11 top things to do in Riyadh this week: September 29 to October 2

October’s on the horizon…

September’s almost over, but before that we have two more fun-filled days to go. From cool book fairs to top restaurants, activities and movies to see, here’s our edit on the best things to do in Riyadh this week: September 29 to October 2.

Sunday September 29

Bibliophiles get your fix at the Riyadh International Book Fair

Happening from Thursday September 26 to Saturday October 5, the Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest events of its kind to be held region wide. You can expect cultural programs like meet-and-greets with writers, poets and intellectuals from all over the region. Usually, the fair is a family affair, complete with a children’s pavilion. The area sees interesting experiences like art, theatre and musical performances, among other cool engaging activities all catered to the tiny tots.

Riyadh International Book Fair, Sept 26 to Oct 5, Sat to Thurs 11am to 11pm & Fri 2pm to 22pm, King Saud University, Riyadh. Free entry but you need to register here.

Check out Steam Festival 2024

 

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Hosted under the theme ‘Explore Your Passion—Unlock Your Potential,’ this iconic festival will be focusing on ‘Fun Chemistry and the World of Petrochemicals.’ The festival combines education, entertainment, and learning. Head here for fun with the entire family.

Steam Festival, King Salman Science Oasis. Buy your SAR35 tickets here.

Have business lunch at COYA

COYA is a great place to have a business lunch in Riyadh, and it won big at the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2024 for the favourite business lunch. Not only is it a gorgeous spot, but its lunch menu gives you two options and both are worth every riyal. Priced at SAR155 per person for the Batea Peruna and SAR185 for the Batea Peruna Premium, you get a delicious three-course meal with a generous round of appetisers, a choice of mains and of course dessert, too.

Coya Riyadh, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thu to Fri 1pm to 12.30am. @coyariyadh

Test your general knowledge

 

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If you’re ever around the Sociale area on a Sunday evening, you need to stop by. The cafe usually hosts weekly quiz nights under different themes, and this week, you can look forward to a general knowledge quiz, and test yourself. Bring by a group of friends and let winner take all.

General knowledge quiz night at Sociale, Tahlia Street, 8pm to 10pm. @sociale.events

Monday September 30

Catch The Middle East’s first travelling water circus

Fontana, the Middle East’s first travelling water circus, is hoisting its big top in Riyadh. Taking place until the end of December, the shows are held under the Fontana circus tent pitched up at the open space next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall. Brought to the capital by the Lebanese group Cirque Du Liban, the aquatic show combines a thrilling mix of mind-bending illusions and astounding acrobatics. Expect to see awe-inspiring dancers, gravity-defying aerialists, and incredible circus thrills that will enthral the entire family.

Fontana by Cirque Du Liban, until end-Dec, 6pm to 9pm (the show starts at 7pm sharp), Fontana Circus, Al Mughrizat, Riyadh (next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall). Tickets start from SAR95 and can be purchased here. @fontanashow

Meet Brainwash Lounge

Now open on King Abdullah Road in Al Mursilat, the lounge is one of the coolest venues in town. It’s an entirely new experience and one you simply must grab your cameras for. Enter and you’ll be greeted with staff dressed in head-to-toe hospital gear, we’re talking white coats, nursing outfits, stethoscopes, and more. Take one look at the menu and you’ll find a wide variety of drinks (some of which are actually served in syringes).

Brainwash Lounge Riyadh, King Abdullah Rd, Al Mursilat, 11922. @brainwashlounge

Tuesday October 1

Get ready for a slime party

Slime lovers (that’s all kids) get excited, because Slimers is a new interactive slime play store at Granada Mall. You can buy slime-making kits to do at home or get the experiential slime-making experience in-store. Choose a slime texture, colour, and then the kiddos can start mixing and stretching their slime until it comes together. It’s a fun activity and they can even bring their slime home with them at the end.

Slimers, Ground Floor, Granada Mall, The price starts from SAR85. @slimersksa1

Grab a sarnie at Noho Deli

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

Wednesday October 2

Café Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is now open

Finally, the all-day dining concept on the lobby level of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre will be open. Enter Café Boulud Riyadh, which marks Chef Daniel Boulud’s first entry into Saudi Arabia. Expect the space to be light and airy, filled with Art Deco touches, plush banquettes, sculpted bronze, gilded copper, and polished stone, along with the room’s black and white tile, varnished wood flooring, and stunning art pieces. The gorgeous brasserie will feature a menu rooted in French culinary traditions, offering both classic bistro dishes and inventive creations.

Café Boulud Riyadh, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. Tel: 011 211 5000. @fsriyadh

Watch Joker: Folie à Deux at muvi UWalk 

 

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After witnessing the masterpiece that was Todd Phillips’ Joker, only a musical can one-up that in the world of sequels. Perhaps the most incredible new addition to this piece is Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, a casting decision that could only have been inspired by the powers that be. Joaquin Phoenix will be stepping into the shoes of Joker once again and will be taking the villain origin story forward. Catch the movie at the one and only muvi Cinemas in UWalk.

Visit: muvicinemas.com

Things to do