Since opening up to tourism, Saudi Arabia has built a calendar of themed "seasons" and international events, mostly in the cooler months. Dates are announced late and can change, so treat this page as a planning guide and confirm on the official sites before you book flights. For a deeper look at the capital's programme, read our guide to Riyadh Season and events.
Riyadh Season
The capital's flagship entertainment season is opening on 21 October 2026 with a programme announced as around ten weeks long. Expect concerts, boxing and wrestling nights, tennis exhibitions, theatre and huge themed zones such as Boulevard City and Boulevard World in the north of Riyadh. Tickets are sold through the official Riyadh Season app and website, and popular nights sell out quickly. Some zones are free; others charge entry.
AlUla Moments
The Royal Commission for AlUla runs a series of festivals from late October to spring, covering wellness, astronomy, heritage, art and music. The best known is Winter at Tantora, scheduled for 17 December 2026 to 9 January 2027, with concerts at Maraya, events in AlUla Old Town and food experiences. Hotel rates in AlUla rise sharply on festival weekends, so book well ahead.
Sport
| Event | Expected dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh racing season | 16 Oct 2026 to 17 Apr 2027 | King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh |
| Dakar Rally | 1 to 15 Jan 2027 | Starts and finishes at King Abdullah Economic City |
| AFC Asian Cup (football) | January to early February 2027 | Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar |
| The Saudi Cup (horse racing) | 5 and 6 Feb 2027 | King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh |
| Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | 19 to 21 Mar 2027 | Jeddah Corniche Circuit |
Saudi Arabia also hosts Formula E in Diriyah or Jeddah, golf tournaments, major boxing cards and, in recent summers, the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Schedules move from year to year, so check the latest calendar.
Culture, film and music
Riyadh has a strong arts calendar, including the Riyadh International Book Fair, fashion and design weeks and exhibitions in Diriyah and JAX District. Jeddah's historic Al Balad hosts cultural programmes during the cooler months, and summer brings seasonal programmes to the mountain towns of Taif and Abha, when the rest of the country is too hot.
National and religious dates
- Ramadan: expected around 8 February to 8 March 2027. Many events pause or move to evenings; see Ramadan travel tips.
- Eid al-Fitr: around 9 or 10 March 2027, followed by several days of public holiday, fireworks and family outings.
- Founding Day: 22 February, celebrating the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727, with heritage events in Diriyah. In 2027 it falls during Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha and Hajj: around mid-May 2027. Flights to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif may be limited to pilgrims, and prices rise.
- Saudi National Day: 23 September, with flags, air shows and fireworks across the country.
Planning around events
Book accommodation as soon as dates are confirmed, buy tickets only from official channels, and allow for road closures near venues. Most events welcome international visitors on a tourist eVisa; see our visa guide. For the weather side of planning, read best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
When does Riyadh Season 2026 start?
Riyadh Season 2026 is due to open on 21 October 2026, with a programme announced as around ten weeks long. Check the official app for the latest line-up.
When is Winter at Tantora in AlUla?
The next edition is scheduled for 17 December 2026 to 9 January 2027. Book AlUla hotels early, as prices rise on festival weekends.
When is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
The 2027 race is scheduled for 19 to 21 March 2027 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The 2026 race was cancelled.
Can tourists attend events on a tourist visa?
Yes. The tourist eVisa covers attending events. Buy tickets only through official channels.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.