Riyadh event weekends: what to do between sessions
Saudi Arabia's capital and the home of Riyadh Season: big fights, concerts, Boulevard City and the mud-brick old capital at Diriyah.
Events we cover in Riyadh
Oct to Mar*Riyadh Season fights and concerts
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaFight week10 Dec 2026*MDLBEAST Soundstorm
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaFestival8 Feb 2027*LEAP
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaTrade show26 Oct 2027*Future Investment Initiative (FII)
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCongress
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaFight week10 Dec 2026*MDLBEAST Soundstorm
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaFestival8 Feb 2027*LEAP
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaTrade show26 Oct 2027*Future Investment Initiative (FII)
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCongress
Arriving
King Khalid International (RUH) is 35 km north, 35 minutes by taxi.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Olaya | Business hotels on the main avenue. |
| Mid-range | King Abdullah Financial District | Modern hotels. |
| Splurge | Diriyah and the Faisaliah | Luxury towers and heritage resorts. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Ibis Riyadh Olaya Street
- Mid-range: Fairmont Riyadh
- Splurge: Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Boulevard World during Riyadh Season.
Rainy-day backups
- National Museum.
Free things to do
- Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge (paid) and Olaya walks.
- King Abdullah Park fountain shows.
Getting around
- Riyadh Metro lines opened from 2024-2025; Uber and Careem otherwise.
- Uber and Careem work across the Gulf and are the easiest way around.
- Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; beach clubs and hotels are relaxed.
- Check current travel advisories for the region before travelling and keep bookings flexible.