15 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: August 15 to 17
Cheers to the weekend…
Can’t decide what to do this weekend? While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, raving it out all night, or even checking out an art exhibition, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 15 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday August 15
Grab a sarnie at Noho Deli
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We have three words for you: Rueben pastrami sandwich. And this new spot in Riyadh is taking sarnies to new heights. Noho Deli is one of those if-you-know-you-know kind of street food places, and you can find it serving its epic subs in the Al Aqiq district. Other indulgent fillings on the menu include roast beef, smoked turkey, and grilled chicken pesto. The homemade beetroot chips are another solid choice. Eat in and enjoy the people-watching, or grab a bag to go along with one of the interesting salads and smoothies for lunch.
Noho Deli, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 12341, daily noon to 1am. @nohodeli
Get a little crafty over a cup of coffee
Looking for an eclectic all-day cafe in an airy space that also hosts craft classes? Enter Cosefan in Diriyah. This hidden gem offers different creative activities for children and adults, such as painting, clay-making, and acrylic colouring.
Cosefan, Diriyah, 3726 Prince Abdullah Abdul Rahman, Al Diriyah, Al Jadidah, Diriyah 13732, Sat to Wed 7am to 1am, Thurs & Fri 7am to 2am. SAR 79 for painting, SAR134 for clay-making & SAR179 for acrylic colouring. @cosefan1
Check out the summer exhibition at Misk
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28 Saudi and Saudi-based artists invite you to explore the profound interplay between people and the places that shape us at “Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall Exhibition: Summer 2024“. Through digital-based media, they unveil vivid personal narratives interwoven with the essence of the cities, touching on collective memories.
Summer Exhibition at Misk Art Institute, until Aug 29, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, Sat to Thu 4pm to 10pm. @miskartinst
Hit up the AFT_R concerts with your besties
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Game ends and the party begins. Head to Mohammed Abdo Arena for AFT_r, the Esports World Cup (EWC) after-party. Enjoy international, regional, and local artists every week after the Esports World Cup competitions. Headliners on Thursday August 15 are Bebe Rexha, Afrojack, and Cosmicat.
AFT_r, 9pm to 1.30am, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City. Tickets start from SAR149 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Party it up at Beast House
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The countdown to the weekend has officially begun… Tonight, Ukrainian DJ/producer Kirik will headline Beast House with a set blending everything from tech house to deep house. Also, look out for local duo Hats & Klaps, who will warm up the crowd with their own grooves and infectious sounds. Trust us when we say the vibe, atmosphere, and talent here make this one of the hottest gig venues in the city.
Beast House, Aug 15, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, J12, JAX District, Riyadh 13732. The price starts from SAR250 per person and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday August 16
Indulge in an Indian feast
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Craving for Indian food? Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah will be hosting Executive Chef Manik Magotra from The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, to take you on an unbelievable Indian gastronomic journey. Signature dishes include Dahi Bhalla, Raan-e-Awadh, and a whole Leg of Lamb. The dining experience at La Brasserie will be complemented by traditional decorations, music and beverages inspired by India.
Indian Feast at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, La Brasserie, noon to 3.30pm (lunch on Aug 15), 6.30pm to 11.30pm (dinner on Aug 15), 1pm to 5.30pm (brunch on Aug 16). @mo_alfaisaliah
Sign up for a tote bag drawing workshop
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Unleash your creativity, paint your very own tote bag and show it to the world. In this workshop by Bonjour Saudi, you will learn about Saudi-inspired patterns to create your very own unique design.
Tote Bags Drawing, Aug 16, 7pm to 9pm, Bonjour Saudi, Diriyah. SAR180 per person. @bonjoursaudi
An exclusive evening with the creators of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
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Calling all Final Fantasy fans. Secure your tickets to an exclusive evening of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Night on Friday August 16. Square Enix executives, producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Naoki Hamaguchi, will be making a special appearance to unravel the secrets behind Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in a star-studded fan event.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Night, Aug 16, 8pm, Riyadh’s Falcons Team HQ, Boulevard Riyadh City. @qiddiyagaming
Pop by The Pepsi Diner
A perfectly crafted Black Tap burger with a crisp, refreshing Pepsi — what’s not to love? You can choose to sit at the counter and mingle or slide into a booth and devour burgers with friends. The high-energy atmosphere at The Pepsi Diner pop-up also makes it a great place for parties (there’s a DJ booth at the corner, so you can groove to the beats from a live DJ).
The Pepsi Diner Pop-Up, until the last weekend of August (to be confirmed), Boulevard Riyadh, 6pm to late night. @pepsi_saudi
Continue to dance the night away at Beast House
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Can’t get enough of Beast House? A fusion of house takes over on Friday August 16, as the club welcomes former Concrete Paris resident, co-founder of Æternum Music, and all-round house innovator, Lowris, to the stage. Also taking to the decks are two local favourites: minimal and groove mavens, Majid and Gooner.
Beast House, Aug 16, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR250 per person and tickets can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday August 17
Brunching… the ROKA way
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ROKA is one of the city’s most perennially popular hotspots for Japanese food. Its new semi-buffet brunch concept features 16 of the restaurant’s irresistible signature dishes and live stations. Expect a variety of bites, including yakisoba noodles, variations of gyozas, sushi, sashimi and skewers, hearty robata favourites for mains, as well as a dessert platter to finish. All of this is accompanied by a fantastic live DJ on the decks and a totally fun vibe, which ROKA is renowned for.
ROKA Riyadh Saturday Brunch, 1pm to 5pm, 5140 Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243 7053. SAR295 per person & SAR95 for children aged six to 12. Tel: 9200 12327. @rokarestaurant.ksa
A fun family day out on an adventure farm
If you’re looking for a family adventure away from the hustle and bustle of Riyadh, requires minimal effort in planning, and don’t mind a two-hour drive out of the city centre, then the Alshebah Resort is the place for you. Look forward to live animal encounters such as deers and emu, camel and horse rides, and a kid’s play area – this really is an action-packed day for all ages. There are also food stalls, a café and picnic areas – perfect for a day out with families and friends.
Alshebah Resort Hotah bin Tamim, Al Islamiah, Howtat Bani Tamim 16511, Saudi Arabia, Thurs & Fri 7am to 3am, Sat to Wed 7am to midnight. SAR30 for adults and SAR10 for kids.
Visit the ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition
The ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition has made its first international stop in Riyadh. Unfolding through three distinct spaces at the National Museum – from the raw beauty of nature to bustling town streets and the setting of a private home, the exhibition enables visitors to experience the evolution of perfume-making through a blend of historical treasures and modern artistic expressions.
Perfumes of the East, until Sept 14, Mon to Wed & Sat 9am to 6pm, Thurs 9am to 9pm & Fri 2pm to 9pm, National Museum. Tickets are priced at SAR29 and can be purchased here.
Give horse riding a go
Ladies, saddle up for a leisurely horseback ride at Al Farisa Equestrian Club. Led by an all-female staff, you’ll get to explore the surrounding trails and canter across the acres of land that surround the equestrian club. Great for all levels, from experienced to beginner.
Horseback Riding for Women at Al Farisa Equestrian, Alfursan, Ash Sharq, Riyadh 13635, Mon to Sat 5pm to 11pm. The price for a horseback riding session starts at SAR79 per person. Book your spot here.
Stretch your body and mind
