12 fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend: October 31 to November 2
You won’t be short of epic things to do…
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 fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday October 31
Check out the incredible Korea Brand Expo
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Love the K-pop culture? The massive Korean Brand Expo, which will return for two nights only, will be happening on Thursday October 31 and Friday November 1. It promises to showcase various Korean products and performances by K-pop artists like Kwon Yuri, Nomad, and OZMR, as well as traditional Korean music performances by Changtique.
Korea Brand Expo, Music Zone, Boulevard Riyadh City. Free entry and no ticket is required. @riyadhseason
Watch the best female golfers tee off
The Aramco Team Series – Riyadh is back this weekend at the Riyadh Golf Club. Headlining the field this year will be defending champion Alison Lee, World No. 14 Charley Hull, major champion Georgia Hall, and 2024 Aramco Saudi Ladies International winner Patty Tavatanakit – who will all be bringing their A-game to the course. World-class talent aside, the event will also feature a state-of-the-art fan zone, a variety of entertainment options, live music, and a ‘taste flavours of the world’ culinary experience with delicious foods representing different cultures for spectators of all ages to enjoy throughout the fan zone. All tickets are for general admission and come with a food and beverage voucher that can be redeemed on-site, which means you can spend the whole day soaking up all the excitement.
Aramco Team Series – Riyadh, Oct 31 to Nov 2, Riyadh Golf Club, Al Aarid, Riyadh 13352. The ticket price starts from SAR50 and can be purchased here. @aramcoteamseries
Get spooky with the community at Sociale
Spooky season is here. Dust off your scariest outfit, throw on your scratchy wig, and brace yourself for a fright-filled fun at Sociale’s Costume Party. A carefully curated playlist sets the chilling tone for the night with a hypnotic set to keep you moving. When you need a break from the scares, slither your way to the activity corner, where you can enjoy a range of board games and life drawing (at an additional cost).
Costume Party at Sociale, Oct 31, 8pm to 10pm, Sociale, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223. @sociale.events
Party it up at Beast House
Tonight (Thursday October 31), Gabu Records takes over Beast House, featuring Club der Visionaere residents and founders of Perfumed Freedom Records,Foehn and Jerome hailing from Berlin. The night will also see iconic Saudi DJ and producer Baloo hit the stages with his carefully curated house selections.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR250 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday November 1
Family-friendly fun awaits at Riyadh Zoo
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Catching a glimpse of your favourite animals up close can be a thrilling experience. And all it takes is visiting the newly opened Riyadh Zoo. As part of the Riyadh Season 2024, the zone will be hosting live shows and interactive experiences, complete with multiple new attractions that you can look forward to. Get up close to the crocodiles, explore the brand-new aviary, hand-feed the kangaroos, and enjoy an exciting bird show, too.
Riyadh Zoo, Al Malaz, 9am to 5pm. Book your tickets here. @riyadhseason
Head to the first-ever Art Book Fair
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Attend the inaugural PaperBack Art Book Fair to connect with writers and their work. This cultural event, happening from Friday November 1 to Sunday November 3, will bring together a diverse array of professionals, collectors, art enthusiasts, and curious minds from around the world. The fair will feature 25 artists and collectives, independent presses, booksellers, zine makers, publishers, cultural organisations, and academic institutions. The best part? The book fair will be free to attend for everyone, but you’re still required to get your tickets here.
PaperBack – Art Book Fair, Nov 1 2pm to 10pm, Nov 2 & 3 noon to 10pm, JAX District. @paperback_sa
The countdown to Glitch is on
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Riyadh, are you ready? Pioneer of underground music scene in Saudi Arabia, Glitch, is here to ignite your senses. Headlining the festival is the legendary Stephan Bodzin, who’ll be performing for the first time in the Kingdom. So, come on down and let yourself be drawn into Bodzin’s world of melodic techno. Taking place at JAX District, prepare for a full day and night festival experience that’s beyond music, with an outdoor venue that will immerse you in sound and energy.
GLITCH Presents Stephan Bodzin, JAX Riyadh, Fri Nov 1, 3pm to 3am. Tickets start from SAR399 and they can be purchased here. @glitchksa
Explore Pakistani culture at 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. Wednesday October 30 to Saturday November 2 is the Pakistani culture week, so head on down to enjoy live performances by megastar Asim Azhar, Jaffer Shah, Fabiha Hashmi, Naeem Ghulam, and Khurmariyan, lots of tasty treats like biryani and haleem, 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
Continue dancing the night away at Beast House
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This Friday (November 1), Romanian DJ Lizz takes us on a ride into his trademark deep sounds on a night that will also see LA-based minimal specialist, Artur present his signature style, alongside the hypnotic sets of KNZ Records founder, JEME.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR250 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday November 2
Indulge in the flavours of fall
Getting into the spirit of the season, A.O.K Kitchen is hosting an array of enticing activations for the upcoming Pumpkin Weekend. Held from Thursday October 31 to Saturday November 2, the restaurant will inject a dose of playfulness into its décor and menu, transforming into a spooky, autumn-themed space for families and friends. Make it a treat-filled occasion featuring its bestselling Pumping Soup (SAR 48) – a crowd favourite and year-round menu staple, Pumpkin Margarita (SAR 42), and more spellbinding flavours.
Pumpkin Weekend at A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh, Sun to Thurs 9am to 10pm, Fri & Sat 9am to 11pm, KAFD. Tel: 9200 25304. @aokkitchensaudi
The road to the Crown Jewel
Everyone’s favourite fight night is returning to the capital this Saturday (November 2). History will be made at Crown Jewel as this year’s event starts an annual match pitting the WWE Champion against the World Champion for both the men and the women to determine the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion, a title made up of 50 carats of diamonds that will signify the best of the best. Boy, aren’t we in for a treat?
WWE Crown Jewel 2024, Nov 2, Mohammad Abdo Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh. @riyadhseason
Prepare to be served
The top women’s tennis players will be gathering in Riyadh to compete in the WTA Finals from Saturday November 2 to Saturday November 9. Expect heart-stopping rallies, high-velocity serves, and jaw-dropping trick shots. Featured players include world number-one Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Qinwen Zheng, and Barbora Krejcikova. Between the high-calibre matches, tennis fans and visitors alike can also enjoy the Fan Zone, which will feature interactive games and activities, plus gourmet food stalls and refreshments. Fans will also get a chance to participate in coaching sessions with professional coaches.
WTA Finals, Nov 2 to 9, 3pm to 1am (Nov 2), 1pm to 11pm (Nov 3 to 7), 3.30pm to 11pm (Nov 8) & 4pm to 10pm (Nov 9), King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR26 and can be purchased here. @wtafinalsriyadh