8 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: June 12 to 14
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 eight brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday June 12
Catch How to Train Your Dragon in cinemas
Scottish actor Gerard Butler lit up the red carpet in Riyadh last month when he kicked off the global publicity tour for the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast in the stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise. On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
How to Train Your Dragon is out in cinemas across Saudi Arabia now. Book here.
Summer starts at La Petite Maison Riyadh
Our favourite French Mediterranean restaurant welcomes guests back with a refreshed look and an even more inviting atmosphere. Step inside La Petite Maison Riyadh and you’ll find a stunning mural by internationally acclaimed artist Sanja Kovačević, which infuses the space with the vibrant spirit of the Côte d’Azur. The bar counter now features a striking new burgundy tone, creating a warm, refined ambiance for an evening à la française. Meanwhile, the lounge area has new banquettes that offer guests a cosier, more intimate experience, perfect for relaxation or meaningful conversations. In addition to its refreshed interiors, the restaurant is introducing a selection of new dishes, such as tender white asparagus paired with aged parmesan, grilled Maine lobster with a velvety, subtly spiced rouille sauce, and slow-cooked seabass in a rich tomato and pepper sauce.
La Petite Maison Riyadh, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Tel: 9200 11794. @lpmriyadh
Party the night away
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Tonight (June 12) at Beast House brings you a smooth descent into deep grooves. Chanson E headlines the night with his cinematic blend of grooving house and jazzy rhythms. Local icons Anmarz and VinylMode going back-to-back to set the tone with their signature groove-heavy selections.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR199 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday June 13
Enjoy a New York-style weekend brunch
Café Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is elevating the brunch scene in Riyadh, with the launch of a refined and indulgent New York-style Friday brunch with French flair. The curated menu, served as a bottomless à la carte brunch, brings together signature dishes, luxurious mains, and made-to-order specialties. The experience begins with handcrafted cocktails like classic Mimosas, zesty Limoncello Spritz, and a daring Jalapeño-infused Vermouth – each designed to awaken the senses. Cold starters set the tone for indulgence like delicately plated shrimp cocktails, and a caviar supplement for those seeking elevated luxury.
Café Boulud Friday Brunch, every Fri, 12.30pm to 4pm, Café Boulud, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. SAR375 per person. @cafebouludriyadh
Experience a Candlelight concert in Riyadh
Fairmont Riyadh will be transformed into an intimate setting, illuminated by thousands of candles, to host a Candlelight tribute to Western and Arabic hits on piano. From Queen and Cheb Khaled to Amr Diab and Taylor Swift, this epic concert offers the best of both worlds. Prepare to be enchanted by a stunning atmosphere as you’re serenaded by the talented pianist Ghida Knio.
Candlelight: Best of Western & Arabic Hits on Piano, June 13, 7pm, Fairmont Riyadh. Tickets are priced at SAR329 for Zone A and SAR249 for Zone B. Book your tickets here.
See you on the dance floor
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Friday night at Beast House x Road to Aegis brings you a night of deep grooves as French selector and Discobar head honcho Lamache headlines with hypnotic precision and deep cuts, while local hero Musab keeps it fluid with a genre-bending set. Lebanese duo EJ and Farsa start the night with their deep, groove-heavy selections.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR199 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday June 14
Your new morning ritual begins at attaché
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. The ambience will be driven by live music, with DJ Amedeo Picone setting the mood through a mellow, soulful set designed to accompany the rhythm of the morning. Whether you choose to bask in the sunlight outdoors or sink into the cool comfort of the interior, brunch at attaché is designed for those who enjoy the details, and the downtime. 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
Learn the art of butterfly preservation
Head down to FoodSphere and get up close with the magical world of butterflies in this all-ages session. Learn about their life cycle and create your own framed butterfly display in a guided preservation workshop led by Khalid Alsowayan.
The Art of Butterfly Preservation, June 14, 3pm to 5.30pm, Riyadh Oases: FoodSphere, 6871 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz (Tahlia Street), Riyadh 12242. SAR150 per person. @riyadhoases