12 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: May 8 to 10
Can’t decide what to do this weekend? This is how to fill them up…
When searching for the best things to do in Riyadh each weekend, it’s hard not to end up more confused and indecisive than when you started. While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, spend an evening in one of the latest bars on the scene, or even explore an iconic Riyadh attraction, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 12 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday May 8
Brilliant set lunch menu for a speedy soirée
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Whether you’re after a long lazy lunch or need a decadent location to get down to business, head to SushiSamba for its Hayai Business Lunch. For just SAR150, you can enjoy a curated set menu blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours. All you have to do is choose two starters and one main.
Hayai Business Lunch, Sun to Thurs, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, SushiSamba, KAFD. Tel: 011 269 5347. @sushisamba.riyadh
Play detective at Level Up
Level Up has been serving up games and good times in Riyadh since it opened in Hittin. On Thursday May 8, they’re hosting The Night of Lies Games – an event in collaboration between Level Up and Bona Banana, where they’ve prepared games that will challenge your lying skills. It’ll be a night full of lies, suspicion, and investigation. To get into character, you’re encouraged to come dress up like a detective.
Lying Night, 8.30pm, Level Up Social Hub, Hittin, Riyadh 13513. SAR55 per person and you can book your spot here. @lvlupsocialhub
Party the night away
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Party people, where are you at? Thursday (May 8) at Beast House is shaping up for something special. Albanian DJ, Rea , sets it off with her genre-fluid selections. Local hero HiFi then brings the bounce with her signature house selections, and Danish house-duo Bless You closes the night with their deep, enchanting sound.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR199 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Get ready for a wild night
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Following Zamna Soundsystem’s breathtaking performance at the Pyramids of Giza, they’re coming to Unstable to bring the heat. Catch these legends live, with hometown heroes Basha and JEME spinning fire on the decks.
Unstable, May 8, 10pm to 3am, UNSTABLE Diplomatic Quarters. SAR400 per person (ladies get free entry before 11 PM). An UNSTABLE visa is required to enter and you can apply it here.
Friday May 9
Your weekends just got tastier at attaché
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Since its opening in September 2024, attaché has easily become one of Riyadh’s most popular spots, thanks to its concept and address. Weekend brunch is the latest addition to the restaurant’s roster and we couldn’t be happier. Start your weekend loud, with the British Full Pan loaded with scrambled eggs, hash brown, baked beans, mushrooms, beef sausages, chicken sausage, crispy beef bacon, grilled tomato, and toasted sourdough, the signature “Morrocan” Shakshuka, and the tiramisu French toast. Plus, we love that brunch here starts at 10am – perfect for morning people like us.
Brunch at attaché, every Fri & Sat, 10am to 3pm, DQ. Reservations can be made here. @attache.dq
Catch the rugby at Salwa Compound
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Love all that roaring ruggers action? Gather up your friends and head to Salwa Compound for some Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation 15s League Finals watching. The first match will be from 3pm to 5pm featuring Khobar Rugby and Jeddah Rugby, while the Riyadh Warriors will be up against the Riyadh Falcons from 5pm to 7pm. Plus, there’ll be food trucks and coffee stations set up at the compound for an unforgettable match-day experience.
SARF 15s League Finals, May 9, 3pm to 7pm, Salwa Compound. Register here to attend. @ksa_rugby
Celebrate Coya’s 3rd birthday
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Three years ago, Coya Riyadh opened its doors for the very first time and it’s marking its anniversary this weekend with live music performances, DJ sets and special dishes. Friday May 9 is the last day of the celebrations, so don’t miss it.
Coya’s 3rd Anniversary, until May 9, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, 4237, Riyadh 12223. Tel: 9200 10352. @coyariyadh
Il Baretto brings candlelit jazz
Calling all jazz aficionados. For one night only on Friday May 9, Il Baretto Riyadh will host a scintillating live performance by an international jazz band. Enjoy the smooth, melodic sounds of live jazz as you indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, famed for its use of both local Saudi and premium Mediterranean ingredients.
Il Baretto Riyadh’s live jazz night takes place on Friday May 9, starting at 8.30pm. Il Baretto, KAFD, Riyadh 13521. Tel: 9200 12508. @ilbarettosa
Eats & Beats returns
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Saturday May 10
Sensory play for the little ones
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Need to entertain the kids this weekend? For a day filled with laughter, love, and memories, check out the Space-tacular Family Fun Day by Play Makes Sense on Saturday May 10. With activities for kids from one to ten years, including arts and crafts, LED circus show, storytelling, face painting, balloon art, and, of course, sensory play, this event promises a day of nonstop fun with your loved ones. For an additional SAR25, your child can also take part in cookie decorating or pizza making. Bring the whole family and get ready for a galaxy of fun
Space-tacular Family Fun Day, May 10, 10am to 2pm, Play Makes Sense, 7260 King Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315. Tel: 055 013 1365. SAR135 per child. @playmakessense.sa
Experience NOFA Riyadh for a day
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If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure for the whole family, grab a day pass and enjoy access to some of the resort activities, dining and more. Complimentary activities include kayaking in the lake, cycling through the property’s lush greenery, playing basketball, volleyball, and tennis, as well as having fun at the children’s play area and the game room.
NOFA Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Resort, Sun to Wed 8am to 9pm, Thurs to Sat 8am to 11pm. The day pass is priced at SAR500 for adults (13 years and above) & SAR250 for children (six to 12 years). Tel: 059 325 5918. @radissoncollectionriyadh
Admire striking creations at Art Week
The first edition of Art Week Riyadh has been extended till May. It’s filled with exhibitions, talks and cultural activations transforming the capital for a citywide celebration of Saudi’s vibrant art scene — and it’s all free. Whether you’re an art aficionado or here to learn, there’s something for everyone. At JAX District, visitors can immerse themselves in curated art exhibitions at the flagship exhibition, At The Edge, step inside the studios of leading and emerging Saudi artists, visit the exhibition, Collections in Dialogue, to discover rare works from important Saudi collections, take part in interactive workshops for all ages, and attend thought-provoking talks about the art world that inform and inspire.
Art Week Riyadh 2025, until May 29, 4pm to 11pm (except on Thurs, Fri & Sat 4pm to midnight), various locations, including JAX District. Free entry, but you’re required to book your visit here.
Images: Social / Unsplash