Last updated: 23 October 2026. This guide now covers what has been announced for Riyadh Season 2026, which was scheduled to open on 21 October 2026, and describes the 2025-2026 edition as a past season.

Riyadh Season is the Middle East’s largest entertainment festival. Its 2025-2026 edition drew 17 million visitors, according to the General Entertainment Authority, with concerts, world championships, themed zones and global dining. Here is what is known about the 2026 edition and what the last season offered.

Riyadh Season 2026: Dates and What Has Been Announced

General Entertainment Authority (GEA) chairman Turki Alalshikh announced on September 26, 2026, in a promotional video, that the seventh edition of Riyadh Season would open on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, under the slogan “Big Time” and run for ten weeks (Saudi Press Agency; Gulf News). Earlier editions ran from October into February or March, so this is a shorter season. No closing date had been published when this guide was updated.

The programme announced includes boxing and wrestling, UFC bouts, the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, concerts by Saudi, Arab and international artists, theatre, stand-up comedy and family entertainment. Boulevard World returns with three new country pavilions (the Netherlands, Portugal and Yemen), and Boulevard City, Wonder Garden, The Groves, the Farmers’ Market and the Ana Arabia exhibition at VIA Riyadh are all part of the season (Arab News, September 27, 2026).

What’s On Saudi Arabia listed these opening dates on October 20, 2026: Boulevard City stage from October 22 and attractions from October 24; Boulevard World on October 25; VIA Riyadh open throughout; Al Dirah Winter on November 1; Wonder Garden and Suwaidi Park on November 18; Al Hisn Maze from November 19 to 28; The Groves in November (date to be confirmed); the Farmers’ Market on December 18; Riyadh Zoo and SEVEN Al Hamra to be confirmed (What’s On Saudi Arabia).

2026 headline events and changes

• Six Kings Slam: postponed on October 14 from October 21-24 to December 27-30, 2026, at ANB Arena. Riyadh Season cited “organizational and logistical challenges”; Tennis Majors reported the move was linked to the international situation (Tennis Majors).
• Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli: billed as “Mexico vs. The World” for Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Riyadh, according to the fight-week schedule posted by Turki Alalshikh (Boxing Insider, October 20, 2026).
• WWE Crown Jewel: advertised for November 7, 2026, at Riyadh Season Stadium. Boxing Insider reported on October 20 that WWE had made no public statement and, citing the Wrestling Observer, that a US city was under consideration as a contingency.

Other events in Saudi Arabia were postponed in mid-October 2026, including the Future Investment Initiative conference, moved to 2027. Check our Saudi Arabia travel status page for airport closures and government travel advice before you book. Our news report Riyadh Postponed the Conference and Kept the Season covers the decision to go ahead with the season.

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 starts in October, taking advantage of Riyadh’s mild winter climate when daytime temperatures drop from the 40-plus degrees of summer to a more manageable 20-28 degrees Celsius. Earlier editions ran into February or March; the 2026 edition was announced as a ten-week season. What began as a seasonal programme has grown into an operation spanning a dozen zones, each with its own identity and programming.

The 2025-2026 edition opened on October 10, 2025, with a parade beside Boulevard City (Gulf News). When its activities ended in February 2026, Turki Alalshikh announced that it had drawn 17 million visitors (TradeArabia, February 17, 2026).

Whether you are a sports fan, a music lover, a food enthusiast exploring Boulevard World, or a family looking for rides and cultural experiences, Riyadh Season offers something at most price points. Some zones have been free to enter.

The 2025-2026 Entertainment Zones (Last Season)

Riyadh Season 2025-2026 was spread across 11 main zones, each in a different district of the capital. Zones can be separated by 20 minutes or more of driving. The descriptions below are of the 2025-2026 season, which has ended; several of these zones return in 2026 (see the opening dates above), and details may differ.

Boulevard City

The anchor zone of Riyadh Season, Boulevard City had free entry in 2025-2026. Located in the Hittin district, it is the main venue for marquee events including boxing, tennis, and live concerts at the ANB Arena.

In 2025-2026 Boulevard City had experience areas, restaurants and theatre performances. The Six Kings Slam tennis championship and the Ring IV boxing card took place at its ANB Arena. It returns for 2026 with new content, and for most visitors it is the place to start.

Boulevard World

Boulevard World is the cultural and culinary centrepiece of Riyadh Season. Its themed subzones represent countries and regions from around the globe.

The 2025-2026 edition added Kuwait, South Korea, and Indonesia. Gulf News reported 1,600 shops and 350 dining venues at the 2025 launch. Attractions have included rides, a cable car and a floating market. For 2026, What’s On Saudi Arabia listed the opening as October 25, with new pavilions for the Netherlands, Portugal and Yemen.

Beast Land

One of the headline additions for 2025, Beast Land was a zone created with YouTube creator MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson). Gulf News reported it would cover 200,000 square metres with more than 27 rides, 40 restaurants and interactive challenges.

The gamified theme park brought viral-style physical challenges to life, with prizes for visitors who competed, and it ran for part of the 2025-2026 season. Beast Land is not in the published list of 2026 zones.

Boulevard Flowers

Boulevard Flowers, in the Hittin district, was a large garden zone in 2025-2026. Gulf News described a flower park with 200 million blooms and Boeing 777 aircraft displays, alongside floral sculptures and landscaped pathways.

The decommissioned Boeing 777s were repurposed as venues, alongside rides, activities, restaurants and cafes. The zone was designed as a visual spectacle and was popular for photography and family outings. For 2026, a garden zone called Wonder Garden was listed to open on November 18.

The Groves

The Groves is Riyadh Season’s luxury destination, where high-end dining meets boutique retail in a garden setting. In 2025-2026 it had a small selection of fine-dining restaurants and upscale stores.

Dining concepts in 2025-2026 included Gulnaz Khanum, a Persian restaurant, and Haret Abu Issam, a restaurant inspired by the television series Bab Al-Hara that recreates old Damascus through heritage-themed design. The Groves Village offered cabins, cafes, and live performances. For 2026, What’s On Saudi Arabia listed The Groves at Hizm Park, opening in November on a date to be confirmed; check the app for hours.

The 2025-2026 zone also included a dog park for visitors with pets.

Al Suwaidi Park

Al Suwaidi Park was a free-entry zone in 2025-2026 and is Riyadh Season’s global culture hub, with countries spotlighted through rotating weekly themes. It is listed to open on November 18 for 2026.

Countries featured have included communities from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Arab world. Each week, a different culture takes the spotlight with food stalls, folk performances, crafts markets, and traditional music. For visitors seeking 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 large open-air venues, the Riyadh Zoo zone in the Al Malaz district was revamped for 2025-2026 with 1,600 animals, according to Gulf News. Its 2026 opening date was still to be confirmed on October 20, 2026.

The zoo is divided into themed habitats for birds, African mammals, and reptiles. Interactive experiences have included animal feeding sessions, educational workshops for children, and live entertainment. Check the app for 2026 entry rules and hours.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland has been a large funfair zone in past seasons, with rides, carnival games with prizes, and a haunted house.

The setting recreates a winter atmosphere with festive decor, musical performances, shows, and restaurants and cafes. It is not in the published list of 2026 zones.

Via Riyadh

Located in the Al-Hada district near the Ritz-Carlton hotel, Via Riyadh is the season’s premium lifestyle destination. It combines upscale retail, fine dining, cinema, and cultural programming. The development also includes a St. Regis hotel.

A key highlight is Ana Arabia, a platform celebrating Arab women designers through art, music, and live performances, which returns for 2026. Via Riyadh is listed as open throughout the 2026 season.

Roshn Front

Formerly known as Riyadh Front, Roshn Front is a mixed-use commercial and events space and a calmer alternative to the festival’s busier zones. Fountain displays light the area at night, while coffee shops and restaurants offer local and international cuisine.

Noor Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s annual light art festival ran during the 2025-2026 season, transforming public spaces across the city with large-scale light installations, projection art, and immersive experiences created by international artists.

Major Events and Highlights

Beyond the 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, all of which have now taken place. For 2026 events, see the section near the top of this guide.

Sports

The 2025 Six Kings Slam brought together Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who replaced the injured Jack Draper; Sinner won the final against Alcaraz (2025 Six Kings Slam). Ring IV was a four-fight card headlined by David Benavidez, who stopped Anthony Yarde in the seventh round. The WWE Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026, was the first traditional Royal Rumble held outside North America, staged at Riyadh Season Stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District; Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan won the two Rumble matches (Royal Rumble 2026). Other dates from that season included the WTA Finals (November 1-8, 2025) and Naoya Inoue’s win over Alan David Picasso at Ring V (December 27, 2025).

Music and Festivals

Soundstorm 2025, the MDLBeast-produced festival, ran from December 11-13, 2025 (MDLBEAST), with a lineup spanning EDM, hip-hop, house, and global music. MDLBEAST had not listed a 2026 edition when this guide was updated. Boulevard City also hosted Gulf, Arab, and international concerts throughout the season.

Comedy

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, held around the opening of the 2025-2026 season, brought international stand-up comedians to Riyadh. Stand-up comedy is part of the announced 2026 programme, but no 2026 festival dates had been published when this guide was updated.

Other Highlights

Other events in Riyadh during the 2025-2026 season included Sneaker Con Riyadh, the Premier Padel Riyadh P1 (February 7-14, 2026), Kings League MENA, esports tournaments, and the Riyadh Motor Show. A celebrity flag football game with Tom Brady, planned for Kingdom Arena on March 21, 2026, was moved to Los Angeles (AP via WTOP).

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. In 2025-2026, entry to Boulevard City was free; check the app for 2026 entry rules for each zone. Major sporting events and headline concerts command premium prices, with the most sought-after seats selling out quickly. For marquee events such as WWE Crown Jewel or a headline boxing card, book well in advance.

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 Boulevard City, Boulevard World and the Wonder Garden. Options range from luxury hotels to mid-range and budget properties, while serviced apartments near Boulevard City offer kitchen facilities for longer stays. Compare current prices on booking sites, as rates change through the season.

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)

If you are attending events at the Riyadh Season Stadium, such as WWE Crown Jewel, 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 St. Regis at Via Riyadh adds another luxury option. This is the base for those focused on the premium end of Riyadh Season programming.

Budget Guidance

The ranges below are rough estimates made in early 2026, not quotes. Check current prices before you book.

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 headline fixtures.

Getting Around Riyadh

Navigating between Riyadh Season’s 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. Its lines opened between December 2024 and January 2025, and it connects key hubs including King Khalid International Airport, the King Abdullah Financial District, and central commercial areas (Riyadh Metro). Tickets are sold at stations and through the official app.

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 autumn and winter 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 eligible countries can apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Check the portal for the current list of countries, validity and permitted length of stay before you apply.
• Cost: The fee includes mandatory travel health insurance; the official portal shows the current amount.
• Requirements: A passport with enough remaining validity; the portal lists the current rules, including for under-18s.
• GCC residents: Residents of other GCC countries have separate visa options; check the portal for your situation.

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 zones, the festival hosts restaurants, cafes, and food stalls covering a very wide range of cuisines. The notes below describe the 2025-2026 season.

Boulevard World

With hundreds of restaurants and cafes across its country subzones (Gulf News reported 350 dining venues at the 2025 launch), 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 offered a small selection of 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

Some of the most authentic and affordable dining at Riyadh Season has been at Al Suwaidi Park, where food stalls from many countries serve street food, gourmet bites, and homemade traditional dishes at accessible prices.

Roshn Front

Coffee shops and restaurants make this the zone for a more relaxed, upscale dining experience away from the crowds.

Boulevard City

Dozens of restaurants cater to the zone’s 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, estimated in early 2026; check current prices.

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+

Free-entry zones (Boulevard City was free in 2025-2026) mean that budget-conscious visitors can experience part 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 a dozen zones without it is significantly harder.
• Book marquee events early. WWE, headline boxing cards and the Six Kings Slam sell out. If a specific event is your reason for visiting, secure tickets before booking flights.
• Prioritise November and December for 2026. October is still hot, and the 2026 edition was announced as a ten-week season from October 21. These 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 a dozen 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 changes during the season, and in October 2026 the Six Kings Slam was moved to December. 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.

Latest news on this topic

• Riyadh Postponed the Conference and Kept the Season
• Can Riyadh Host the World While Its Airport Cannot Stay Open?
• Saudi Arabia Postpones Flagship Investment Conference to 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Riyadh Season 2026 run?

GEA chairman Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season 2026 would open on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and run for ten weeks. No closing date had been published by October 23, 2026. Zones open in stages: Boulevard City from October 22, Boulevard World on October 25, and others in November and December. The previous season opened on October 10, 2025, and its activities ended in February 2026.

Is Riyadh Season free to attend?

Some zones have been free to enter; Boulevard City was free in 2025-2026. Check the Riyadh Season app for 2026 entry rules. Individual events, concerts, sporting fixtures, and some zone experiences require separate tickets, and Boulevard World has charged entry.

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 eligible countries can apply for an eVisa online at visa.visitsaudi.com, where the current fee, validity and passport rules are listed. Check your government’s travel advice before booking.

What is the best time to visit Riyadh Season?

For the 2026 edition, November and December offer the best combination of comfortable weather and programming, including WWE Crown Jewel (advertised for November 7) and the rescheduled Six Kings Slam (December 27-30). 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. Zones such as Riyadh Zoo and the garden and funfair zones have been 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.