Here's what's on this weekend in Riyadh
From live music and foodie adventures to light art shows and outdoor thrills, here’s everything that’s happening this week in Riyadh
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this weekend in Riyadh is personally curated, ensuring there’s always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in.
Have a feast at the Saudi Feast Food Festival
Foodies, enjoy an innovative journey through traditional dishes that embrace Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary history at the Saudi Feast Food Festival 2025. The festival will be divided into seven vibrant zones, each featuring over 100 restaurants. This year, there’s a Thailand zone, featuring more than 10 restaurants and diverse shops for a full sensory experience. So, bring the whole family along for a day filled with laughter, entertainment, and delectable treats. Plus, children can participate in arts and crafts workshops and hands-on culinary sessions in the Children’s Area, learning to prepare simple dishes with local ingredients.
Location: King Saud University
Dates: Thu Nov 27 to Sat Dec 6
Cost: Starting at SAR15, book your tickets here
Celebrate heritage and art at Layali Diriyah
In the heart of Al-Murayih, a historic district of Diriyah, an exceptional culinary experience unfolds where global flavours meet timeless tradition. Welcome to the fifth edition of Layali Diriyah. The event combines gastronomy, retail, art and entertainment on a picturesque palm tree farm near At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can take a culinary journey featuring restaurants, a retail village, and live performances.
Location: PHMH+CRJ Diriyah
Times: 5pm to 2am
Cost: SAR180, book your tickets here
Check out the airshow
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Witness breathtaking flying displays, cutting-edge aircraft technology, and global industry showcases at the Sand and Fun 2025, also known as the General Aviation Airshow. There are tons of activities for everyone, including over 90 dazzling air displays, specialised nightly shows lighting up the Riyadh sky, and an Aviatainment Zone, offering virtual reality simulators, workshops for building aircraft models and engines, and interactive cockpit tours with pilots and experts.
Location: Al Thumamah Airport
Dates: November 25 to Saturday 29
Cost: Ticket prices start at SAR100, book your tickets here
A fun-filled culinary adventure for kids
If your little one’s always up for getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, a regular cooking sesh might be what they’ll look forward to all week. Cucina, the city’s beloved contemporary Italian trattoria at Riyadh Marriott Hotel, has got just the thing, with a roll call for all tiny master chefs to join its new ‘Little Chefs’ experience. Specially curated for kiddos aged six to 12, they get to create their very own pizza or pasta for just SAR75. It’s a playful, hands-on way to introduce kids to the joy of cooking. Guided by Cucina’s talented culinary team, they’ll learn the basics of Italian cooking in a fun, safe, and interactive environment. While the little ones get creative in the kitchen, parents can sit back and enjoy a relaxed à la carte lunch.
Location: Cucina, Riyadh Marriott Hotel
Timings: Every Fri (starting Nov 28), 1pm to 4pm
Cost: SAR75 per child (as an add-on to à la carte dining)
Contact: 058 108 5117
Party it up at Beast House
Beast House is turning up this Friday with a killer lineup you don’t wanna miss. Melodic house connoisseur Marten Lou, will be delivering his signature deep and organic sounds. Paris-based DJ Moovin will present his signature grooves, as Berlin-based duo Madota showcase their unique house productions. Riyadh’s first lady of groove, Solskin, warms up the night with her signature funk-heavy selections.
Location: Beast House, JAX District
Timings: Nov 28, 9pm to 3am
Cost: Tickets start from SAR199 and can be purchased here.
A day at Riyadh Zoo
Riyadh Zoo 2025
With over 55 acres to explore and 1,500 animals from 190 species to see, you’ll love a family day out at Riyadh Zoo. This year, the Riyadh Season zone is divided into six areas: Pink Lake, Enchanted Forest, Wild Adventure, Ape Escape, The Swamp, and Al Malaz Bay. You’ll certainly work up an appetite during your visit, so stop by the cafes or bring your own picnic and enjoy your home-cooked meal at the picnic areas.
Location: Al Malaz
Timings: Daily (until Jan 3, 2026), 9am to 5pm
Cost: Free, but you need to book your tickets here
Soak up the winter market vibes
The Basta Winter Market on Tahlia Street is back. Wander past the wooden stalls filled with handmade crafts, cool gifts and plenty of delicious treats.
Location: Basta Winter Market, Tahlia Street, Riyadh
Timings: Every Sat (starting Nov 29), 4pm to 11pm
Cost: Free entry
A festival of light and art like no other
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Noor Riyadh 2025 returns bigger and brighter than ever this year, living up to its title of the largest light art festival in the world. Artworks are displayed across the city in six locations: Qasr Al-Hokm district, King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, stc Metro Station, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Station, Public Investment Fund Tower, and JAX District. Held under the theme In the Blink of an Eye, the theme explores how light interacts with the city, its people, and time – creating an unforgettable experience. The event is part of Riyadh Art, one of the four major projects under the mandate of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City that aim to turn the capital into “a gallery without walls.”
