Everything worth doing in Riyadh this weekend
Happy weekend-ing
Not sure what to do this weekend in Riyadh? We’ve rounded up everything worth stepping out for – from markets and pop-ups to dining spots and one-off events.
Have a scroll through and start planning. Here’s your handy guide to the best things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Try P.F. Chang’s new Dynamite menu
Dynamite sauce fans, this one’s for you. P.F. Chang’s has just launched a limited-edition Dynamite Menu across the GCC, featuring spicy, creamy and very extra dishes centred on the brand’s iconic sauce. Menu highlights include Dynamite Paneer, Scorching Baos, Shogun Tuna Tacos and crispy Onigiri Rice Bombs. Pair it with the watermelon quencher and call it a weekend well spent.
Location: P.F. Chang’s, Riyadh Park & Sidra Mall
Timings: Fri 1pm to 2am, Sat to Wed 11am to 1am & Thurs 11am to 2am
Spend the day at the National Museum’s free cultural festival
If you’re looking for a wholesome weekend plan that doesn’t involve sitting in traffic between cafés, this is it. The National Museum is hosting a free cultural festival packed with workshops, performances, activities and experiences celebrating Saudi heritage. Expect everything from interactive experiences to family-friendly fun at one of Riyadh’s most iconic cultural spots.
Location: National Museum of Saudi Arabia, 8745 King Saud Rd, 2722, King Faisal Road, Riyadh
Timings: May 15 & 16 2.30pm to 9pm
An evening of movement and Saudi culinary experience
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This one combines movement and food, which honestly feels like the ideal weekend combo. Saudi Pilates Collective (SPC) and Bonjour Arabia are teaming up for an evening that begins with a 40-minute Pilates session, followed by a live Saudi dessert-cooking show with Chef Haya. Expect Saudi coffee, dates, rooftop vibes and plenty of post-class mingling. Bonus points for the premium mats already sorted for you.
Location: Bonjour Arabia, Ad Dawh Al Kabir, Samhan, Diriyah 13712
Timings: May 15, 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Cost: SAR395. Book your spot here.
Last chance for the vintage thrifting pop-up at JAX
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If your wardrobe needs help, make this your final stop tonight. The vintage thrifting pop-up at Lift Studio in JAX wraps up today, bringing together rare vintage finds, vinyl, accessories and curated brands. There are also live DJs, arcade games, Mortal Kombat setups, graffiti walls and dance floors. Basically, it’s giving off cool underground hangout vibes.
Location: Lift Studio, JAX District, Al Mathar Ash Shmali, Riyadh 13732
Timings: May 15, 6pm to midnight
Escape to a wellness retreat at NOFA Resort
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If your nervous system needs a proper reset, this might be the sign to log off for the weekend. My Sanctuary Hub is hosting a wellness retreat at NOFA Resort, featuring movement, mindfulness and self-care sessions to help get your mind and body back in sync. The programme includes yoga and Pilates sessions, breathwork and stillness workshops, art therapy experiences, strategic mind-and-body alignment talks, and even a Jin Shin Jyutsu healing session, a Japanese wellness practice centred on gentle touch and restoring balance. Set against NOFA’s peaceful desert surroundings, it’s the kind of weekend plan that leaves you feeling like a different person by Saturday evening.
Location: NOFA Resort, A Radisson Collection Resort
Timings: May 16, from 10am
Cost: SAR1,350 per person
Contact: 050 814 6524
Pilates, painting and brunch at attaché
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Rise and shine. attaché is teaming up with Evolve for a brunch edition event featuring Pilates, art and good food in one stylish social gathering. Expect a mat Pilates session by the Pilateek girls, an interactive art experience with The Messy Atelier, and a brunch spread to linger over afterwards. Think less hardcore wellness retreat, more wholesome girls’ morning out. Spots are limited, with bookings available through the Evolve app.
Location: attaché, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12513
Timings: May 16, noon to 3pm
Float through a sound bath
There’s relaxing… and then there’s floating on a lilo in a luxury spa pool as healing sounds echo around you. Mansard Spa by L’Occitane is hosting a floating sound bath experience for one day only, designed to leave you feeling completely zen. The experience costs SAR650 per person. Spots are limited, and reservations are essential. Wellness lovers, this one’s calling your name.
Location: Mansard Spa by L’Occitane, Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel, Ar Rabie, Riyadh 11564
Timings: ‘Whispers on Water’ Floating Sound Bath, May 16, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Cost: ‘Whispers on Water’ Floating Sound Bath SAR650 per person
Contact: 011 829 0949
Head to IOTA Café for vinyl, coffee and culture
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Coffee, vinyl and obscure B-sides? Say less. NOTA Sessions 002 takes over IOTA Café in Al Ghadir this Saturday, from 1pm to 8pm. Expect seven hours of curated sounds from Mnds I, with coffee, culture and a crowd that probably knows where to find the best matcha in Riyadh. Such a low-key, cool plan.
Location: IOTA Café, Alsail Alkabeer St, Al Ghadir, Riyadh 13311
Timings: May 16, 1pm to 8pm
Reset your nervous system at Milh
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Need a proper switch-off moment? Milh is hosting a 90-minute immersive sound meditation with Sherin Hakeem this Saturday at 6.15pm. The session uses ambient sounds, frequencies and guided breathing to calm the mind and release tension. Think deep relaxation, gentle meditative music and a rare chance to slow down for a bit.
Location: Milh Spa & Yoga Studio, Ash Shaikh Abdullah Al Anqari, Riyadh 12254
Timings: May 16, 6.15pm
Contact: WhatsApp +966 55 433 0024
Book dinner at Sofitel’s new Lebanese restaurant Thurya
Riyadh’s dining scene has a new Lebanese spot on the radar. Thurya, the latest opening at Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre, blends classic Lebanese flavours with an elevated contemporary setting. On the menu? Smoky hummus creations, fresh saj, grilled meats from the Josper flame grill, and elegant takes on regional desserts. Add in jewel-toned interiors and Arabic-inspired details, and you’ve got a very solid dinner plan.
Location: Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre
Timings: Tues to Sun 6pm to 11pm
Contact: +966 11 254 3010
Images: Supplied / Unsplash
