Ready to make the most of your weekend? If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Riyadh this weekend, you’re in luck. From hands-on workshops and adrenaline-fuelled dune bashing to laid-back art and culture experiences, there’s something for every mood and pace, so take your pick and start planning.
Things to do in Riyadh this weekend
Marvel at installations at the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium
Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2026 has taken over the buzz of Tahlia Street, a landmark site that once hosted Riyadh’s first desalination plant. The seventh edition is in full swing with live sculpting using locally sourced granite, stainless steel, and reclaimed materials, and will culminate in a public exhibition in February. Entry is free making it one of those must-do things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Free. Until Sun Feb 22. Tahlia, riyadhartsa / platinumlist.net.
Watch installations come to life at Diriyah Art Futures: Off the Earth
Of the Earth: Earthly Technologies to Computational Biologies has landed at Diriyah Art Futures and will bring together striking artworks that explore where technology, nature, and living systems intersect. Spread across four themed sections, the exhibition dives into big questions around control, extraction, and the environmental cost of the digital world, while imagining more conscious, interconnected futures. Have your thoughts provoked at this pick from things to do in Riyadh this weekend,
Until Sat May 16. Diriyah Art Futures, Al Bujairi, Diriyah, daf.moc.gov.sa.
Test your stamina at R7 Run Club’s ‘Run in Riyadh’
Round up your crew and head to ASICS Run Riyadh this Saturday, for a high-energy 10km community run. Whether you’re running, walking, or just soaking up the vibe, expect shoe try-ons, giveaways, food, and drinks, all wrapped in a feel-good social atmosphere focused on community, connection, and moving together.
Sat Jan 17. 4pm-7pm. Joe & The Juice, Sports Boulevard, @r7runclub.
Catch Baloo and more spinning the deck
Get ready to dance it out your favourite local EDM artists as Baloo, B2B, and more join Dorian Paic at UNSTABLE this weekend. So if you have plans for this Friday, scrap ’em because this is an unmissable when it comes to things to do this weekend in Riyadh.
SAR150. Fri Jan 16. UNSTABLE, Diplomatic Quarters, nofomo.com.
Have some family-bonding time at the Ramlina festival
If you’re craving a coffee break or a fresh change of scene, Ramlina Festival is an easy pick this month. Running in Riyadh until the end of January, this laid-back open-air festival opens daily at 4pm and is all about wandering at your own pace between food stalls, cafés, games, and activities. It’s perfect for families, friends, and couples, with play areas for kids, cozy campfires, and an open-air theatre once night falls. Tickets are available on Platinumlist, with free entry for children under 12.
From SAR50. Sat Jan 31. 4pm onwards. Diriyah, platinumlist.net.
Bite into the 17th Kilija Festival
The Klija Festival in Buraidah is worth the three and a half hour trip, with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission on board as a strategic partner celebrating the Kingdom’s rich food heritage. From showcasing national and regional dishes to spotlighting Klija as Al-Qassim’s iconic treat, the festival blends culture, community, and taste through interactive experiences, family-produced goodies, and even culinary books, all in a lively heritage setting.
Thu Jan 8-Sat Jan 17. King Khalid Cultural Center, Buraidah, @mocculinary.
Catch Palestine 36 on screens near you
Looking for things to do in Riyadh this weekend with a cinematic twist? Don’t miss filmmaker Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36”, now in Saudi cinemas. This sweeping historical epic, first seen at Jeddah’s Red Sea Film Festival, dives into the 1936 Arab Revolt, weaving together five stories of resilience, resistance, and the Palestinian struggle under British colonial rule, perfect for history buffs and movie lovers alike.
Across Saudi.
