Get ready to experience art and culture in the heart of Jeddah.
The UNESCO-certified Al Balad is getting lit up with bold colors and more for the the Balad Al Fann 2025 festival.
Organised by Zawiya 97, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the creativity haven has taken over the historic location and injecting some colorful fun and energy in the old town.
Running until June, the festival will feature more than 90 events celebrating traditional crafts, modern art, and community talent.
Balad Al Fann 2025
Balad Al Fann 2025 offers a wide variety of events for all ages. From hands-on craft workshops to live performances and weekend markets, the festival invites everyone to join in and be a part of this exciting event.
You can explore pottery classes with artist Khloud Nass, learn the basics of soap making with Hashem Al-Shawi, or learn more about different fragrances with Azzam Al-Ghamdi, who uses local Saudi plants like oud and rose in his perfume workshops.
The event also has a strong focus on knowledge-sharing.
The event also has a strong focus on knowledge-sharing. School workshops and cultural talks encourage students, families, and individuals to connect with Saudi Arabia’s creative scene in a meaningful and educational way.
Balad Al Fann 2025 location
The festival is set to be the highlight of the old town until June. Everywhere you turn in Al Balad, a part of the fesitval will be sitting all pretty inviting you to experience the fun.
Balad Al Fann 2025 dates
The all-things arts and culture celebrations will end on Friday, June 13.
Balad Al Fann 2025 tickets
The festival is completely free and does not require ticket booking of any kind.
Balad Al Fann 2025: What to expect
Four Weekends, Four Experiences
Each weekend of Balad Al Fann 2025 is themed to highlight a different aspect of culture and creativity:
- Handmade Crafts – A celebration of traditional skills and artisanship
- Nature and Sustainability – Promoting eco-friendly ideas and natural materials
- Youth Weekend – Empowering young creators and showcasing student talents
- A Sweet-Scented Farewell – Honoring Al-Balad’s apothecary history and fragrance culture
These weekend themes allow visitors to experience something new each time, with activities changing to match the focus.
Balad Al Fann 2025 turns Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district into a vibrant open-air art space, blending the area’s rich heritage with modern creativity. The festival features artworks, performances, and interactive workshops set against the backdrop of UNESCO-listed buildings and narrow alleyways. Artists from across Saudi Arabia and beyond take part, drawing inspiration from Al-Balad’s unique architecture, while local artisans showcase and sell handmade crafts at weekend markets, offering visitors a chance to support small businesses and experience authentic Saudi craftsmanship.
The festival’s mission is to bridge tradition and innovation. Programs like the Artisans Incubator help preserve cultural heritage while nurturing new talent, with artists and craftspeople engaging visitors through storytelling and hands-on learning. Cultural talks, competitions like “Your Creativity Revives Al Balad,” and calligraphy contests invite the public to explore their own creativity. Running through Friday, June 13, Balad Al Fann 2025 offers a rich, immersive cultural experience that celebrates community, history, and artistic expression.
What else is on?
In case you missed it, Jeddah is turning up the volume with its very first cineconcert at Hayy Jameel. Want to know more? Take a look at all the details here.
Free. Until Fri Jun 13. Al Balad, @zawiya97 / @jeddahalbalad.sa.
