10 fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend: July 3 to 5
Happy first weekend of July…
When searching for the best things to do in Riyadh each weekend, it’s hard not to end up more confused and indecisive than when you started. While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, spend an evening in one of Riyadh’s music venues, or even explore an iconic Riyadh attraction, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are ten fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday July 3
Get your Pickl fix
You can now get your Pickl fix at not one, but two dine-in locations in Riyadh: Cenomi Al-Nakheel Mall and UWalk. Think vibrant interiors, neon signage, cosy booths, striking graphic walls, a fun, high-energy atmosphere and a menu that delivers serious flavour. So, head on down and dive into Pickl’s juicy smash preservative-free beef burgers, crispy chicken sandos with daring spice levels, and their insanely good house-made sauces (the Nashville is our favourite).
Locations: Cenomi Al-Nakheel Mall & UWalk, Riyadh
Timings: Open daily from noon
Live the VR world
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Looking to switch up your usual routine with a night of free-roam adventuring, escape rooms in alternate worlds and trips to whole other universes? Don headsets and immerse yourself in VR social gaming night at Level Up. After all, what’s better than a night out that has you feeling like you’re soaring through the clouds and fighting against mythical creatures?
Location: VR Social Gaming Night, Level Up, Hittin, Riyadh 13513
Timings: 6pm
Party it up at Unstable
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Party people, you know the drill. Get ready for a night of high-energy vibes at Unstable. Tonight (Thursday July 3), French DJ Manda Moor brings her groove-heavy house and techno vibes, supported by local favourites Vinyl Mode and Dul.
Location: Unstable, Diplomatic Quarters
Timings: 10pm to 3am
Cost: SAR400 per person (ladies get free entry before 11pm). An UNSTABLE visa is required to enter and you can apply it here.
Friday July 4
Your weekend just got a little more American
La Brasserie turns up the heat for flame-grilled favourites and smoky aromas with a special ‘A Taste of America’ brunch on Friday July 4 to celebrate USA’s Independence Day in true BBQ style.
Location: La Brasserie, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh, King Fahad Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212
Timings: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: Adult SAR397 for adults & SAR205 for children. Free for six years and below.
Contact: 011 273 2005 / @mo_alfaisaliah
Beat the bars at Prison Island
Want to spend your free time in cells filled with challenges? That’s fun at Prison Island, where you and your mates must work together to complete obstacles and tasks in order to break free. There are 35 cells to complete, each testing your physical or mental mettle. Prices start from SAR99 for juveniles and SAR149 for inmates. Activewear and trainers are required, and changing room facilities are available on-site.
Location: Prison Island, First Floor, Park Avenue Mall, 7042 Said Ibn Zayd Rd, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13247
Contact: 055 028 7066 / @prisonisland.ksa
Get ready for world-class MMA
PFL MENA Season 2 continues in Riyadh on Friday July 4, bringing the region’s top talent and rising stars back into the SmartCage. This season, 32 elite fighters from across the Middle East and North Africa will compete in the PFL’s signature format: one fight, followed by the semi-finals, and then the finals to crown the absolute best. With four stacked divisions, including newly signed champions from top regional promotions, Season 2 promises even more action, intensity, and star power.
Location: PFL MENA 2 Season 2, Green Hall Sports, Ar Rafiah, Riyadh
Timing: 6pm
Cost: Starts from SAR30 Book your tickets here.
See you on the dance floor
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Friday (July 4) at Beast House is a night for groove chasers and deep listeners. Expect warm basslines, hypnotic sonics, and rhythmic storytelling from Tarek Antabi, who will be bringing rhythmic flow from the Saudi underground, Dabous, who will blend deep-tech with Arabic textures and bold percussion, and Soubra, who will be delivering dark, minimalist selections.
Location: Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh
Timings: 9pm to 3am
Cost: Tickets start from SAR199 and can be purchased here.
Saturday July 5
Brunch bliss at A.O.K Kitchen
Come and discover A.O.K’s new summer experience. Embracing the carefree summer spirit of indulgence, and for those who believe brunch is best enjoyed unhurried and sun-drenched, the A.O.K Brunch Buffet at KAFD is now a weekend essential. Available Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm, the buffet includes a vibrant spread of starters, salads and pastries, followed by a choice of a main course. From avocado on toast to A.O.K’s signature rumbled eggs, parmesan creamy rigatoni to grilled local chicken burgers, each dish is as wholesome as it is worthy of a weekend treat.
Location: A.O.K Kitchen KAFD
Timings: Fridays & Saturdays, 11am to 4pm
Cost: SAR149
Contact: 9200 25304 / @aokkitchensaudi
Cupcake decorating for kids
Give your child a fun weekend activity learning to ice and decorate cupcakes, with Kayzo’s head pastry chef. They will have hours of creative fun and they can then take their cupcakes home to enjoy with the rest of the family.
Location: Cupcake Decorating Workshop, Kayzo, 2752 Prince Musaid bin Abdulaziz bin Jalawi Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234
Timings: Every Saturday 4pm
Cost: SAR150 per child.
Contact: 9200 14156 / @kayzo.saudi
Work up a sweat at this wallet-friendly gym
Attention all gym junkies. If you were thinking about changing your gym membership or just looking to join one, the first GymNation Riyadh branch is now open. The brand-new gym, located on Thumamah Road in the Qurtubah District, provides separate facilities for men and women. From Saudi Arabia’s first HYROX Performance Centre to the country’s largest Reformer Pilates studio, GymNation is raising new standards for what a gym should be. Members can enjoy the broadest selection of group exercise classes, including LES MILLS, cycling, yoga, and more, alongside top-tier recovery facilities such as ice baths and dedicated wellness zones. What sets GymNation apart from the rest, though? It provides a truly world-class fitness experience at an affordable monthly membership fee, with monthly passes starting from SAR199.
Location: GymNation, Thumamah Road, Qurtubah, Riyadh
Opening hours: 24/7
Images: What’s On Archives / Social
