The essential guide to the first-ever Jeddah Events 2023 festival

The year-long event brings together fantastic food, films and folk games.

Welcome to Jeddah Events 2023. This year, Jeddah Season has had an upgrade and relaunched. So, if you suffer from FOMO, you’ll be excited to hear that the festival is not just taking place over a few months but throughout the year.

Each of Saudi Arabia’s seasons, from Jeddah Season to Riyadh Season, has its own slogan. Jeddah Events 2023 unveiled its slogan: “Together with each other throughout the year”. The season aims to showcase Jeddah as a regional as well as global tourist destination.

The event includes international, cultural and marine events, which share the history and heritage of the city. Plus, there are special events, which combine with Ramadan Season 2023. Note: make sure to double check for Ramadan timings. Here is the essential guide to Jeddah Events 2023.

Backstreet Boys

Backstreet’s back. One of the biggest-selling boybands of all time is coming to Jeddah. We’re hoping that the American pop group, Backstreet Boys, perform some of the greatest hits including Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), As Long As You Love Me and the classic I Want It That Way, which has been streamed more than one billion times on Spotify. The event takes place at F1 Concert Zone in Jeddah on 11 May.

Bisat Alreeh 22

This annual event brings together female business owners from across the GCC, and includes networking opportunities as well as exhibition – The Wind Carpet exhibition, anyone? Taking place in Jeddah Super Dome, the event runs from 27 March to 1 April between 9pm to 2am. Tickets costs SAR 115.

Historic Mosque Restoration Exhibition

Jeddah is home to marvellous mosques – we are in love with Al Rahma Mosque, which looks like it’s floating on water. In this exhibition, visitors have the rare chance to learn about the city’s most important mosques and their restoration. Taking place in Al Balad, the event runs from 1 to 20 April between 9pm and 3am. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Holy Quran Exhibition

If you are looking to learn or just brush up on your Quran knowledge, this offers an insight into the holy book. The displays share the history of the printing process since Khalifa Uthman bin Affan. Taking place in Al Balad, the exhibition runs from 1 to 20 April between 9pm and 3am. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Islamic Arts Biennale

Make time to check out this illuminating exhibition, which brings to life the story of Islam. The show is in a significant location – the port is entry point for millions of pilgrims on their journey to Mecca and Medina. Taking place in Jeddah’s Aga Khan Western Hajj Terminal, it runs until 23 April between 8.30pm to 3am. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Jeddah History Exhibition

Jeddah is filled with historical sites, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Balad, to majestic mosques. This exhibition shares the city’s colourful history and takes you through the building, markets and streets. Taking place in Al Balad, the event runs from 6 to 20 April between 9pm to 3am. Tickets cost SAR 30.

Mirkaz Al Balad

Make sure you visit Merkaz, the historical area of Jeddah. During Ramadan, it is hosting fun-filled activities including art exhibitions, crafts, folk games and a gourmet centre. The event takes place throughout the Holy Month between 9pm and 3am. Tickets are available inside the zone.

Old Stamps and Coins Gallery

Remember coins? While many of us have gone contactless, this exhibition reminds you of that loose change. The exhibition brings together ancient coins and stamps. Taking place in Al Balad, the event runs from 1 to 20 April between 9pm and 2.30am. Tickets cost SAR 20.  

Outdoor Cinema

Make the most of the cooler weather, and head to this outdoor cinema. Expect a chilled vibe – we spotted bean bags and carpets. The cinema screens old Ramadan series and fwazirs. Taking place in Al Balad, the event from 25 March to 20 April between 9pm and 3am. Tickets cost SAR 20.

Poetry Night

If you love a good sonnet or three, then head over to this poetry night. The readings makes for a romantic evening – it’s after dark in the historical Al Balad and poets share their work. The event runs from 23 March to 20 April between 111pm to 1am. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Ramadan Promenade

Jeddah Art Promenade is a great place to enjoy the art, food and views of the city. During Ramadan, the promenade is filled with family-friendly activities including fairground rides, live entertainment and street food stalls. The event runs throughout the Holy Month between sunset at 2am.

Ramadan Stories

If you love a good yarn, then this one’s for you. The event brings together stories about Jeddah and Ramadan. Plus, the stories are shared through a tour of the city. The event takes place throughout the Holy Month between 9am to 3am. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

WWE: King and Queen of the Ring

If you know your backbreaker from pile driver, then you’ll be excited to hear that WWE is coming to Jeddah. This is the first time that a queen will also be crowned since the WWE Queen Crown Championship. The event takes place on 27 May between 9pm to midnight.

GO: Visit https://saudievents.sa for more information.