Travel 2 minutes 15 September 2025

Riyadh in the Fall: 7 Things to See and Do

Here's just a few things you can do in Saudi Arabia's bustling capital this fall.

From massive music festivals to thrilling sports events, fall in Riyadh offers a fun mix of cultural and entertainment activities for all. The Saudi capital has big plans this fall, and during Riyadh Season, which kicks off in October, every corner from Boulevard City to Via Riyadh will be buzzing with something new. Wide desert skies set the scene for live shows, global competitive sports, entertainment events and cultural pop-ups across the financial capital.

This fall, watch tennis icons Djokovic and Alcaraz battle it out at the 6 Kings Slam or explore Sports Boulevard, a sprawling destination that invites urban explorers, professional and amateur cyclists, horse riders, as well as art and culture enthusiasts, all together in one dynamic space. Here are some of the best ways to spend fall in Riyadh:

Experience the world at this immersive entertainment zone. ©Artaxerxes Longhand/iStock
Experience the world at this immersive entertainment zone. ©Artaxerxes Longhand/iStock

1. Boulevard World

This sprawling immersive entertainment zone in Riyadh’s Hittin district showcases cultural pavilions from countries like Mexico, France and India. Each pavilion offers traditional cuisine, performances and games for all ages, including Bollywood displays, authentic street-food and Mexican jarabe dance performances. The globe-spanning amusement park features striking mini-landmarks and is also home to the world’s largest artificial lake.

The zone is also a permanent facet of Riyadh Season, which keeps growing every year with new zones adding live performances, submarine adventures and other thrilling experiences. From here, you can take a cable car ride to Boulevard City which offers local and international restaurants, street performances, art installations, cinemas and festive parades.


2. 6 Kings Slam

On October 15, 16 and 18, tennis legends will gather in Saudi Arabia to compete at the second edition of the 6 Kings Slam, due to take place during Riyadh Season 2025. The exhibition tournament will bring tennis legends Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper and Taylor Fritz to the Kingdom's capital for four days of world-class sport.


3. Riyadh Comedy Festival

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, 50 world class comedians will be performing in Riyadh over two weeks, kicking off at the end of September. Riyadh’s Boulevard City will turn into a global comedy hub with international stars including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Jo Koy, Pete Davidson, Chris Tucker, Aziz Ansari, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, Bill Burr, Tom Segura and more.


4. MDLBEAST

The region's biggest music festival, MDLBEAST, is back this fall for its annual Riyadh event. It begins in early December with XP Music Futures — MDLBEAST’s three-day music conference featuring talks, hands-on workshops and performances from emerging regional talent. The event gathers artists, producers and industry experts to shape the sound of tomorrow. Then, MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm Festival takes over the desert outside Riyadh, headlined by international stars.

A traditional Saudi dance is performed on stage at the Saudi Feast Food Festival. ©Culinary Arts Commission - Ministry of Culture Saudi Arabia
A traditional Saudi dance is performed on stage at the Saudi Feast Food Festival. ©Culinary Arts Commission - Ministry of Culture Saudi Arabia

5. Saudi Feast Food Festival

Saudi Feast is an annual food festival organized by the Culinary Arts Commission. It aims to celebrate, preserve, and share the traditions of Saudi Arabia and international cuisine. Saudi Feast Food Festival will take place from November 27 to December 6 in Riyadh. The festival brings together culinary traditions from the Kingdom’s 13 regions, live cooking demonstrations, and workshops led by renowned Saudi and international chefs, alongside vibrant pop-up dining experiences that showcase local ingredients and innovative dishes. Visitors can explore authentic flavors from across the Kingdom, participate in interactive activities, and enjoy cultural performances from Saudi and around the world.


6. 2025 WTA Finals

The crown jewel of women’s tennis comes to Riyadh this November. The WTA Finals will feature the top eight singles players and doubles teams, competing for a record $15 million prize in a brand-new indoor arena. The event highlights the rise of women’s sports in the Kingdom, showcasing and promoting talent on a global stage.

Stroll amongst flamingos and butterflies at Wonder Garden during Riyadh Season. ©Visit Saudi/Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia
Stroll amongst flamingos and butterflies at Wonder Garden during Riyadh Season. ©Visit Saudi/Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia

7. Riyadh Season 2025

From October, Riyadh comes to life with world-class entertainment, outdoor festivals and immersive cultural experiences across the capital. Families can stroll amongst flamingos and butterflies at Wonder Garden, meet their favorite animals at Riyadh Zoo and immerse themselves in cultural performances at Al-Suwaidi Park. Visitors can shop for high-fashion brands and dine at VIA Riyadh for a luxury experience. Riyadh Season also hosts a range of concerts featuring talents from all across the world as well as sports championship events at Kingdom Arena.


Illustration image: ©Jon Arnold Images/ hemis.fr

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