11 exciting things to do in Riyadh this weekend: January 4 to 6
Make the most of the year’s first weekend…
Welcome to the first weekend of January. Kick off the new year with an art exhibition, rave parties, and other thrilling events… you won’t be short of things to do this weekend. Here are 11 exciting things to do in Riyadh.
Thursday January 4
Check out an art exhibition by Ana Pušica
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Ana Pušica’s works are characterised by their vivid, imaginative nature. Her brand-new series, “Strip.Drip.Shower.”, which is on display at Lift Gallery, continues this tradition and adds a new layer of depth and introspection to her work. Through her use of mixed media and experimental techniques, she creates pieces that are at once abstract and representational, capturing the essence of her subjects while also encouraging viewers to bring their own interpretations to the works.
Strip.Drip.Shower. Exhibition by Ana Pušica, until Jan 2024, Lift Gallery, Tafaseel Park, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 12332, Sun, Tues, Thurs & Fri 4pm to 10pm, Mon, Wed & Sat 11am to 11pm. @gallery.lift
Enjoy cool and delicious evenings at Sadelle’s
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Escaping to Sadelle’s beautiful terrace is always a good idea. This is our top choice for an alfresco meal, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sip the delicious selection of mocktails and tuck into the fresh-out-of-the-oven brie and truffle honey pizza or the tomahawk steak as a treat; practically obligatory is the French toast – because why not? The setting is just as glorious: linger for long enough, and you’ll almost believe you’re in Paris rather than Riyadh.
Sadelle’s, Mansard Hotel, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, daily 7am to 11.30pm. @sadellesriyadh
Party it up at FOWG
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If you’ve ever wanted to dance under the stars with the city’s skyline as your backdrop, you’re in for a treat. Get ready for an epic musical night with MDLBeast at KAFD’s rooftop. On Thursday January 4, kick off the year on a high note and head right up to FOWG to be part of DJ Cosmicat’s birthday celebrations. DJs Vinyl Mode and Varoo will also be there to lay down the hottest tunes.
FOWG: Rooftop Experience in Riyadh, Jan 4, 10pm to 2am, 4.04 KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. The ticket price starts from SAR249 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Friday January 5
Take part in the Tough Mudder challenge
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Conquer over 20 obstacles and a whole lot of mud with your teammates at the Tough Mudder challenge this weekend. Participants can take part in either the 5km or the 10km course, while little ones (six to 12 years old) can join in the fun with the Tough Mudder Kids course. All participants will get a t-shirt, headband, and action photos.
Tough Mudder Riyadh, Jan 5, 7.15am, Dirab Motor Park. Tickets can be purchased here. @toughmudderarabia
Rev up your passion
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Calling all classic car enthusiasts. Prepare yourself for a day filled with the revving of engines, the gleam of polished chrome, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. The Classic Car Show at The Boulevard Riyadh (not to be confused with Riyadh Season’s Boulevard Riyadh City) promises a diverse display that captures the essence of automotive history. Don’t miss the classic car rally and parade, too.
Classic Car Show, Jan 5, 3pm to 7pm, The Boulevard, 5186 Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13513. @theboulevard_riyadh
Another packed night of music
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This weekend, Desert Sound is hosting its latest sound experience, Under The Bridge. It will take place at Laurel Oasis Farm, adding to the ethereal atmosphere of the event and making you forget that you’re in Diriyah District. Within the palm trees, the stage is where performers keep the party going throughout the night, giving it the feel of an unofficial techno rave. On Friday January 5, Desert Sound is bringing in Italian-brother duo Mathame. The Techno kings will be joined by local DJs – DishDash, Ant, Misha, Leigh, Basha, and OAIALS. Don’t miss it.
Desert Sound, Jan 5, 7pm to 3am, Laurel Oasis Farm, 7561, Riyadh, PGVM+628 Diriyah. The ticket price starts from SAR350 and can be purchased here. @desertsound.co
Eat to the beat at So. Fleur
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Jazz with a side of delicious French-Mediterranean food? Don’t mind if we do. So. Fleur is hosting jazz night on Friday January 5, so be sure to reserve a table.
So. Fleur, Weekend Jazz Escape, Jan 5, 7pm to 11pm, Hittin, Prince Turki AlAwwal St, Riyadh 13512. @so.fleur.sa
Rave in the ruins of an abandoned hospital
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ERGA takes place in the now-defunct Irqah Hospital and is an audio-visual spectacular where the music takes you on a mental sonic trip across various sounds and styles. Featuring two separate dance floors known as The Ward and The ER, its location is the most dystopian one ever seen. Headliners on Friday January 5 include Anmarz, Baloo and Tarek Antabi, spinning all night long in The Ward, and O Squared, Dabous, and Saoud in The ER. It looks like it will be a sick Friday night at ERGA.
ERGA, Jan 5, 9pm to 2am, Irqah Hospital, Riyadh 12586. The ticket price starts from SAR199 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Saturday January 6
Have a slice of bliss from the South of France
In celebration of the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, LPM Riyadh is launching a series of seasonal pastries, beginning with their Couronne des Rois cake. Available from January 6 to 21, this festive take on a classic dessert features lemon as the main ingredient, symbolising the humble fruit as a key emblem of LPM and its connection to the French Riviera. The brioche bread-based cake, adorned with sugar rather than the classic candied fruit, will be priced at SAR210.
LPM Restaurant & Café, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. @lpmriyadh
Take the kids to the Big Fun Museum
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Visit the Big Fun Museum for a whole world of fun and illusion waiting to be discovered. This new attraction features three immersive adventures in one place – Fairy Forest, Museum of Emotions, and Museum of Illusions. The right place to have a great time with friends and family.
Big Fun Museum, Park Avenue, Gate 4, Sun to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs noon to 2am, Fri 3pm to 2am, Sat 1pm to midnight. Tickets start from SAR80 and can be purchased here. @bigfun_family
Beat the bars at Prison Island
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While you’re at Park Avenue for the Big Fun Museum, why not take the older kids to spend their free time in cells filled with challenges? That’s fun at Prison Island, where you and your mates must work together to complete obstacles and tasks in order to break free. There are 35 cells to complete, each testing your physical or mental mettle. Prices start from SAR99 for juveniles and SAR149 for inmates. Activewear and trainers are required, and changing room facilities are available on-site.
Prison Island, First Floor, Park Avenue Mall, 7042 Said Ibn Zayd Rd, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13247. Tel: 055 028 7066. @prisonisland.ksa
Images: Provided / Instagram