11 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: April 24 to 26
Keep your plans exciting…
Looking for an exciting weekend escape from the dull, mundane routine of everyday life? You’re in luck. Riyadh is buzzing with events and activities that let you unwind, explore, and have fun. From popular attractions to seasonal activities and hidden gems, there’s something for everyone of all ages. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to chill with friends or family, our weekend guide has got you covered.
Here are 11 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: April 24 to 26.
Thursday April 24
Party it up at 1001 Music Festival
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Happening from Thursday April 24 to Friday April 25, self-described as a ‘festival beyond the sands, where the music never stops and legends come to life.’ Lineup highlights include DJ Snake, Salvatore Ganacci, and R3HAB. Read the full details here.
1001 Music Festival in Riyadh, Apr 24 to 25, Banban, 4pm to 2am. Tickets here. @a.thousandandone
Community Day at Level Up
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Community Day at LEVEL UP is a day dedicated to bringing people together in an atmosphere of fun and connection. Featuring a variety of activities suitable for everyone, such as group games and interactive events. The goal is to create enjoyable and memorable moments among members and foster a sense of community in an environment filled with excitement and joy.
Community Day at Level Up, Hittin, 8.30pm. Book your SAR60 pass here.
Get a slice of the action
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The capital’s dining scene is taking a giant bite out of the Big Apple, with New York-based pizzeria Emmy Squared Pizza making its way to Via Riyadh. Riyadh foodies can try the iconic square-shaped pizza as of Thursday April 24. But it’s here for a limited time only, as the exclusive pop-up will run for just two weeks.
Emmy Squared Pizza Pop-Up, Via Riyadh, opens Apr 24. @emmysquaredpizza_sa
Boulevard World
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Known to be Riyadh Season’s largest and most ambitious project to date, this season’s Boulevard World closes on Saturday May 3. Tickets are now available via webook.com, priced at SAR20 for weekday tickets and SAR30 for weekends. Like previous years, culture is at the core of Boulevard World’s sprawling site, with more than a dozen pavilions dedicated to different countries and regions. There are five new pavilions to look forward to this year: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel.
Boulevard World, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. Book your tickets here.
Friday April 25
Head to the newly opened Cafe L’Occitane
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When you think of L’Occitane, the first thing that comes to mind would probably be lotions formulated with natural, delicious sweet-smelling ingredients like lavender, almond and shea butter. But the French beauty brand is more than just its array of au naturale beauty products. In fact, L’Occitane has a café that serves up delicious French-inspired dishes. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to visit its cafés in Shibuya, Paris, or Dubai, you’re in for a treat because L’Occitane Café is finally coming to Riyadh.
L’Occitane Café, 1364 AH Complex, Diplomatic Quarter, 3652 Amr Aldamri St, Al Safarat, 8080 Riyadh 12512.
Learn how to make Coya’s ceviche
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Looking for a fun cooking class in Riyadh for a date night or just a night out with your friends? How about this masterclass at Latin American restaurant COYA? Renowned for its Peruvian experience in the city, COYA Riyadh is excited to bring back its ceviche and mocktails masterclass, inviting guests to learn the art of making COYA’s famous drinks and ceviches. The masterclass will take place on Friday April 25 from 6pm to 9pm. It promises to be a fun, intimate, and engaging experience, and you can still sign up for it.
COYA Riyadh, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223. SAR300 per person. Tel: 9200 10352. @coyariyadh
Dance the night away
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Keep the party going at day two of the sensational 1001 Music Festival. Dance away to beats by the likes of ARTBAT, BIO, Baloo, Blacky, Bood, Brawther, BRQ, Dish Dash, Dixon, Dr Alfons, Eric Prydz, Foehn & Jerome, Hot Since 82, Immortal, Innella, Kayan, Majid, Marco Carola, Margaret Dygas, Moontalk, Nicole Moudaber, Øostil, Omar Fayyad, Parallelle, Q, Rag, RDJ, Rolbac, Spacegurrl, Sokkary, Soul, and Zamna Soundsystem on Friday April 25.
1001 Music Festival in Riyadh, Apr 24 to 25, Banban, 4pm to 2am. Tickets here. @a.thousandandone
Saturday April 26
Check out Art of the Kingdom
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After a successful run in Rio de Janeiro, the Museums Commission announced that “Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations,” will be making its way to the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at JAX District. Happening until Saturday May 24, the exhibition is the first travelling group exhibition of Saudi contemporary artists. Showcasing works by 17 prominent Saudi artists from different generations, regions, and artistic practices. From paintings to installations and video works, the artworks shed light on Saudi Arabia’s history, collective memory, and cultural traditions.
Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, JAX District. @samocamoc
Dine and play at Foodsphere
Saudi Arabia, a land steeped in rich cultural heritage, is home to a diverse and flavourful culinary tradition. For a sensory journey through the Kingdom’s rich food culture, you can now check out FoodSphere, a new immersive space located on Riyadh’s Tahlia Street. It takes guests on a journey of discovery within the future of innovation, the fundamental connections that shape our food ecosystem and the city’s sustainable future. FoodSphere covers an area of 11,000 square meters and features three indoor zones. Visitors will be guided through each themed space. Read more here.
Riyadh Oases: FoodSphere, 6871 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz (Tahlia Street), Riyadh 12242, Sat to Thurs 9am to 11pm & Fri 4pm to 11pm. @riyadhoases
AOK Kitchen’s new branch is now open
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If you’ve feasted on A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh’s delectable treats over the years at the King Abdullah Financial District location, you’ll be delighted to know the brand is now opening in Diriyah. Welcome to A.O.K Kitchen Diriyah. Set to open this month, A.O.K Kitchen will be setting up shop in the newly opened Zallal Diriyah complex, a short three years after the KAFD location opened. The new 78-seat venue seamlessly integrates A.O.K. Kitchen’s contemporary design with Najdi architectural elements to establish a unique dining atmosphere that pays homage to Diriyah’s history.
A.O.K Kitchen Diriyah, Zallal Diriyah. @aokkitchensaudi
Spring has sprung at II Baretto
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There’s a brand-new seasonal menu in town, and you need to check it out. Celebrating Italy’s rich culinary traditions through fresh local ingredients and Chef Alex Simone’s passion for seasonal dining, the menu is an ultimate Italian experience this weekend. From vibrant seafood antipasti and nourishing vegetable dishes to hearty homemade pastas and wood-grilled mains, the new menu brings the warmth and charm of an Italian Spring right to Riyadh.
Spring menu at II Baretto, KAFD, daily 12.30pm to midnight. @ilbarettosa