12 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: October 24 to 26
Hello, 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 check out the Riyadh Season zones, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 12 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday October 24
Get your hands on free Dave’s Hot Chicken sliders
For one day only, rapper and investor Drake is celebrating his birthday by treating fans to free sliders at Dave’s Hot Chicken. From 11am to 9pm on Thursday October 24, fans can enjoy Dave’s signature sliders, spiced to perfection and available in seven different heat levels – from ‘No Spice’ to the fiery ‘Reaper’. To enjoy a complimentary slider, you just need to follow @daveshotchickengcc on Instagram and present their follow at the counter to redeem it in-store.
Free Dave’s Hot Chicken Slider, Oct 24, 11am to 9pm, two locations in Riyadh, including Tahlia Street & Othman Bin Affan Street. @daveshotchickengcc
Witness the best purebred Arabian Horses
The champion of all steeds, Arabian horses are one of the oldest and most distinguished global horse breeds as a result of centuries of passionate breeding and expert equestrian stewardship. This weekend, set against the picturesque backdrop of Nofa Resort, visitors can attend this local production championship, which aims to showcase the beauty of purebred Arabian horses. Adding to the allure of the event is a host of family-friendly activities and experiences, as well as an array of entertainment, making it a must-visit event for equestrian enthusiasts and families alike.
The Local Production Championship in Riyadh, Oct 23 to 26, 4pm to midnight, Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort. SAR60 for general admission. Book your tickets here.
Savour the rich flavours of the Straits of Malacca
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As a place where diverse cultures converge, the Straits of Malacca has long been a melting pot of flavours from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This weekend, La Brasserie at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel unveils an exciting culinary adventure with an exclusively curated menu that encapsulates the vibrant culture and rich heritage of the regions along the Straits. Indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey through the finest dishes, such as oxtail soup, nasi lemak, beef rendang, laksa, and chicken satay.
Flavours of the Straits of Malacca, Dinner: Oct 23 & 24, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, SAR275 per person & Brunch: Oct 25, 1pm to 5pm, SAR397 per person, La Brasserie, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel. Tel: 011 273 2005. @mo_alfaisaliah
Party it up at Beast House
From Barcelona to Beast House, Bastian Bux hits the stage on Thursday (October 24) night, with his signature disco and tech-house cuts. Ibiza house favourite Miller is also hitting the stages with his usual obscure rhythmic selections alongside local techno up-and-comer NHA.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR185 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday October 25
Celebrate the last day of the Philippines Culture at Al-Suwaidi Park
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Al-Suwaidi Park, once again, gets a bright uplift for Riyadh Season’s most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, taking you on a journey around the world through traditional foods, music, dances, and handicrafts. Friday October 25 is the last day of the Philippines culture, so head on down to enjoy live performances by DJ Jimmy Nocom and singer Angeline Quinto, dance shows and acrobats, lots of tasty treats, and lively bazaars.
Al-Suwaidi Park, Oct 13 to Nov 30, 4pm to midnight. Although entry is free, you’re still required to book tickets on the WeBook website or mobile app. @riyadhseason
The European Food Festival is back
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This year’s festival promises to be even more exciting, diverse, bolder, tastier, and packed with even more surprises for all ages. Visitors can stroll from stand to stand at the food market and treat themselves with an assortment of European specialities and food items – promising two days of culinary delights and vibrant entertainment. The best part? Entry to the 2024 European Food Festival is free, although the only payment method for food and drinks will be the cashless system via cards or digital wallet.
2024 European Food Festival, Oct 24 & 25, 4pm to 11.30pm, Al Kindi Plaza, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. Register here to attend.
Who’s ready to groove?
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Riyadh Groove fam, Groove on the Grass – Dubai’s pioneering music and arts festival – is back in the Kingdom. They’ll be transforming JAX Viewpoint with a stellar line-up featuring Satori and Mano Le Tough as headliners and local stars like Dish Dash, BKR, DEIAN, JOJ, Narkbeat, and Haffs.
Groove On The Grass in Riyadh, Oct 25, 5pm, JAX Viewpoint, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR250 and can be purchased here. @grooveonthegrass.ksa
Continue dancing the night away at Beast House
Can’t get enough of Beast House? Friday (October 25) welcomes the inimitable 90s-inspired sounds of Brit DJ, Josh Baker , who delivers his trademark electro and minimal-influenced house sounds. The eclectic lineup is also set to welcome Canada’s Ohm Hourani and his unique jazz-injected electronic sounds, alongside the deep house cuts of local favourite, Gooner.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR185 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Your rooftop adventure awaits at Iris
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One of Riyadh’s most stylish rooftop spots, Iris Café’s lively outdoor terrace draws in the crowds with its views and calming jungle of foliage. Among pops of greenery, you can chow down on sliders with a mocktail in hand as you overlook the skyline. What’s even better, DJ Collé from Netherlands, one of the most talented artists in the Afro house music scene, will perform for the first time in Riyadh. For one night only, the headliner will blend captivating beats and vibrant energy at Iris Café, alongside DJs Ant and Bahaa. Limited seats are available for this exclusive event so be sure to reserve your table.
Iris Riyadh x Yellow Plus, Oct 25, 9pm to 3am, Iris Café – The Garden, Ramla Terraza, Riyadh 13321. Tickets start from SAR399 and they can be purchased here. Tel: 053 777 6452. @irisriyadh
Saturday October 26
A destination place for sensory play items
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Looking for ways to nurture your child’s logical thinking, imagination, and hands-on ability? Out with digital play and in with hands-on activities and sensory exploration. Play Makes Sense, a company that creates fun, hands-on experiences for kids, is opening a sensory play centre, allowing children to explore, create, learn and, most importantly, have tons of fun. Check out its grand opening on Saturday October 26, and explore its selection of party supplies and sensory toys, and enjoy fun activities such as face painting and entertainment shows. For free sensory play sessions, you can book via WhatsApp on 054 308 3835.
Play Makes Sense Grand Opening, Oct 26, 3.30pm to 9.30pm, Sensory Play Centre, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315. @playmakessense.sa
Catch horror movies and enjoy 30% discount
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Horror fans, here’s a treat for you (with none of the tricks). From now until Thursday October 31, moviegoers can enjoy 30 per cent discount on select horror movies at VOX Cinemas across Saudi Arabia. Celebrate the spookiest time of the year on the big screen with latest spine-tingling releases including Hellboy: The Crooked Man, Afraid, Alien: Romulus, Bagman, Imaginary, Longlegs, Never Let Go, and Three.
VOX Cinemas’ Spooktacular Halloween Offers, until Oct 31. Use code HORROR and book online at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app. @voxcinemasksa
Explore the world through food
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Look out for the International Food Carnival at Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District. Step inside and you’ll find 13 different international sections, where you can explore the authentic flavours of street food from around the world, such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, China and Spain. All the booths will have live cooking stations serving up delicious, fresh food. There will also be a kids’ corner with games for the tiny tots.
Food Carnival, until Nov 2, 6pm to 11pm, Hilton Garden Inn Financial District, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: 058 002 9885. @hiltongardeninnriyadh.kafd