Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. October is a month filled with exciting events. The Kingdom comes alive with pomp and pageantry during Saudi National Day. Football fans can cheer on Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. Plus, there are concerts, cultural events and cafés. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh in October.
Wednesday 1 October
See Omid Djalili live in Riyadh
Prepare for a night of sharp satire and global humour as British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili headlines Riyadh Comedy Festival with his critically acclaimed show NAMASTE. Known for his whip-smart takes on culture, politics, and identity, Omid has long been a staple on the international comedy circuit. Voted among the UK’s top stand-ups and recognised for his standout roles in Hollywood blockbusters, he’s also the host of ITV’s Winning Combination. Whether playing a stereotypical character on screen or skewering them on stage, Omid’s comedy walks the line between bold and brilliant.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Thursday 2 October
Have a laugh with Chris Tucker
Comedy legend Chris Tucker takes the stage at Riyadh Comedy Festival with his trademark energy and razor-sharp humour. Best known for his role in the Rush Hour series, Chris Tucker rose to fame on Def Comedy Jam and starred in cult classics like Friday and The Fifth Element.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Friday 3 October
Visit FIBO Arabia
FIBO Arabia will make its Saudi debut from 1 to 3 October 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre, setting the stage for the region’s largest dedicated fitness and wellness event. Under the theme “For a strong and healthy society”, the three-day showcase will bring together more than 140 exhibitors, 50 international speakers, and an expected 10,500 visitors. The programme spans live competitions, interactive training arenas, product showcases, and a conference focused on innovation, investment, and industry growth.
GO: Visit www.fibo.com for more information.
Saturday 4 October
Laugh out loud with Russell Peters
Hailing from Toronto, Russell Peters is a comedy legend. Known for his lightning-fast wit, sharp timing, and hilarious audience interactions, he shot to fame with CTV’s Comedy Now. Of Anglo-Indian descent, he has won Emmy, Gemini, and Peabody awards. The Riyadh Comedy Festival show promises an unfiltered evening of observational comedy, sharp improvisation, and riotous audience interaction.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Sunday 5 October
Dine at Chotto Matte
Experience the energy of Nikkei cuisine at Chotto Matte Riyadh, where Japanese precision meets Peruvian flair. From bold sushi rolls to sizzling robata plates, every dish at this KAFD hotspot is crafted to thrill the senses. Gather your friends, share standout flavours, and elevate your night with a vibrant dining experience.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for more information.
Monday 6 October
Spend an evening with Jimmy Carr & Louis C.K
British-Irish comedian Jimmy Carr recently brought his world tour, Laughs Funny, to Abu Dhabi. Now, he’s heading to Riyadh Comedy Festival with his deadpan one-liners and dark humour. He began his career in 1997 and has appeared on several TV shows, including A Comedy Roast, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and many more. He will be joined on the night by acclaimed comic Louis C.K.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Tuesday 7 October
See Mo Amer at Riyadh Comedy Festival
Palestinian-American comedian and Netflix favourite Mo Amer will also perform at Riyadh Comedy Festival. His latest stand-up material digs deep into themes of fatherhood, fame, and identity, with the same candid, culturally charged storytelling that has made him a household name. Expect brutally honest observations, unexpected tenderness, and explosive punchlines delivered with charisma and bite.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Wednesday 8 October
Watch Jo Koy at Boulevard City
Jo Koy dropped out of university to pursue stand-up comedy and now headlines the first Riyadh Comedy Festival. He started performing in coffee houses in Las Vegas before landing a regular night at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. He has appeared on shows such as Chelsea Lately and The Adam Carolla Show, and created Netflix specials including Jo Koy: Comin’ in Hot and Jo Koy: Live from Seattle.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Thursday 9 October
Enjoy an evening with Andrew Schulz
The American stand-up comedian Andrew Schulz always comes close to the line with his jokes. He is quick-witted, fearless, and has made a name for himself on social media. He has already performed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is now heading to the Riyadh Comedy Festival. From selling out Radio City Music Hall to his wildly popular Netflix special Schulz Saves America, he’s proven time and again that he’s a comedic powerhouse.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Friday 10 October
Explore Al Masmak Palace Museum
A captivating piece of Saudi heritage, this mudbrick fortress is situated in the Ad-Dirah district. It displays traditional Najdi architecture, characterised by its thick walls, watchtowers, a central courtyard, a mosque, a majlis, and residential units. Converted into a museum in 1995, the palace now houses photographs, weapons, documents, audio-visual exhibits, and artefacts that narrate the Kingdom’s founding.
GO: Visit https://welcomesaudi.com for more information.
Saturday 11 October
Check out the FACT favourite Jon & Vinny’s
Jon & Vinny’s is a celebrated Los Angeles-based eatery known for its fresh, flavourful Italian-American cuisine. Now available in Ithra and Jeddah and recognised as a FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
GO: Follow @jonandvinnys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 12 October
Shop until you drop at Solitaire
Riyadh has a new lifestyle destination: Solitaire. The destination offers a diverse range of experiences, including shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness, and sports. The retail section offers high-end fashion and a dedicated jewellery quarter. The food and beverage section features fine dining, fast food, and a rooftop food hall. The brands already open for business include Bateel, Lavazza, Paul Le Café and The Butcher Shop. Additionally, it will feature Arcade Food Hall, which is set to open on the rooftop later this year.
GO: Visit https://solitaireksa.com for more information.
Monday 13 October
Have lunch at La Petite Maison
Located in the heart of AL Olaya, the FACT award-winning La Petite Maison is renowned for its French Mediterranean fare. The new business lunch menu includes Bar Poêlé et Petits Pois, Filet de Rouget, Risotto aux Asperges and Salade de Chou Frisé. Guests can opt for either the Le Petit Menu (180 SAR) or the Le Grand Menu (230 SAR), which includes starters, mains, side dishes, and a delicious dessert. Available on weekdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Tuesday 14 October
Caffeinate at Ralph’s Coffee
Ralph’s Coffee has opened its first café in KAFD. The fashion-forward café from Ralph Lauren exudes classic preppy-Americana with its signature green and white palette, vintage décor, and equestrian-inspired artwork. The menu features classic cold brews, matcha lattes, and gourmet pastries – think Carrot Cake, New York Cheesecake and Ralph’s Brownie. The café also includes a retail corner with branded mugs, tumblers, tote bags and even dog bowls.
GO: Visit www.ralphlauren.global for more information.
Wednesday 15 October
Eat at the newly-opened Table;To
Located in the Al Takhassousi district, Table;To is a stylish new restaurant currently in its soft opening. The progressive menu showcases Middle Eastern and Asian flavours, including Crispy Hawasi Rice, Josper Bone Marrow, Wagyu Asian Beef Shawarma Tacos, and an innovative’ Funk’, which is a 48-hour marinated chicken. Enjoy hot clay pots of Beef Rice or Hawasi Rice, alongside wood-oven baked Bread Bombs. The interior features a display of playful custom captions, dark wood, and a whimsical setting.
GO: Visit https://tableto.redro.menu for more information.
Thursday 16 October
Try the chef’s table at Julien
Chef Daniel Boulud has introduced Julien, an exclusive new dining concept inside the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. The restaurant is a 10-seat, ultra-intimate chef’s table experience offering an immersive, fine-dining meal. Tucked away behind Café Boulud, guests enter via a discreet passageway flanked by a curated bakery and cellar before arriving at the sophisticated dining enclave that centres around an open kitchen and a striking marble-topped bar. At the helm of Julien’s kitchen is Chef Thierry Motsch, who executes a refined multi-course tasting menu envisioned by Boulud himself.
GO: Visit fourseasons.com for more information.
Friday 17 October
Escape to the Edge of the World
Explore the majestic clifftop at Jabal Fihrayn and take in the land stretching seemingly forever before you. It is one of Riyadh’s most stunning day-trip adventures, located 120 kilometres from the capital. Grab a guide for a full tour of the rugged desert landscapes and dried riverbeds below. Take a stroll along the old camel caravan route, following historic trails once walked by Bedouin traders.
GO: Visit www.edgeoftheworldtour.com for more information.
Saturday 18 October
Explore one of Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems
Heet Cave, also known as Ain Heet Cave, is a hidden geological marvel situated approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Riyadh. This natural limestone cavern features a dramatic eye-shaped entrance, leading to a narrow descent to an underground lake. Adventurous hikers and experienced cave divers will enjoy this memorable subterranean desert adventure.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Sunday 19 October
Enjoy a Japanese feast at Zuma
Zuma is a two-floor izakaya located in KAFD. The menu features signature dishes like Barley Miso Baby Chicken, Miso-marinated Black Cod, Salt Grilled Seabass, and for dessert, an exclusive Ajwa Date & Miso Toffee Cake. The striking design combines stone, wood, copper, and a dramatic spiral staircase that links the restaurant, robata grill, sushi counter, bar, lounge, and a DJ booth.
GO: Visit www.zumarestaurant.com for more information.
Monday 20 October
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Situated to the northwest of Riyadh, At Turaif is a 15th-century mud-brick citadel that served as the capital of the First Saudi State from 1727 to 1818. This stunning fortress showcases Najdi architecture, featuring fortified palaces, towers, and mosques, with breathtaking views overlooking Wadi Hanifah. At its heart stands the impressive four-storey Salwa Palace, along with the historic Saad Bin Saud Palace, which features a bathhouse, and the Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Mosque. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing social life, military history, and trade.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Tuesday 21 October
Walk the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The Kingdom Centre sky bridge stands tall at a height of 300 meters, offering unrivalled views across Riyadh. The Kingdom Centre is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia. It has 99 floors and houses the King Abdullah Mosque on the 77th floor, making it the world’s second-highest mosque. It is also home to several local and international luxury brands, including the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, VOX cinemas and exquisite fine-dining restaurants.
Go: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Wednesday 22 October
Explore the Murabba Historical Palace
Murabba Historical Palace in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic heritage landmarks. This palace was built in the 1930s by King Abdulaziz and was a royal residence and administrative centre during the early years of the Kingdom’s unification. The name “Murabba” means “square”, reflecting the traditional Najdi design elements such as mud-brick walls, wooden ceilings and spacious courtyards. This palace includes several buildings, gardens, and historical artefacts.
Go: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Thursday 23 October
Book a staycation at The St. Regis Riyadh
This summer, The St. Regis Riyadh, situated near VIA Riyadh, invites guests to enjoy its exclusive seasonal offer. The hotel has thoughtfully curated a soulful Summer Spa Package that includes a limited-time spa stay with treatments designed to restore balance, beauty, and calm. A solo retreat at the spa is available for single occupancy at SAR 1,850 and for double occupancy at SAR 2,250.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Friday 24 October
Stay at Mansard Riyadh
The Mansard Riyadh, Radisson Collection Hotel is a five-star Parisian-inspired retreat located in the Ar Rabi District. The hotel features a distinctive Mansard-style roof, evoking mid-19th-century Haussmann architecture. Summer at Mansard means enjoying exclusive benefits and fun activities, including breakfast and barbecue delights at Sadelle’s, a Parisian afternoon tea at L’ami Dave or an Italian-American dinner at Carbone.
GO: Visit https://www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Saturday 25 October
Explore Riyadh by camel
The Riyadh city tour with camel riding offers a perfect blend of modern exploration and traditional adventure. The tour explores the Qasab Salt Flats, one of the largest salt flats in Najd and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Shaqra Heritage Museum. As you ride the golden dunes, you get a sense of the Bedouin’s way of life while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the desert landscape.
GO: Visit https://evendo.com for more information.
Sunday 26 October
Beat the heat at Snow City
Snow City at Al Othaim Mall offers a winter-themed escape in the heart of the desert. It’s the first of its kind indoor snow city, maintaining a chilly temperature of -3 degrees all year round. The snow city offers a range of fun activities, including ice tubing, bumper cars, rope courses, a suspension bridge, sledges, climbing walls, and ski zones, all designed for families and children to enjoy. Visitors can experience a cool retreat to escape Riyadh’s scorching summer weather.
GO: Visit www.ootlah.com for more information.
Monday 27 October
Visit The National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The National Museum is situated within the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre in Riyadh. It was designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, and the crescent-shaped, dune-inspired façade is a nod to the Saudi Arabian desert. The galleries are organised into eight thematic sections, which display the evolution of the Arabian Peninsula, from geological traces and early human history to pre-Islamic civilisation. The standout detail about the museum is the immersive Hajj & Two Holy Mosques Hall.
GO: Visit https://museums.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Tuesday 28 October
Dine in the sky at Al Faisaliah Tower
The Globe restaurant is situated inside the golden sphere on top of Al Faisaliah Tower, offering a breathtaking backdrop of panoramic views of Riyadh’s skyline. The modern European cuisine is a refined dining space featuring some of the exquisite meals, from Salmon gravlax and steak tartare to lobster truffle risotto. The restaurant also offers High Tea from Friday to Saturday, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Whether you’re looking to admire the twinkling city lights or indulge in expertly plated dishes, The Globe offers a memorable dining experience.
GO: Visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Wednesday 29 October
Dine at the FACT award-winning NOOA
NOOA (Naturally Out Of Africa) offers a charming piece of Cape Town in Laysen Valley. The café’s breakfast menu features favourites like Honeybush Brioche French Toast, Shakshuka and Wagyu Egg Muffins. Elsewhere, the all-day offering includes Earth Bowls, Sandwiches, Sliders, and a moreish Date Malva Pudding or Honeybush Crème Brûlée. The selection of beverages covers botanical mixology, rooibos and speciality coffee.
GO: Follow @nooasaudi on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 30 October
Shop at Riyadh’s oldest market
Souk Al Zal is located in Riyadh’s historic district and is known as one of the city’s oldest traditional markets. Explore the market and shop for aromatic spices, handcrafted jewellery, intricately woven carpets and oud perfumes. The Souk’s vibrant atmosphere reflects the traditions of the Kingdom.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Friday 31 October
Visit Wadi Namar
Situated in the southwestern part of Riyadh, Wadi Namar is renowned for its stunning scenery and serene atmosphere. This valley is a fabric of artificial lakes, palm-lined walking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas. It is the perfect place for families who enjoy nature and activities like cycling or walking.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
