10 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: August 10 to 12
Your weekend plans sorted…
Looking for activities to do with your friends and family? Gear up and grab your crew for a day of fun adventure and activities in Riyadh. From an art exhibition and concerts to family-friendly activities, here’s our list of ten fantastic things to do this weekend.
Thursday August 10
Vote for the best restaurants in town
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If you haven’t heard, we’re preparing for the inaugural What’s On Riyadh Awards 2023, where we’ll be crowning the best restaurants, hotels, attractions and much more across Riyadh and the wider Kingdom. However, we can’t do it without your help as we’re always keen to know the places that you, our lovely readers, love to go. So, if you’ve still not had the chance to make your opinion heard, we’re giving you one final chance, as the voting has been extended until Thursday August 10. Be sure to head here to vote now.
Check out Misk Art Institute’s Summer exhibition
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We love ourselves some art here in Riyadh, and Misk Art Institute is one of the best places to check some out. Taking place until August 31, the Summer 2023 exhibition will be showcasing works from 33 visual artists from all over Saudi Arabia, exploring on the theme of ‘Tradition’ through paintings, photography, drawing, and sculptures. This exhibition presents works that express an aspect of society’s culture that – despite the influences of modern life – has been preserved and passed down from one generation to another. From nationally recognised cultural events to intimate traditional practices that are passed down through families, each artist represents their own version of tradition.
Misk Art Week’s Summer exhibition, until Aug 31, Sat to Thurs 10am to 4pm, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall. miskartinstitute.org
Welcome to Barbie Land
Good news for Barbie fans in Saudi Arabia. It has now been confirmed that the film – starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the lead roles as Barbie and Ken – releases on Thursday August 10 across VOX, Muvi, and AMC cinemas. So, if you and the gang want to plan a girl’s day to watch the Barbie movie, be sure to snag tickets as soon as possible.
Dining meets whimsical storytelling
Looking for a fun night out with friends or family? Look no further than Le Petit Chef & Friends. This culinary adventure is back at Le Meridien Riyadh to provide whimsical, engaging animation that blends with enticing dishes. Expect a Tomato Salad appetiser, followed by a Trio Cheese Ravioli and Steak & Fries main course, before ending with a Japanese Mont Blanc, which comprises a matcha cake with green meringue. A kids’ menu and a vegetarian menu are also available.
Le Petit Chef & Friends, until Sept 30, Wed to Sat, 6pm to 8pm & 9pm to 11pm, Kazo, Le Meridien Riyadh, Riyadh 11544. Make your reservation here. SAR299 per person, SAR180 for a Junior Chef menu & SAR220 for a vegetarian menu. Tel: 059 837 0780. @lemeridienriyadh
Friday August 11
A riveting evening of mind-blowing magic
Love magic shows? Why not take a road trip to the Eastern Province this weekend to catch The Illusionists – Direct From Broadway? Performing at Ithra Theatre for the first time, the show will have you falling under the spell of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Expect large-scale stunts, levitation, mindreading, and all kinds of illusions.
The Illusionists – Direct from Broadway, Aug 9 to 19, 4pm to 5.50pm (only on Sat) & 8pm to 9.50pm, Ithra Theatre. Suitable for ages ten and above. The price starts from SAR112. Closed on Sunday August 13. Get your tickets here. @ithra
Dance the night away with Ava Max and Steve Angello
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Week 6 of Gamers8 concert at Boulevard Riyadh City will feature two international headliners: Greek-Swedish DJ Steve Angello and American pop diva Ava Max. Fans of the electronic music scene will know that Angello is best known for his work with Swedish House Mafia. Meanwhile, if you’ve ever caught yourself bopping along to songs like “Sweet but Pyscho”, “Not Your Barbie Girl”, and “Salt”, you’ll be pleased to catch the unique new talent Ava, with her fierce and powerful vocals, live on the Mohammed Abdo Arena stage.
Gamers8 Concerts, 6pm onwards, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR149. Book your tickets here. @gamers8_ar
Celebrate a Mexican fiesta
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Join in on the fun as Kan Ya Ma Kan brings the sound, culture, and taste of México to The Farm. You get to experience a night of Mexican and Latin music and delicious food, and socialise with like-minded people. Please note that you need to arrange your own transport to The Farm. The exact location will be shared once your spot is confirmed.
Kan Ya Ma Kan Mexican Night, Aug 11, 7pm to 2am, Kan Ya Ma Kan Farm, Al Ammarya, Book your spot here. SAR375 per person. @kymk.sa
Saturday August 12
Get your Joe & The Juice fix
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Known for its fast and healthy bites and beverages, Joe & the Juice offers much more than juice. It’s also a crowd-pleasing all-day eatery, with Instagrammable interiors to match the colourful menu. Check out its newest branch in the Mohammadiyyah district. Head here for a pre-work breakfast, fuel up during the day with their power shakes, or catch up with friends over an evening drink.
Joe & The Juice, Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh 12364, daily 7am to 1am. @joeandthejuiceksa
Take part in a Peaky Blinders exhibition
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Peaky Blinders fan, Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has launched a cool new immersive exhibition all about the show. Whether you’re Team Poly, Team Arthur, or Team Mick, choose your storyline for an incredible Peaky Blinders experience.
Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, Boulevard Riyadh City, 6pm, 8.30pm & 11pm, until Aug 31. The price starts from SAR40. Book your tickets here. @gamers8_ar
It’s time to padel
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Padel tennis is gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia. If you are looking to play padel against the backdrop of a city skyline, Padel Arena on the rooftop of Kingdom Tower gives players a unique experience. The price starts at SAR200 for off-peak hours and SAR280 for peak hours for a 60-minute session. Padel Arena has days for women (Sundays & Tuesdays) and men, plus its prices include four rackets, three balls, eight bottles of water and four parking. Download @setpointapp to book your slot.
Padel Arena, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12214, Sat to Wed 4pm to 4am, Thurs & Fri 4pm to 7am. Tel: 055 656 7700. @padel.arena.sa