So you’re looking for perfect ways to spend the long Founding Day weekend in Riyadh? How about 12? If you’re on the hunt for fun activities and great eateries to try out, we’ve got you covered with all of the top things to do in Riyadh this weekend. See you out in the city.
Eat at the European Food Festival
The first-ever European Food Festival in Saudi is here and it’s happening at the Diplomatic Quarter’s Al Kindi Plaza. Starting on Thursday March 16 to Friday March 17, the free foodie festival will take you on a journey across European eats. Bring your appetite.
Thu Mar 16-Fri Mar 17. Al Kindi Plaza, Diplomatic Quarter, @saudidq.
Shop the pre-Ramadan pop-up at Huna
Huna Takhassusi is hosting a pre-Ramadan pop-up at the Panorama Mall location. The event starts on Wednesday March 15 to Friday March 17 from 4pm to 10pm. Shop incense burners, stylish kaftans and more, then pop over to the many regional restaurants for a quick bite.
Wed Mar 15-Fri Mar 17. 4pm-10pm. Panorama Mall, Al Takhassusi, iamhuna.com.
Catch the Al Nassr match against Abha
Al Nassr is playing against Abha at 8.30pm on Saturday March 18 at King Saud University Stadium, for the Saudi Pro League match. Buy a ticket and cheer in the crowds.
Sat Mar 18. Mrsool Park, alnassr.sa.
Enroll the kids in a Sadu workshop
The Ministry of Culture is hosting a kids Sadu Motifs Colouring workshop in the Diplomatic Quarter at Fenaa Alawwal from noon to 7pm on Saturday March 18. The workshop will introduce children to the fun traditional patterns of Sadu, allowing them to create their own miniature masterpieces.
Sat Mar 18. Fenaa Alawwal, Diplomatic Quarter, @mocsaudi.
Rock out at the Elvis Presley exhibition
If you haven’t had the chance to rock and roll at the Elvis Presley exhibition, now is your chance. Continuing until Monday March 20, The Arena Riyadh Venue for Exhibitions is hosting a tribute to the late legend by showcasing his personal belongings, costumes and more from 4pm to 11pm. Tickets are available from SAR75. Get ready to rock.
From SAR75. Sat Feb 25-Mon Mar 20. 4pm-11pm. The Arena Riyadh Venue for Exhibitions, Gharnatah, @mocsaudi.
Take the kids to a dolphin show
Watch these friendly sea animals perform some entertaining water shows while cruising on the calm waters at Boulevard World. Tickets start from SAR95 for kids and SAR150 for adults from 5pm to 10pm. It’s time to watch the show.
From SAR95. Until Mar 22. 5pm-10pm. Boulevard Wold, Hittin. ticketmx.riyadhseason.sa.
Check out the newest market in town
Souq Al Mawsim kicked off on Wednesday March 1 at Turaif Park in Diriyah. The new market celebrates a historic souq dating back to the time of the first Saudi state. Enjoy perfumes, clothing stalls and more exciting purchases at this cultural event. You’ll need a Diriyah Entry Pass to enjoy this one.
From SAR100. Until May. Turaif Park, Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
Eat at the newly opened Nozomi
For things to do in Riyadh this weekend, why not try something new? Japanese eatery Nozomi is back with a picturesque space and so much entertainment. See for yourself. We cannot forget about those sushi platters, either.
Open Sat-Wed 1pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 1pm-1am. Olaya, @nozomiksa.
Shop at the DQ’s Farmers Market
The Diplomatic Quarter’s Farmers Market is back again, so grab those basket (or shopping bags) for things to do in Riyadh this weekend with the fam and head on over to purchase local handmade and homemade products including oils, honey, plants and even body-care products. Got something to sell? You can also register for your own stall.
Sat Feb 25. Roundabout 4, Diplomatic Quarter, @farmers.sa.
Enter a world of art at Van Gogh
Get immersed in the interactive artwork experience of Vincent Van Gogh at Riyadh Season’s Boulevard World at the AREA15 subzone. Art is popular for things to do in Riyadh this weekend. Tickets to the creative event are included in the Boulevard World ticket entry of SAR150. Paint a picture in your mind.
SAR150. Until Mar 22. 3pm-11pm. AREA15, Boulevard World, Hittin, ticketmx.riyadhseason.sa, @area15riyadh.
Play a neon game at The Garage
Take a swing at this glow-in-the-dark neon padel court. The first of its kind in Riyadh, The Garage is offering neon-lit courts, vests and rackets. Swing your best aim at this brand-new spot.
From SAR300. Open daily, 4pm-4am. Al Aarid, @the.garage.sa.
Browse the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition
Shimmer and sparkle at the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition at the Saudi National Museum. It’s all about the bling here with timeless jewels dating back to 1906. The four-month exhibition has over 250 pieces of luxury jewellery taking you across the theme of Time, Nature and Love. Take in the dazzle at the free exhibition.
Free. Thu Jan 19-Sat Apr 15. National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Al Murabba, @saudimuseum, moc.gov.sa.
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