Riyadh Season Returns — Bigger, Bolder, Unmissable

The summer heat has faded, but Riyadh Season is about to bring the fire (again). Yes, it’s time for Saudi’s capital city, Riyadh, to become the global capital of entertainment.  

And, with thousands of events over the next six months from October all the way through to March 2026, there is literally something for everyone. Let’s do some numbers: there’s 11 entertainment zones across Riyadh (check out how to get around), 34 cultural exhibitions and festivals, 15 sports world championships, a 200,000-square meter park designed by Mr. Beast with 27 rides and 40 restaurants, over 1,600 shops and 350 dining venues in the Boulevard City zone alone, and it all kicks off with an opening night that ignites the season in style. 

That’s right this Friday, 10th October, Riyadh Season gets under way at 16.00 (4pm). Book your tickets here for what’s sure to be a wild blend of the international and truly Saudi. There’s live music, dancing, floats, fireworks after nightfall and – making their Saudi debut – Macy’s famous balloons all the way from New York. You really won’t want to miss this because opening day’s a whole thing. So, as well as all the sites and sounds of the official attractions, it’s the spirit of the city and its’ guests that makes the season a six-month celebration. 

So, once the opening ceremony’s done, there’s so much to check out, we can only really scrape the surface of what’s coming. Here’s a little list: 

  • Want drama? Last Seen is a Halloween horror/comedy theatrical experience  
  • Want family-friendly fun? Drop into play-topia with the kids 
  • Want to visit a whole new world? Drop by the House of Hype to play, discover, shop, and win in a world inspired by video games  

Whatever you choose to do, you can maximise your enjoyment by following these top tips: 

  • Bring a power bank – You’ll need your phone for photos, tickets, and giving your friends FOMO 
  • Don’t be afraid to just explore! Many activations aren’t ticketed, so just pick a zone and see what’s there. 

Ready to visit? Head over to our guide to getting a visa and, when you arrive or if you’re already there, tag us in your #TrulySaudi experiences.