Jeddah Season is Saudi Arabia’s flagship summer entertainment programme, transforming the Red Sea gateway city into a sprawling festival of concerts, food, beach parties, cultural events and family-friendly attractions. Part of the Kingdom’s wider Saudi Arabia travel calendar, Jeddah Season is organised by the General Entertainment Authority under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program. Since its debut in 2019, the season has grown from a seven-week pilot into a months-long extravaganza drawing millions of visitors from across the Gulf and beyond. Whether you are timing a trip around a headline concert, planning a family holiday on the Red Sea coast, or simply looking for something to do after a night out in Jeddah, this guide covers everything confirmed and expected for the 2026 edition.

What Is Jeddah Season?

Jeddah Season is one of roughly eleven regional entertainment seasons launched under Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Seasons initiative. While Riyadh Season runs through winter as the country’s largest, Jeddah Season fills the summer calendar — capitalising on the city’s coastal setting, international airport and position as a gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims looking to extend their stay.

The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), chaired by Turki Al-Sheikh, coordinates programming across multiple zones spread throughout the city. Previous editions have featured international concert headliners, anime festivals, beach events along the Obhur coast, food halls, horror experiences and winter wonderland attractions stretching well into the following year.

A Brief History

The trend is clear: each edition runs longer and adds more programming. The 2025 season under the slogan “Jeddah is Different” was the most ambitious yet, stretching from July through December with seven main destinations and extensions into early 2026.

Jeddah Season 2026: What to Expect

As of April 2026, official dates for Jeddah Season 2026 have not been announced. Based on the established pattern, the season would normally launch between June and July 2026 with programming running through late December. The regional security situation — which led to the cancellation of the 2026 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March — may affect the timing and scope of announcements.

Important: Monitor official channels for confirmed dates and lineups. The best sources are Visit Saudi (visitsaudi.com), the GEA website (gea.gov.sa), and ticketing platform Webook.com. Announcements typically come 4–8 weeks before launch.

That said, the Saudi entertainment calendar has shown remarkable consistency year-on-year. Based on what previous editions have delivered — and what the infrastructure now supports — here is what visitors can reasonably expect.

Concerts and Live Music

Headline concerts are the biggest draw. The MDLBEAST Onyx Arena has been the primary concert venue since 2024, hosting a Friday-night series of international acts throughout the summer months. If you are interested in the broader concert scene across Saudi Arabia in 2026, Jeddah Season consistently delivers some of the year’s biggest bookings.

Previous Onyx Arena lineups give a clear picture of the programming style:

• 2025: Ty Dolla $ign, Lost Frequencies, Metro Boomin, Quavo, Central Cee, R3hab, Black Eyed Peas, Meduza
• 2024: Don Toliver, Axwell, Jack Harlow, Salvatore Ganacci, Bebe Rexha, Afrojack
• 2019: Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Future, Tyga, Steve Aoki

The mix typically skews toward hip-hop, R&B and electronic acts, with occasional pop headliners. Tickets for the 2025 Onyx concerts started at SAR 200.6 (approximately USD 53), with VIP packages running significantly higher. Expect similar pricing or modest increases for 2026.

City Walk Entertainment District

City Walk has been the flagship entertainment zone since 2022. At its peak, it covered 282,000 square metres of purpose-built attractions grouped into themed sub-zones:

• Anime Village — 50 life-size anime figures across eight themed sections including Attack on Titan, Naruto and Captain Tsubasa. Japanese bands and cosplay parades.
• Adventure Village — Thrill rides and physical challenges
• Fashion Village — Shopping pop-ups and style events
• Horror Village — Scare attractions (this expanded into the standalone Horror Con in 2025)
• BBQ Yard and Food Hall — Dozens of dining options from Saudi traditional to international street food
• Jeddah Live — Live performance stage for local and regional acts

General entry to City Walk zones has historically been priced between SAR 25–100, with some areas free.

Western Coast Beach Events

Jeddah’s Obhur coastline, north of the city centre, hosts the Western Coast programme — seven themed beaches along the Red Sea with water sports, live entertainment, beachside dining and a dedicated ladies-only beach. The 2025 Western Coast ran from July through early October and is expected to return in a similar format.

This is one of the most appealing aspects of Jeddah Season for visitors already drawn to the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast. If you are combining a season visit with beach time, Obhur is the place to be — though serious divers should also explore the Saudi Arabia diving and snorkelling guide for offshore options.

Key Venues

Jeddah Season events are spread across the city. Knowing the main venues helps with accommodation choices and transport planning.

Jeddah Superdome

The largest continuous dome structure in the world, with a 210-metre diameter and capacity of up to 35,000–40,000. Located on King Abdulaziz Road near King Abdullah Sports City, it hosts exhibitions, conferences and major concerts. Previous events include the SAJEX Gem and Jewelry Fair.

King Abdullah Sports City

Roughly 30 kilometres north of downtown, “The Jewel” seats 62,241 in its main stadium. It has hosted WWE events, boxing matches and major concerts outside of Jeddah Season as well. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after-race concerts — featuring Jennifer Lopez and Usher in 2025 — were held in this precinct.

Jeddah Corniche Circuit

The 6.174-kilometre street circuit along the North Corniche normally hosts Formula 1 and Formula E. While the 2026 F1 race was cancelled, the circuit and surrounding infrastructure remains in place. Formula E successfully held a double-header night race here in February 2026, and the F1H2O Powerboat World Championship used the corniche waterfront for its November 2025 round.

Onyx Arena

The dedicated concert venue for the MDLBEAST-curated Friday night music series. Capacity and exact location vary by edition, but it is purpose-built for live music with high-end production values.

Historic Jeddah (Al Balad)

The UNESCO World Heritage old town hosts cultural programming during the season, including the Balad Al-Fann art festival and Ramadan-themed events. Even outside of Jeddah Season, Al Balad is worth a visit — its coral-stone merchant houses and narrow alleyways are among the most atmospheric historical sites in the Kingdom. You can explore the nearby traditional souqs of Jeddah while in the area.

Family-Friendly Activities

Jeddah Season is deliberately designed as a family destination. Previous editions have included dedicated programming for children and families that goes well beyond token offerings. If you are visiting Jeddah with children, timing your trip around the season adds significant value.

Key Family Attractions

• Warner Bros Discovery: Celebrate Every Story — Immersive character experiences for younger visitors
• Forest Wonders (Wonder Jungle) — Air-conditioned venue in Al Mohammadiya with live animal encounters, stage shows and jungle-themed dining
• Fun Land — Four indoor spaces with cartoon characters, dress-up photo ops, bike riding and a simulated cooking area
• Cyan Waterpark — Water rides and family pools
• Fakieh Aquarium — Marine life exhibits (open year-round but programmed into season events)
• Prince Majed Park — Circus performances and live entertainment
• Winter Wonderland — 32 amusement rides, an ice rink at the North Pole zone, the Snow Dome with 360-degree visuals, and over 60 restaurants (runs December–February)

Children under six typically enter free at major zones. For a broader look at kid-friendly activities in Jeddah, many of these attractions operate outside the season as well.

Food and Dining During Jeddah Season

Jeddah is already Saudi Arabia’s most diverse food city, and the season amplifies that. Dedicated food zones within City Walk — the BBQ Yard, Food Hall and pop-up dining concepts — bring together Saudi traditional dishes, Gulf cuisine and international street food under one roof.

The broader Food Culture Festival, organised by the Culinary Arts Commission, typically runs as a standalone event with cooking workshops, live demonstrations and themed zones. In 2025 it featured 30 exhibitor booths with global cuisines at the Wonder District venue.

Beyond the season’s own food programming, Jeddah’s permanent dining scene is worth exploring. The city’s street food — kabsa, mutabbaq, foul and shawarma — is among the best in the Kingdom. For a different pace, the fine dining scene has exploded in recent years with rooftop restaurants and world-class chefs. And if you are staying through the weekend, Jeddah’s Friday brunch culture is legendary.

Horror Con and Niche Events

One of the most unexpected additions to Jeddah Season in 2025 was Horror Con Jeddah, billed as the largest horror entertainment event in the Middle East. Running for three weeks from mid-October to early November, it featured eight haunted houses across different horror themes. The event was a significant departure from the family-focused programming and signals the GEA’s willingness to push boundaries with niche content.

Other niche events that have appeared in recent editions include the Summer Speed Festival (motorsport at the Corniche Circuit), the Saudi Drift Championship, and cultural showcases representing seven Asian communities in Saudi Arabia — India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia.

Tickets: How to Book and What to Pay

Ticketing for Jeddah Season runs through two main platforms:

• Webook.com — The primary ticketing platform for all Saudi Seasons events. This is where concert tickets, zone passes and VIP packages are sold first.
• Platinumlist.net — A major alternative with good coverage of Jeddah events (jeddah.platinumlist.net).

Price Guide (Based on 2024–2025 Editions)

Tip: Headline concerts sell out fast — especially Friday night Onyx Arena shows. Set notifications on Webook.com and buy the day tickets go live. Resale markups can be steep and unofficial resellers are not guaranteed.

Getting to Jeddah

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is one of the busiest in the Middle East, with direct flights from most Gulf capitals, major European cities, and hubs across Asia and Africa. Saudia, the national carrier, operates extensive domestic and international routes. Budget carriers flynas and flyadeal offer competitive fares on domestic and regional routes.

From the airport, the city centre is roughly 20 minutes by car. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem operate throughout Jeddah and are the most convenient way to reach event venues. Taxis are available but ride-hailing is generally more reliable for navigating to season zones spread across the city.

Most visitors from outside the Gulf will need a tourist e-visa, which can be obtained online before departure. Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa. The e-visa process is straightforward and typically approved within minutes.

Where to Stay

Accommodation choice during Jeddah Season depends on which events matter most to you:

• Corniche and North Jeddah — Best for concert-goers and motorsport fans. Close to the Corniche Circuit, Onyx Arena and waterfront promenades. The luxury hotel strip along the corniche offers beachfront properties from international chains.
• Obhur — Best for beach events. The Western Coast programme is concentrated here, making it the top choice if beach and water activities are your priority.
• Al Balad / Downtown — Best for culture and food. Walking distance to Historic Jeddah, the souqs and Jeddah’s best street food. Further from major season venues but rich in character.
• Near King Abdullah Sports City — Best for stadium events. Hotels here tend to be newer and more affordable, though the area is 30km north of downtown.

For longer stays, serviced apartments in Jeddah offer better value and kitchen facilities — useful when summer temperatures make midday outings unappealing.

Book early: Accommodation prices spike during Jeddah Season, particularly on weekends with headline concerts. If your dates are flexible, Thursday arrivals for Friday concerts are the most in-demand. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for the best rates.

Practical Tips for Jeddah Season

Weather and What to Wear

Jeddah in summer is hot and humid — expect daytime temperatures of 38–42°C with high humidity from the Red Sea. Most season venues are air-conditioned or operate in the evening, but hydration and sun protection are essential for beach events and outdoor queues. For guidance on appropriate clothing, see the Saudi Arabia dress code guide — Jeddah is generally more relaxed than Riyadh, but modest dress is still expected in public areas outside beach zones.

Getting Around

Jeddah Season venues are spread across the city, from Obhur in the north to Al Balad in the historic centre. There is no metro system (though one is under construction). Rely on:

• Uber / Careem — The default for most visitors. Reliable and affordable.
• Season shuttle buses — Previous editions offered free or low-cost shuttles between major zones. Check the official app for routes.
• Car rental — Useful for reaching Obhur beaches and outer venues, but parking at popular events can be a challenge.

Timing Your Visit

If you can only visit once, aim for the first two weeks after launch — programming is freshest, lineups are strongest and the novelty factor is at its peak. Alternatively, the October–November window offers cooler weather, niche events like Horror Con and thinner crowds.

Cultural Awareness

Jeddah Season is a modern entertainment festival, but it operates within Saudi cultural norms. Alcohol is not served at any event — for tips on what to drink instead, see the Saudi non-alcoholic drinks guide. Prayer times are observed and some venues may briefly pause programming. Public displays of affection should be kept minimal. Photography is generally welcome at events but ask before photographing individuals.

For a deeper understanding of local customs and etiquette, the Saudi culture guide for visitors covers everything from greetings to gift-giving.

Formula 1 and Motorsport

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit — a 6.174-kilometre street circuit along the North Corniche — has hosted the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix since 2021 and is one of the fastest street circuits in Formula 1. The 2026 race, originally scheduled for April 17–19, was cancelled in March 2026 due to regional security concerns alongside the Bahrain Grand Prix.

However, the circuit and its infrastructure remain in place. Formula E successfully held a double-header night race in Jeddah on 13–14 February 2026 — the only night race on the Formula E calendar. The F1H2O Powerboat World Championship used the corniche waterfront for its Jeddah round in November 2025.

In previous years, the F1 weekend has been a standalone attraction with its own after-race concert series. Jennifer Lopez and Usher headlined the 2025 post-race concerts, with Major Lazer and Peggy Gou on the undercard. If the Grand Prix returns in future years, the concert programme alone justifies attending.

Day Trips and Combinations

If Jeddah Season brings you to the city, consider extending your trip:

• Historic Al Balad — The UNESCO-listed old town is a half-day excursion from any Jeddah hotel and pairs naturally with the traditional souq circuit.
• Red Sea diving — The reefs off Jeddah’s coast are world-class. A morning dive trip followed by an evening at Jeddah Season is a realistic combination.
• Taif — The cool mountain city is two hours by road and offers a dramatic change of scenery. Rose farms, mountain views and temperatures 15°C lower than the coast.
• Makkah and Madinah — For Muslim visitors, combining Umrah with a Jeddah Season trip is straightforward. Jeddah is the traditional gateway to both holy cities.

Explore More Saudi Arabia Travel Guides

• Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
• Jeddah After Dark — Restaurants, events and entertainment beyond the season
• Concerts in Saudi Arabia 2026 — Upcoming shows and how to buy tickets
• Jeddah with Kids — Family fun on the Red Sea coast
• Best Luxury Hotels in Jeddah — Beachfront and city-view properties
• Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained