Riyadh Season and Saudi Arabia's Big Events for 2026–27

By the holidaysaudi.com team · Updated 2 October 2026

Saudi Arabia's tourism calendar is built around "seasons": months-long programmes of concerts, sport, theatre, food and family entertainment, each tied to a city or region. They are a big draw, but they also push up hotel prices and fill flights, so it pays to know the dates before you plan. This overview covers the main seasons and headline events for winter 2026–27. Dates were checked at the time of writing; organisers often confirm programmes late and can change them, so always check the official channels and ticket platforms before you book. Our events page keeps a running overview.

Riyadh Season

Riyadh Season is the country's biggest entertainment festival. The 2026 edition, the seventh, is scheduled to open on 21 October 2026 under the theme "Big Time", with a headline programme of around ten weeks and some zones staying open into early 2027. Expect large themed zones such as Boulevard City and Boulevard World, international concerts, comedy and theatre, boxing and wrestling nights, and family attractions.

• Six Kings Slam: the exhibition tennis tournament with some of the world's top men's players is scheduled for 21, 22 and 24 October 2026 at the ANB Arena.
• Zones: most have their own entry tickets and opening hours, usually from late afternoon until well after midnight, with busier crowds at weekends (Thursday to Saturday).
• Tickets: sold through the official Webook platform and app. Buy only there or via official partners.

For a guided way in, compare tours on GetYourGuide, and see our Riyadh guide for the rest of the city.

AlUla Moments

AlUla runs its own calendar of festivals, branded AlUla Moments, in the cooler months. The 2026–27 programme published by Experience AlUla includes:

Concerts at Maraya sell out quickly, and AlUla's limited hotel rooms fill up for Winter at Tantora, especially over Christmas and New Year. Book flights and rooms as early as possible; see AlUla on Booking.com.

Jeddah: season, film and motorsport

Jeddah Season returned in summer 2026 after a one-year break, with concerts and events at venues such as the Jeddah Superdome, the Corniche Circuit and the historic district. In winter, Jeddah's highlights include:

• Red Sea International Film Festival: 3–12 December 2026, based in Al Balad.
• Jeddah E-Prix: Formula E opens its 2026–27 season with a night-time double-header at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on 18 and 19 December 2026.
• Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: scheduled for 19–21 March 2027 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the second round of the 2027 season.

What about the Diriyah E-Prix?

From 2018 to January 2024, Formula E raced at night through the streets of Diriyah on the edge of Riyadh. Since 2025 the Saudi rounds have been held in Jeddah instead, and for 2026–27 they open the season there, as listed above. If Diriyah ever returns to the calendar, dates will appear on the official Formula E website. Diriyah itself remains well worth visiting, with the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district and the restaurants of the Bujairi Terrace.

Other dates for the diary

• Riyadh racing season: horse racing at King Abdulaziz Racecourse from mid-October 2026 to mid-April 2027, with the Saudi Cup on 5–6 February 2027.
• AFC Asian Cup 2027: Saudi Arabia hosts Asia's football championship in early 2027, which will put heavy demand on hotels in host cities.
• Founding Day: 22 February, a public holiday with heritage celebrations. In 2027 it falls during Ramadan.
• Ramadan: expected to begin around 8 February 2027, followed by Eid al-Fitr in early March. Many events pause or move to the evenings; see our Ramadan travel tips.
• Saudi National Day: 23 September each year, with fireworks and celebrations nationwide.

Frequently asked questions

Header photo: Photo: Saudi Press Agency (SPA), CC BY-SA 4.0

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