Riyadh Season is the Middle East’s largest entertainment festival, drawing over 11 million visitors across six months of concerts, world championships, immersive zones, and global dining. Here is everything you need to plan your visit to the 2025-2026 edition.

Dates	October 10, 2025 to March 2026
Zones	11 entertainment zones across Riyadh
Attendance	11 million+ visitors (2025-2026 edition)
Brand Valuation	US$3.2 billion
Highlights	15 world championships, 34 exhibitions and festivals, 200+ concerts
Tickets	Via official Riyadh Season app or riyadhseason.com
Free Zones	Boulevard City, Al Suwaidi Park, Riyadh Zoo, Winter Wonderland (before 6pm)

What Is Riyadh Season?

Riyadh Season is Saudi Arabia’s flagship entertainment festival, organised by the General Entertainment Authority under the kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme. Launched in 2019, it has grown into one of the world’s largest annual entertainment events, transforming the Saudi capital into a six-month destination for international sport, live music, immersive attractions, fine dining, and cultural exhibitions.

The festival typically runs from October through March, capitalising on Riyadh’s mild winter climate when daytime temperatures drop from the blistering 40-plus degrees of summer to a far more manageable 20-28 degrees Celsius. What began as a modest seasonal programme has evolved into a sprawling operation spanning 11 distinct entertainment zones, each with its own identity and programming.

For the 2025-2026 edition, the season opened on October 10, 2025 with a spectacular parade at Boulevard City featuring over 3,000 performers and 25 festive floats. By early 2026, visitor numbers had surpassed 11 million, cementing Riyadh Season’s status as the region’s dominant entertainment property.

Whether you are a sports fan chasing the WWE Royal Rumble, a music lover drawn to Soundstorm’s 200-artist lineup, a food enthusiast exploring 500-plus restaurants at Boulevard World, or a family seeking rides and cultural experiences, Riyadh Season offers something at virtually every price point. Several zones are entirely free to enter.

The 11 Entertainment Zones

Riyadh Season 2025-2026 is spread across 11 zones, each occupying a different district of the capital. Understanding the geography is essential for planning your visit, as zones can be separated by 20 minutes or more of driving. Here is a complete breakdown.

Boulevard City

The anchor zone and beating heart of Riyadh Season, Boulevard City opened on day one (October 10) with free entry for all visitors. Located in the Hittin district, it serves as the primary venue for marquee events including boxing, tennis, and live concerts at the ANB Arena.

Boulevard City hosts six dedicated experience areas, more than 80 restaurants, and 14 theatrical performances across the season. It is where the Six Kings Slam tennis championship, Ring IV boxing card, and the Riyadh Comedy Festival all took place. For most visitors, this is the essential starting point.

Boulevard World

Opening on October 11, Boulevard World is the cultural and culinary centrepiece of Riyadh Season. Spanning multiple themed subzones representing countries and regions from around the globe, it offers an immersive journey through international cultures without leaving Riyadh.

The 2025-2026 edition features 24 subzones, including three new additions: Kuwait, South Korea, and Indonesia, joining returning favourites like Egypt, France, India, Africa, Asia, and the Levant. The numbers are staggering: approximately 1,700 shops, over 500 restaurants and cafes, 40 rides and experiences, and 31 interactive attractions including a cable car ride, floating market, and escape rooms.

Beast Land

One of the headline additions for 2025, Beast Land is a 188,000-square-metre zone inspired by YouTube creator MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), who attended the official opening on November 13. Located near Boulevard City in the Hittin district, this gamified theme park brings viral-style physical challenges to life.

The zone features more than 15 major rides (including the Viking Coaster, Phantom XXL, and a 50-metre bungee jump), 14 interactive experiences, and the Beast Arena where visitors compete in challenges like Tower Siege, Battle Bridge, and Maze Run for a share of over SAR 2 million (approximately US$533,000) in prizes. A dedicated children’s area and 20-plus food outlets make it viable for families. Beast Land operated from November 13 to December 27, 2025.

Boulevard Flowers

Opening on November 18 in the Hittin district, Boulevard Flowers transforms 215,000 square metres into an enormous living garden. The zone features approximately 200 million planted flowers, 200 giant floral sculptures, and 3D botanical art installations spread across landscaped pathways.

Among its more unusual attractions are three decommissioned Boeing 777 aircraft repurposed as immersive venues, alongside various rides, activities, and 40 restaurants and cafes. Boulevard Flowers is designed as a visual spectacle and is particularly popular for photography and family outings.

The Groves

Located in the Al-Rafiah district, The Groves opened on November 5 as Riyadh Season’s luxury destination. This is where high-end dining meets boutique retail in a manicured garden setting. The zone features seven fine-dining restaurants and 16 upscale stores.

Notable dining concepts include Gulnaz Khanum, billed as the first Persian dining concept born in Saudi Arabia, and Haret Abu Issam, a restaurant inspired by the iconic television series Bab Al-Hara that recreates old Damascus through heritage-themed design and Levantine hospitality. The Groves Village offers chic cabins, boutique cafes, and live performances across lush landscapes. Opening hours run from 4pm to midnight (Sunday to Wednesday) with extended hours to 12:30am on Thursday and Friday.

A quirky addition: Luca Park, Riyadh’s first integrated dog park, sits within The Groves, offering facilities and services for visitors with pets.

Al Suwaidi Park

Returning on November 2 as one of the festival’s beloved free-entry zones, Al Suwaidi Park occupies 140,000 square metres in the Al Hadeeqa district. This is Riyadh Season’s global culture hub, spotlighting 13 countries through rotating weekly themes.

Countries represented include Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, and broader African and Levantine regions. Each week, a different culture takes the spotlight with authentic food stalls, folk performances, crafts markets, and traditional music. For visitors seeking genuine cultural immersion rather than polished entertainment, Al Suwaidi Park is one of the season’s most rewarding zones.

Riyadh Zoo

One of the season’s largest open-air venues at 161,000 square metres, the Riyadh Zoo zone in the Al Malaz district offers free entry and returns for its fourth consecutive year as part of Riyadh Season. It houses over 1,600 animals representing 170 species across themed habitats.

Distinct zones include Pink Lake (a bird collection), Wild Adventure (African mammals), The Swamp (crocodiles and rare reptiles), and Enchanted Forest. Interactive experiences include animal feeding sessions, educational workshops for children, an elevated giraffe viewing bridge, and close-up elephant observation. Daily live entertainment features circus acts, magic shows, and bubble performances. The zoo opens from 9am to 5pm with a daily capacity of 12,000 visitors.

Winter Wonderland

Billed as the world’s largest mobile amusement park, Winter Wonderland offers free entry to visitors who arrive before 6pm, seven days a week. The zone features more than 80 rides spanning flying and swinging attractions, adventure activities, carnival games with prizes, and a House of Terror.

The setting recreates a winter atmosphere with ice sculptures, snow-covered trees, and festive decor, supplemented by daily musical performances, theatrical shows, and a selection of restaurants and cafes. Operating hours run from 4pm to 1am on weekdays and 4pm to 2am on weekends.

Via Riyadh

Located in the Al-Hada district adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton hotel, Via Riyadh is the season’s premium lifestyle destination. It combines upscale retail, fine dining, cinema, and cultural programming within a sophisticated mixed-use setting. The zone also houses Riyadh’s first St. Regis Hotel.

A key highlight is Ana Arabia, a cultural platform celebrating 200 Arab female designers from 22 countries through art, music, and live performances. Via Riyadh also offers valet services, personal concierge, and shopping assistance for those seeking a more curated experience.

Roshn Front

Formerly known as Riyadh Front, Roshn Front serves as a mixed-use commercial and events space designed as a calmer alternative to the festival’s busier zones. Huge fountain displays illuminate the area at night, while coffee shops and restaurants offer both local and international cuisine. Several Michelin-starred chefs have been invited to bring pop-up dining concepts to the venue.

Noor Riyadh

The fifth edition of Saudi Arabia’s annual light art festival runs as part of Riyadh Season under the theme “In the Blink of an Eye.” Noor Riyadh 2025 transforms public spaces across the city with large-scale light installations, projection art, and immersive experiences created by international artists. The opening featured an aerial ballet involving 3,500 choreographed drones. The 2025 edition ran through December 6.

Major Events and Highlights

Beyond the permanent zones, Riyadh Season’s calendar is packed with one-off events that draw international audiences. Here are the headline attractions from the 2025-2026 edition.

Sports

Event	Date	Venue
Six Kings Slam (Tennis)	October 15-18, 2025	ANB Arena, Boulevard City
Ring IV: Night of Champions (Boxing)	November 22, 2025	ANB Arena, Boulevard City
WWE Royal Rumble	January 31, 2026	Riyadh Season Stadium, KAFD
Saudi Cup (Horse Racing)	February 14, 2026	King Abdulaziz Racecourse
Saudi Masters Darts (PDC)	During season	Boulevard City
Snooker Championship	During season	Boulevard City

The Six Kings Slam brought together Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Jack Draper in a high-profile invitational tennis event. The boxing programme, Ring IV, featured a headline bout between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde alongside three additional world title fights. The WWE Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026 made history as the first time the iconic wrestling event was held outside North America, staged at the purpose-built Riyadh Season Stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District.

Music and Festivals

Soundstorm 2025, the MDLBeast-produced mega-festival, ran from December 11-13 with over 200 artists across 14 stages. The lineup spanned EDM, hip-hop, house, and global beats, with headliners including Post Malone, Calvin Harris, Cardi B, Halsey, Pitbull, Swedish House Mafia, DJ Snake, Metro Boomin, Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Tyla, and Benson Boone. Boulevard City also hosted over 20 Gulf, Arab, and international concerts throughout the season.

Comedy

The Riyadh Comedy Festival (September 26 to October 9, 2025) brought approximately 50 comedians to ANB Arena, including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Bill Burr, Aziz Ansari, Chris Tucker, Jim Gaffigan, Andrew Schulz, and Louis C.K. Individual performer fees reportedly ranged from US$350,000 to US$1.6 million.

Other Highlights

Additional programming across the season includes Sneaker Con Riyadh (January 26-28), the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale (January 30 to May 2), the World Defense Show (February 8-12), P1 Padel, Kings League MENA, Esports tournaments, and the Riyadh Motor Show.

How to Get Tickets

Ticketing for Riyadh Season operates through several channels, though the official app is the recommended starting point.

• Riyadh Season App – Available on iOS and Android, the official app provides event schedules, zone maps, direct ticketing, and live updates. This is the most reliable route for purchasing tickets.
• riyadhseason.com – The official website mirrors the app’s functionality for those who prefer booking via desktop.
• Webook.com – A major Saudi ticketing platform that handles sales for many Riyadh Season events, particularly sports and concerts.
• Platinumlist.net – Another authorised platform for event bookings in Riyadh.

Ticket prices vary enormously depending on the event. Zone entry to Boulevard City, Al Suwaidi Park, and Riyadh Zoo is free. Winter Wonderland offers free entry before 6pm. Major sporting events and headline concerts command premium prices, with the most sought-after seats selling out quickly. For marquee events like the WWE Royal Rumble or Soundstorm, booking well in advance is strongly advised.

Many zone experiences, rides, and dining do not require advance tickets and operate on a walk-in or pay-on-site basis within the zones.

Where to Stay

Riyadh’s hotel market has expanded significantly to accommodate the seasonal surge in visitors. Where you stay should be influenced by which zones and events you plan to prioritise.

Near Boulevard City and Boulevard World (Hittin District)

This is the ideal base for most visitors, placing you within easy reach of the two largest zones plus Beast Land and Boulevard Flowers. Options range from luxury properties like the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh to mid-range choices such as the Novotel Riyadh Al Anoud and the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC. Budget-conscious travellers can find rooms starting from around US$87 per night at properties like Hadab Al Sahafa Hotel, while serviced apartments near Boulevard City offer kitchen facilities for longer stays.

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)

If you are attending events at the Riyadh Season Stadium, including the WWE Royal Rumble, staying in or near KAFD puts you within walking distance. This area features several international five-star brands.

Al-Hada District (Near Via Riyadh)

The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh anchors this area, and the new St. Regis at Via Riyadh adds another ultra-luxury option. This is the base for those focused on the premium end of Riyadh Season programming.

Budget Guidance

Category	Typical Nightly Rate
Budget (3-star)	From US$85-125
Mid-range (4-star)	From US$160-250
Luxury (5-star)	From US$250-500+
Serviced apartments	From US$100-200

Rates increase sharply during peak weekends and around major events. Booking at least four to six weeks in advance is recommended, particularly for stays coinciding with Soundstorm, the Royal Rumble, or other headline fixtures.

Getting Around Riyadh

Navigating between Riyadh Season’s 11 zones requires planning, as they are spread across the city. Fortunately, Riyadh’s transport infrastructure has improved dramatically.

Riyadh Metro

Riyadh’s metro system, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest fully automated driverless metro network, spans 176 kilometres with six colour-coded lines and 85 stations. Completed in early 2025, it connects key hubs including King Khalid International Airport, the King Abdullah Financial District, and central commercial areas. Tickets are available via the Darb app or station vending machines.

Ride-Hailing

Uber and Careem (a regional ride-hailing service) are widely available and remain the most convenient door-to-door option for reaching Riyadh Season zones. Both apps support card payments and provide clear fare estimates before booking. During peak event times, expect surge pricing and longer wait times near major venues.

Shuttle Services

Riyadh Season typically operates shuttle services connecting its busiest zones, with dedicated parking facilities at major venues. Check the official app for current shuttle routes and schedules.

Car Rental

For maximum flexibility, particularly if you plan to visit multiple zones in a single day, renting a car is practical. International and local rental agencies operate at King Khalid International Airport and across the city. Be aware that parking at peak times can be challenging near Boulevard City and Boulevard World.

Weather and What to Pack

Riyadh Season’s October-to-March window coincides with the Saudi capital’s most pleasant weather, though conditions vary across the six-month span.

Month	Average High	Average Low	Notes
October	34°C / 93°F	21°C / 70°F	Still warm, especially early in the month
November	28°C / 82°F	14°C / 57°F	Increasingly comfortable, ideal for outdoor zones
December	22°C / 72°F	9°C / 48°F	Cool evenings, perfect for outdoor events
January	20°C / 68°F	8°C / 46°F	Coldest month, layer up for evening events
February	23°C / 73°F	10°C / 50°F	Warming up, still very pleasant
March	27°C / 81°F	14°C / 57°F	Season winding down, comfortable temperatures

Since many Riyadh Season zones operate primarily in the evening and at night, a light jacket or layering piece is essential from November through February, when temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius after dark. Daytime visits in October can still be hot, so sun protection and hydration remain important. Rainfall is minimal throughout the season.

What to Wear: Dress Code for Visitors

Saudi Arabia’s dress code has relaxed considerably in recent years, but visitors should still dress modestly in public spaces, including at Riyadh Season venues.

• Women: Loose, modest clothing covering arms and legs is expected. An abaya is no longer mandatory for foreign visitors, but many choose to carry a light scarf as a sign of respect. Headscarves are not required for non-Muslim women.
• Men: Long trousers and shirts with sleeves are the norm. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in public, although some Riyadh Season zones are more relaxed than the general public setting.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Boulevard World alone covers an enormous area, and you will be on your feet for hours. Avoid heels unless dining at The Groves or Via Riyadh.

For a detailed guide on dress expectations across Saudi Arabia, see our Saudi Arabia dress code guide.

Visa Requirements

Most international visitors can obtain a Saudi Arabia eVisa online, making trip planning straightforward.

• eVisa: Citizens of over 60 eligible countries can apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. The tourist eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. Processing is typically rapid, with many applications approved within minutes.
• Cost: The eVisa costs approximately US$140, which includes mandatory travel health insurance and processing fees.
• Requirements: A passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Applicants must be over 18 to apply independently.
• GCC residents: Holders of valid residency permits from GCC countries may enter Saudi Arabia without a separate tourist visa.

For the full breakdown of visa types, eligible nationalities, and application steps, see our Saudi Arabia visa guide.

Food and Dining

Riyadh Season is, among many things, one of the Middle East’s largest dining events. Across its 11 zones, the festival hosts well over 1,000 restaurants, cafes, and food stalls spanning virtually every cuisine imaginable.

Boulevard World

With over 500 restaurants and cafes across 24 cultural subzones, Boulevard World is the epicentre of Riyadh Season dining. Each country zone features authentic cuisine: Egyptian street food, Indian curries, French patisserie, Korean barbecue, Indonesian satay, and Levantine mezze all sit within walking distance of each other.

The Groves

For fine dining, The Groves offers seven curated restaurants in a garden setting. Gulnaz Khanum serves Persian cuisine, while Haret Abu Issam recreates Damascene hospitality. This is where Riyadh Season meets white-tablecloth dining.

Al Suwaidi Park

The most authentic and affordable dining at Riyadh Season is found at Al Suwaidi Park, where food stalls from 13 countries serve street food, gourmet bites, and homemade traditional dishes at accessible prices.

Roshn Front

Pop-up concepts from Michelin-starred chefs appear alongside established coffee shops and restaurants. This is the zone for a more relaxed, upscale dining experience away from the crowds.

Boulevard City

Over 80 restaurants cater to the zone’s massive foot traffic, with options ranging from quick-service outlets to sit-down dining.

For broader guidance on costs across the kingdom, see our Saudi Arabia cost guide.

Budgeting for Riyadh Season

Riyadh Season can be experienced across a wide range of budgets. Here is a rough daily spending guide per person.

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Premium
Accommodation	US$85-125	US$160-250	US$300-500+
Food and drink	US$25-40	US$50-100	US$150+
Transport	US$10-20	US$25-50	US$50-100
Events and tickets	Free zones	US$50-150	US$200-1,000+
Estimated daily total	US$120-185	US$285-550	US$700+

The free-entry zones (Boulevard City, Al Suwaidi Park, Riyadh Zoo, and Winter Wonderland before 6pm) mean that budget-conscious visitors can experience a substantial portion of Riyadh Season without paying admission fees. Food costs within the zones are generally higher than at independent Riyadh restaurants, though Al Suwaidi Park offers the best value.

Tips for International Visitors

• Download the Riyadh Season app before arrival. It is your central hub for event schedules, zone maps, ticketing, and live updates. Navigating 11 zones without it is significantly harder.
• Book marquee events early. Soundstorm, WWE, and headline boxing cards sell out. If a specific event is your reason for visiting, secure tickets before booking flights.
• Prioritise November through February. October is still hot, and March sees the season winding down. The core months offer the best weather and the densest programming. For more on seasonal timing, see our best time to visit Saudi Arabia guide.
• Allow at least three to four days. With 11 zones spread across the city, a single weekend is insufficient to experience the festival properly. Five to seven days is ideal for visitors who want to cover the major zones and attend at least one headline event.
• Evenings are when Riyadh Season comes alive. Most zones open in the afternoon and run until midnight or later. Plan your days accordingly, and take advantage of morning hours to explore Riyadh’s non-festival attractions like Diriyah and the National Museum.
• Carry a light jacket from November onwards. Desert evenings get cold. Queuing outdoors for events in December and January without a layer is uncomfortable.
• Saudi Arabia is a cash-light society. Card payments are accepted virtually everywhere at Riyadh Season venues. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported. Carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary.
• Respect local customs. While Riyadh Season creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere, you are still in Saudi Arabia. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and alcohol is prohibited throughout the kingdom.
• Stay hydrated. Even in the cooler months, Riyadh’s dry desert climate can dehydrate you faster than expected, particularly if you are walking between zones or standing in outdoor queues.
• Check for schedule changes. Riyadh Season programming evolves throughout the six months. Zones may adjust operating hours, and new events are added regularly. The official app provides the most current information.

For a comprehensive overview of travelling to Saudi Arabia, including airport information and cultural advice, see our Riyadh travel guide and the broader Saudi Arabia travel hub. For upcoming events beyond Riyadh Season, see our Saudi Arabia events 2026 calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Riyadh Season 2025-2026 run?

Riyadh Season 2025-2026 opened on October 10, 2025 and runs through March 2026. Different zones open on different dates throughout the season, with Boulevard City and Boulevard World opening first in October and other zones following through November.

Is Riyadh Season free to attend?

Several zones offer free entry, including Boulevard City, Al Suwaidi Park, and Riyadh Zoo. Winter Wonderland is free for visitors arriving before 6pm. However, individual events, concerts, sporting fixtures, and some zone experiences require separate tickets. Boulevard World and other zones may charge entry fees.

How do I buy tickets for Riyadh Season events?

The official Riyadh Season app (available on iOS and Android) is the primary ticketing platform. You can also purchase through riyadhseason.com, Webook.com, and Platinumlist.net. For high-demand events, book as early as possible.

Do I need a visa to visit Riyadh Season?

Most international visitors require a visa. Citizens of over 60 countries can apply for an eVisa online at visa.visitsaudi.com, typically approved within minutes. The cost is approximately US$140 including health insurance. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date.

What is the best time to visit Riyadh Season?

November through February offers the best combination of comfortable weather and peak programming. December and January feature the densest event calendar, including Soundstorm (December) and the WWE Royal Rumble (January). October can still be uncomfortably warm for outdoor activities.

How many days do I need for Riyadh Season?

A minimum of three to four days is recommended to experience the major zones. Five to seven days allows for a more thorough visit including multiple zones, at least one headline event, and time to explore Riyadh beyond the festival. A single weekend is insufficient to cover even the core zones properly.

Is Riyadh Season suitable for families?

Riyadh Season is heavily family-oriented. Riyadh Zoo, Winter Wonderland, Beast Land, and Boulevard Flowers are all designed with families in mind, featuring children’s areas, educational experiences, and age-appropriate rides. Many zones offer stroller-friendly pathways and family dining options.

Can women attend Riyadh Season alone?

Yes. Saudi Arabia no longer requires women to be accompanied by a male guardian, and Riyadh Season venues are welcoming to solo female travellers. The festival environment is generally safe and well-staffed with security. Standard personal safety precautions apply as they would at any large-scale event globally.