12 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: November 7 to 9
You won’t be short of epic things to do…
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, rave it out all night, or check out the Riyadh Season zones, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 12 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday November 7
Catch the world’s top female tennis stars in action
The first edition of the WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF has seen history made both on and off the court, with the first-ever WTA event arriving in the Kingdom for the season-ending finals. Fans can look forward to a thrilling Thursday at King Saud University, with WTA Finals 2023 champion Iga Swiatek (POL), WTA World Number 3 Coco Gauff (USA) and Wimbledon 2024 champion Barbora Krejicikova (CZE) in action.
WTA Finals Riyadh, Nov 7, 1pm to 11pm, Nov 8, 3.30pm to 11pm & Nov 9, 4pm to 10pm, King Saud University Indoor Arena. Tickets start from SAR32.50 and can be purchased here. @wtafinalsriyadh
Explore Sudanese culture at Suwaidi Park
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Al-Suwaidi Park, once again, gets a bright uplift for Riyadh Season’s most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, taking you on a journey around the world through traditional foods, music, dances, and handicrafts. Thursday November 7 to Saturday November 16 is the Sudanese culture week, so head on down to enjoy live performances by international singers, lots of tasty treats, and lively bazaars.
Al-Suwaidi Park, Oct 13 to Nov 30, 4pm to midnight. Although entry is free, you’re still required to book tickets on the WeBook website or mobile app. @riyadhseason
Party it up at Beast House
Set to dive into the ultimate music scene in Riyadh? Chart-topping German duo, Tomi & Kesh, headline Thursday night with their signature minimal and deep house sounds. Also on the lineup is another dynamic duo, Saudi favourites Future Loop, who set the tone with their deep tech sets.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR250 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Celebrate House of Grill’s one-year anniversary
Celebrated Chef Nicolas Isnard is back at Fairmont Hotel Riyadh this weekend for the first anniversary of House of Grill. If you’ve always wanted to unleash your cooking potential, come and participate in Chef Isnard’s interactive cooking classes (SAR650 per person) from 5pm to 7pm. The intimate and engaging sessions offer participants insider culinary tips and the chance to prepare a three-course menu of signature dishes personally guided by the master chef himself. For those who prefer to indulge in the Chef’s tasting menu instead, you can savour a luxurious five-course dinner (SAR690 per person) showcasing his creative Mediterranean cuisine, available from 7pm to 11pm.
Interactive Cooking Classes with Chef Nicolas Isnard, until Nov 9, 5pm to 7pm, SAR650 per person & Five-Course Dinner Tasting Menu, until Nov 9, 7pm to 11pm, SAR690 per person, House of Grill, Fairmont Hotel Riyadh. Tel: 011 826 2626. @houseofgrillksa
MeloTech wraps up their series
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Melotech Records delivers its hypnotic blend of house and techno for its last event of the season at The Warehouse in JAX District. Known for creating atmospheric and immersive experiences, Melotech XTENDED Series promises to be a deep and unforgettable journey, made even better with an upgraded Function One sound system, a first in Saudi Arabia. Sideral from Afterlife and Habitat will light up the dancefloor, joined by local heroes RDJ, Darko Delix and SABBGH. Expect pulsating beats and high-energy grooves, perfect for the closing party.
Melotech | Season Closing, Nov 7, 9pm to 3am, The Warehouse, JAX District. Tickets start from SAR250 and can be purchased here. @melotechrecords
Friday November 8
Pony rides for the kiddos
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If you’re looking for a ride for the kids, Little Hooves lessons at Medhal Equestrian Centre are perfect for children between the ages of two and five years old. They will learn the basics of horseback riding such as mounting a horse and holding onto the reins. And if your child has never been up close to one of these friendly animals before, now’s the chance to give them an introduction. So, saddle up and enjoy the ride.
Medhal Little Hooves lessons, every Friday, 9am & 10am, Medhal Equestrian Centre. @medhalequestriancentre
An electrifying night of music with Aaron Sevilla
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Mexican DJ and producer Aaron Sevilla will be delivering a high-energy, big-room Afro and Latin house set at the Saudi Media City in Riyadh. Known for his intense percussions and subtle but contagious vocals, Aaron will bring unforgettable moments to your weekend. Joining him will be Bkr, Igniter, Immortal and Spacegurrl.
Euphoria Presents Aaron Sevilla in Riyadh, Nov 8, 8pm to 3am, Saudi Media City, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR350 and can be purchased here.
An exciting one-night-only food festival at Via Riyadh
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For a night of culinary adventures and epic beats, head to Via Riyadh as Eats & Beats by Cool Inc takes over for a one-night-only festival of flavour, music, and excitement. Here’s what to expect: Six of the city’s most renowned restaurants will be serving up delicious food (think a collection of pass-around canapés, live stations, and mocktail bars, all carefully crafted by the glorious culinary minds behind Scott’s, Spago, Madeo, chi SPACCA, Raoul’s, and Gymkhana) and a slice of entertainment featuring a diverse line-up of over 20 music performers. Watch the fire, light and bubble shows and march to the sound of the beat, tune in and tune up for the 11pm closing performance.
Eats and Beats at Via Riyadh, AlHada District, 8pm to 3am. This is a ticketed event, priced at SAR250 per person. Get your tickets here. @coolinc.sa
Continue dancing the night away at Beast House
Friday (November 8) at BeastHouse brings one of the UK’s most prominent house DJs, Sam Divine, who headlines a special night that will also welcome the deep and dark sets of local favorite Sabbagh and multitalented musician, producer, and DJ, Kayan, and her signature melodic sounds.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR250 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday November 9
Get your breakfast fix at Jon & Vinny’s
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If you haven’t heard, LA’s favourite casual Italian spot, Jon & Vinny’s, is open for breakfast. We’ve always loved the cosy and minimalist aesthetic featuring sleek blonde wood seating, with pops of green and their branded display of pizza boxes. The ricotta bruschetta and buttermilk pancakes are the things to get here.
Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh, Breakfast is available from Sun to Thurs 8am to 11.30am, Fri & Sat 8am to 12.30pm, The Elite, Al Dabbab Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234. Tel: 9200 18212. @jonandvinnys.ksa
Family-friendly fun awaits at Riyadh Zoo
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Catching a glimpse of your favourite animals up close can be a thrilling experience. And all it takes is visiting the newly opened Riyadh Zoo. As part of the Riyadh Season 2024, the zone will be hosting live shows and interactive experiences, complete with multiple new attractions that you can look forward to. Get up close to the crocodiles, explore the brand-new aviary, hand-feed the kangaroos, and enjoy an exciting bird show, too.
Riyadh Zoo, Al Malaz, 9am to 5pm. Book your free tickets here. @riyadhseason
Wonder Garden is now open
Returning for its second edition, Wonder Garden 2024 defines itself as the first magical garden-themed amusement park. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder and joy, with a giant whimsical gate leading you into three different realms where flamingo birds, vibrant butterflies, and magnificent trees await to captivate you.
Wonder Garden, Al Qirawan, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight & Thu to Sat 5pm to midnight. SAR50 for weekends & SAR25 for weekdays. Get your tickets here.