12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this week: October 27 to 30
Make plans…
There’s never a dull moment in Riyadh. There’s always so much to do, from quiz nights to monthly dessert specials, the city is constantly lit up with incredible activities. Here’s our edit on the best things to do in Riyadh this week: October 27 to 30.
Sunday October 27
Test your scary movie knowledge
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Every Sunday, the cafe hosts a fun and exciting quiz night. On Sunday October 27, the theme will be scary movies. So brush up on the likes of The Shining, The Platform, and more.
Scary Movie quiz night, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm to 10pm, Sun Oct 27. @sociale.events
Check out the Pinktober special at A.O.K. Kitchen
Pink matcha and pink pancakes? Yes, please. Giving an attractive rosy hue to one of its most famous and popular dishes, the A.O.K. Kitchen Pancake Stack has turned pink – served with fresh pink berries and chantilly cream. Then, wash it all down with its popular So Matcha drinks (which will be turned from their signature green to pink): classic matcha latte, served hot with a matcha biscuit and matcha chocolate on the side, or the Jazzling Matcha, a refreshing creation served over ice that brings together the crisp taste of matcha with hints of jasmine, lemon, and mango. Plus, 15 per cent of the proceeds will go to Zahra Association.
A.O.K. Kitchen, KAFD Wadi, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. Tel: 9200 25304. @aokkitchensaudi
Check into the Vampire Hotel
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Located in the Italy pavilion, The Vampire Hotel is exactly how it sounds. It features multiple rooms, each of which holds a scary survival challenge that you have to survive to move to the next room.
The Vampire Hotel, Boulevard World, Italy Pavillion. Buy your tickets here for SAR80.
Monday October 28
Go pumpkin carving
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Another top spooky season activity, pumpkin carving, is also on the menu for spooky season events. Sit down, grab a carving knife, and unleash your inner artist to create an uber cool jack-o-lanterns.
Pumpkin Carving, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm to 10pm, Mon Oct 28. @sociale.events
Have a cuppa at Café Kitsuné
The wait is finally over. Cult-favourite Café Kitsuné makes its debut at Laysen Valley, marking the famed French-Japanese café’s first foray into Saudi Arabia. Boasting a space with an outdoor terrace and French and Japanese influences (think: oak wood outfittings), the café exudes a chic and warm vibe. Besides the brand’s signature speciality coffee, you can look forward to indulgent snacks and pastries, such as Café Kitsuné’s iconic Fox-shaped shortbread and sandos. You can also browse a selection of Café Kitsuné themed merchandise – from hoodies, T-shirts, tote bags, reusable bottles to coffee mugs – as well as freshly roasted coffee beans that you can bring home to enjoy.
Café Kitsune, King Khalid Br Rd, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thurs to Sat 4pm to 2am. @cafekitsune
Alfresco season is finally here
One of Riyadh’s most stylish rooftop spots, Iris Café’s lively outdoor terrace draws in the crowds with its views and calming jungle of foliage. Among pops of greenery, you can chow down on sliders with a mocktail in hand as you overlook the skyline. With a resident DJ to bring the tunes and its immersive visual projections and holograms, this foliage-filled hangout has an inviting, unstuffy, and fun feel.
Iris Café, Ramla Terraza, Riyadh 13321, daily 10am to 1am. @irisriyadh
Tuesday October 29
Bike through Wadi Hanifah
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On the Riyadh activity schedule for the week is a fun bike ride through the gorgeous valley of Wadi Hanifah with the amazing instructor, Latifa.
Bike ride through Wadi Hanifah, 8pm to 9pm. @rwg_community
Head to the new Base & Boon branch
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This is where the cool and edgy girls go to congregate. You can ask for whatever you like, but they’re well-known for their bright and gloriously cheerful designs. Walk into the gorgeous DQ location and you’ll find a bright pink venue that is perfect for a girly day out.
Base & Boon, Al Safarat, Tue to Sun noon to 9pm, Closed Mon. @baseandboon
Head to a food carnival
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Food is the way to our hearts, and Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District knows this, so the hotel is putting together an incredible foodie-centric event. Welcome to the International Food Carnival at Hilton Garden Inn. Happening until Wednesday November 2 at the Financial District branch, the carnival will feature booths from all over the world, and this one event you simply need to go to.
Food Carnival at Hilton Garden Inn, Financial District, 6pm to 11pm. @hiltongardeninnriyadh.kafd
Wednesday October 30
Explore Pakistani culture at Suwaidi Park
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This year, Al-Suwaidi Park – a major landmark in Riyadh that opened in 1983, once again, gets a bright uplift for Riyadh Season’s most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. The Al-Suwaidi Festival, which includes nine cultures over 49 days, takes you on a journey around the world through traditional foods, music, dances, and handicrafts. This week, you can explore Pakistani culture.
Al-Suwaidi Park, Oct 13 to Nov 30, 4pm to midnight. @riyadhseason
Catch horror movies and enjoy 30 per cent discount
Horror fans, here’s a treat for you (with none of the tricks). From now until Thursday October 31, moviegoers can enjoy 30 per cent discount on select horror movies at VOX Cinemas across Saudi Arabia. Celebrate the spookiest time of the year on the big screen with latest spine-tingling releases including Hellboy: The Crooked Man, Afraid, Alien: Romulus, Bagman, Imaginary, Longlegs, Never Let Go, and Three.
VOX Cinemas’ Spooktacular Halloween Offers, until Oct 31. Use code HORROR and book online at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app. @voxcinemasksa
Check out Hia Hub
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Returning to Riyadh’s JAX District in Diriyah, the event will be happening from Wednesday October 30 until Sunday November 3 on a much bigger scale than ever before. Featuring an exciting lineup of talks, panels, workshops, masterclasses and evening performances on the Billboard Arabia stage, Hia Hub 2024 will be held in partnership with Fashion Futures dedicated daily programme that appeals to industry leaders and academics.
Hia Hub, JAX District, until Nov 3, daily 3pm to midnight. Get your SAR50 ticket here. @hiahubofficial.