of top activities. From cool events to top cafes returning and so much more. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh this week: October 20 to 23.
Sunday October 20
Make a new phone case
When Glaze Craze closed its doors in May, it promised to return better than ever. And while the venue is not fully back yet, you can still explore the new pop-up at Rataq Resort. While you’re there, you can also take part in an exciting phone case-making workshop with Whipped Dream Artistry.
Glaze Craze, Rataq Resort, 8pm. @glazecrazedonuts
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
Explore Indian Culture at Suwaidi Park
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Once more, it’s that time of year – the wonderful Riyadh Season. And along with this comes a whole gamut of entertainment zones and experiences. This year, Al-Suwaidi Park – a major landmark in Riyadh that opened in 1983, once again, gets a bright uplift for Riyadh Season’s most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. The Al-Suwaidi Festival, which includes nine cultures over 49 days, takes you on a journey around the world through traditional foods, music, dances, and handicrafts. The next two days will be celebrating Indian culture at its finest with musicians, foods, and more.
Al-Suwaidi Park, until Oct 21, 4pm to midnight. @riyadhseason
Grab the popcorn for Spooky Movie Club
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Running for this entire month, Level Up will be hosting a fun spooky move club every Sunday. Divided into two screenings, one starting at 8pm and the second starting at 10pm. Movies haven’t been disclosed just yet, so grab the popcorn and enjoy.
Spooky Movie Club, Level Up, Hittin, 8pm to 10pm, 10pm t0 midnight. @lvlupsocialhub
Monday October 21
Sip on the newly launched PSL or rather PCL
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We have one more reason to love the incredible Urth Caffe brand— now introducing the Urth Caffe pumpkin chai latte for the very first time in Saudi Arabia. This beverage might just convert you into a PSL or should we say PCL (which is a better combination, in our opinion anyway) fan, for us, it was love at first sip.You can get the latte cold and blended with ice at SAR33 or a hot one to warm you right up from SAR24. The chai latte contains homemade pumpkin puree, divine spice tea, milk, ice cream (for the cold one), and sugar syrup.
Urth Caffe, various locations. @urthcaffesaudi
Check out Steam Festival
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Hosted under the theme ‘Explore Your Passion—Unlock Your Potential,’ this iconic festival will be focusing on ‘Fun Chemistry and the World of Petrochemicals.’ The festival combines education, entertainment, and learning. Head here for fun with the entire family until November 30.
Steam Festival, King Salman Science Oasis. Buy your SAR35 tickets here.
Get your hands dirty
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Slime lovers (that’s all kids) get excited, because Slimers is a new interactive slime play store at Granada Mall. You can buy slime-making kits to do at home or get the experiential slime-making experience in-store. Choose a slime texture, colour, and then the kiddos can start mixing and stretching their slime until it comes together. It’s a fun activity and they can even bring their slime home with them at the end.
Slimers, Ground Floor, Granada Mall, The price starts from SAR85. @slimersksa1
Tune into Riyadh Fashion Week’s last day
Fashion lovers will be in a banger of a season. After making a successful debut last year, the fashion juggernaut, Riyadh Fashion Week, is returning this October. The event, staged by the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, will feature a host of the Kingdom’s up-and-coming and established fashion designers, showcasing haute couture, ready-to-wear and more in both menswear and womenswear. The venue for the second edition of Riyadh Fashion Week has yet to be announced but watch this space as soon as we have more details. You can tune in on Instagram.
Riyadh Fashion Week 2024, Oct 17 to 21. @riyadhfashionweek
Tuesday October 22
Dine at the newly opened Akira Back
Can’t get enough of Japanese food in Riyadh? Professional snowboarder-turned-celebrity chef Akira Back opens his namesake restaurant within the new 1364AH Complex in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. If you’re familiar with the concept, Akira Back features modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean flair while emphasising seasonal produce. So, don’t come in thinking that you’re going to get traditional Japanese fare. Plus, with any Akira Back dining experience, you’d know that drama is a given – from the interiors right down to the menu.
Akira Back, 1364AH Complex, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. @akirabackriyadh
Take a bike ride through Wadi Hanifah
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On the Riyadh activity schedule for the week is a fun bike ride through the gorgeous valley of Wadi Hanifah with the amazing instructor, Latifa.
Bike ride through Wadi Hanifah, 8pm to 9pm. @rwg_community
Get creative
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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, Oct 8, 7pm to 9pm, Lift Studio & Space. SAR89 for a small bear & SAR138 for a balloon dog. @lift.ksa
Wednesday October 23
Make your weekday dinner more interactive
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When one hears of “Japanese food”, the first thing that comes to mind is either sushi or ramen. But Japanese cuisine is actually so varied that there is more to it than just the usual sushi, sashimi, tempura, and ramen. Another popular Japanese food is shabu-shabu. If you’ve never heard of nor had shabu-shabu, then you’re in for a treat.
Roka, the contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant, is launching an exciting new dining experience – the shabu-shabu night – beginning on Wednesday October 16, and it will satisfy meat-loving connoisseurs and hotpot enthusiasts.
Shabu-shabu Night at Roka, every Wed, from 6pm, Roka Riyadh & Roka Jeddah. @rokarestaurant.ksa
Book your spot at a dinner unlike any other
If you want to put a spin on your regular weekday afternoon, this is the perfect event for you. Timeleft is bringing their world-famous dinners to our neck of the woods. Welcome to Timeleft Riyadh. Hosted every Wednesday night, the Timeleft Riyadh dinner starts off when you book your spot and answer a quick survey to match you with the perfect group.
Visit: timeleft.com
Spooky Dreamcatcher workshop
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The social club will also be hosting a fun spooky dreamcatcher workshop where you can make the dreamcatcher of your dreams (get it?) in spooky fashion of course though.
Spooky Dreamcatcher workshop, Level Up, Hittin, 9pm to 11pm, Wed Oct 23. @lvlupsocialhub