31 Aug 2025
Summer is over, which means the season of events is just kicking off. Art, music, sports — you name it. Saudi Arabia is stepping into autumn with a big splash. From the Azimuth Festival on Saudi National Day weekend to the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival bringing together 50+ top comedians from around the globe — and much more. We have gathered the highlights of what is on this month.
Cities Under Quarantine
Where? SAMoCA
When? Until September 28
Fifty books, fifty Arab voices, fifty stories. Cities Under Quarantine isn’t just an exhibition — it is a living archive of a shared moment in time. Each book was hand-bound in Beirut, mailed to 22 cities around the world, and carries sketches, stitches, and heartfelt memories. Curated by Abed AlKadiri, the show is all about solitude, resilience, and connection.
Redrawing the Boundaries
Where? Hayy Jameel
When? Until October 13
Redrawing the Boundaries: Art Movements and Collectives of the 20th Century Khaleej dives into the story of how modern art took shape across the Gulf — from Bahrain and Kuwait to Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Instead of following a strict timeline, the show brings together artists and movements that crossed paths during key moments of nation-building.
Out of that mix of tradition and modernity, new artistic voices began to emerge. Many of the artists on view weren’t just shaping visual styles — they were also building the very institutions and communities that laid the foundations for today’s cultural scene in the region.
Azka Farmer’s Market
Where? Hayy Jameel
When? From September 11–13
Your favourite community market gets a September upgrade. From September 11–13 (and every second weekend after it), Azka takes over Hayy Jameel for a three-day spree every month — Thursday to Saturday, 5–10 pm. Expect garden-fresh produce, sweet baked goodies, handmade crafts, and eco-friendly finds from Saudi’s independent producers. It is free, it is fun — and your taste buds and local growers will thank you.
teamLab Borderless
Where? teamLab Borderless, Jeddah
Dreamy light sculptures, interactive digital landscapes, and immersive art that feels like stepping into another dimension. If you have seen teamLab’s mesmerising work online, now is your chance to experience it IRL.
Maceo Plex at JAX District
Where? Jax District in Riyadh
When? September 5
Mark your calendars — September 5. Imagine a hypnotic night of beats, open-air vibes, and DJ genius: Maceo Plex is spinning, and it is going to be electric.
Azimuth Festival
Where? AlUla
When? September 25–26
Music meets ancient landscapes as Azimuth Festival returns with a powerful lineup for Saudi National Day weekend: MESTIZA, Mind Against, Shimza, Akladios, Bedouin, BRQ, Chiati (live), HiFi, Nesta, Nic Merheb, Priss, Tala Mortada, Vinyl Mode, and Zeina.
Expect a festival set against AlUla’s surreal beauty — beats under desert skies, artists from across the world, and a soundtrack that feels as timeless as the setting itself.
Riyadh Comedy Festival
Where? Various venues across Riyadh (including Mohammed Al-Ali Theatre, Boulevard City Arena, and ANB Arena)
When? September 26–October 9
End the month with laughs. The inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival brings two weeks of side-splitting shows to Boulevard City. The lineup is legendary: Dave Chappelle. Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, Jo Koy, Bill Burr, Gabriel Iglesias, Jimmy Carr, Andrew Schulz, Jim Jefferies, Pete Davidson, Sebastian Maniscalco… and more.
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