See & Do

The best things to do in Saudi Arabia this August

From high-stakes chess showdowns and iconic live concerts, to cool mountain escapes and theme park thrills, August across Saudi Arabia is packed with unforgettable experiences

BY /
19 August 26
LEHAR
LEHAR may be taking the decks for a single night, but the excitement doesn't stop there. August is stacked with unforgettable events across the Kingdom
LEHAR

Book a Family Staycation 

Before the rush of the new school year begins, there’s still time to treat your family to a memorable getaway in Saudi Arabia. From ultra-luxurious Red Sea resorts packed with kids’ activities to sleek city-centre hotels perfect for a quick weekend staycation, Saudi Arabia offers something for every type of traveler. Here is our curated selection of top family-friendly properties across the Kingdom for a well-deserved pre-back-to-school break.

Check out our full listing: Best summer family staycation offers in Saudi

From August 1: Buraidah Date Carnival

budairah Dates via spa

The Buraidah Dates Carnival is the world’s largest agricultural event and date market, transforming Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region into a vibrant cultural hub for 60 days. Operating around the clock, the festival centres on high-octane dawn auctions where hundreds of trucks filled with fresh harvests from over 11 million local palm trees unload their bounty. Beyond its massive economic scale, the event is a celebration of Saudi heritage. Visitors and traders alike gather to experience traditional folk performances, artisan crafts, local culinary showcases, and guided farm tours, making it a unique bridge between centuries-old palm cultivation and modern international trade.

From August 1 to October 15, 2026
King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, Qassim

From August 1 - 14: Jeddah Season Chess Championship 2026

Chess championships via unsplash jeshoots-com

Calling all grandmasters-in-the-making! The Jeddah Season Chess Championship is officially open to all. Over two weeks, players to the test over seven thrilling rounds, with a rapid 10-minute clock (+5-second increment per move), composure under pressure is everything. Those who have what it takes to win will receive SAR 20,000, with SAR 10,000 and SAR 5,000 going to second and third place — plus extra cash prizes available for top finishers in every single qualifying round. Id you're ready to claim victory, and think you have what it takes, checkmate awaits.

Jeddah Season Chess Championship 2026, 
Registration for qualifiers starts from SAR 100 
Cultural Square, Al Balad, Jeddah
Register here

August 5: SEVEN Abha Opens

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) is launching a new Saudi entertainment hub in Abha. Designed to reflect the area's unique cultural heritage and natural landscape, the massive 64,000-square-meter complex houses eight major anchor attractions and over 150 family-friendly experiences. Visitors can look forward to world-class highlights like a Formula E indoor e-karting track, a Warner Bros. Discovery edu-tainment area, and dedicated Mattel and Play-Doh spaces. The destination also features a 10-screen cinema, a 10-lane bowling alley, indoor adventure golf, and an array of retail and dining options under one roof. By delivering top-tier leisure infrastructure locally, SEVEN Abha eliminates the need for residents to travel to Riyadh or Jeddah for premier entertainment.

SEVEN Abha will open in the Asir region on Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Tickets are available to book, and start from SAR 60 per person
Book your tickets here
@saudi_seven

August 7: Hussain Moheb Live in Riyadh

Step into an evening where tradition meets soul as Studio Nagham presents Yemeni musical icon Hussain Moheb live in Riyadh, for one night only. Celebrated for his powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, Moheb will take audiences on a journey through cherished melodies and vibrant heritage. If you're looking for some wholesome entertainment this August, this could be a memorable night of authentic Arabic song.

Tickets from SAR 175 per person, 
Mohammed Al Ali Theatre, Boulevard City, Riyadh
Buy your tickets here

August 7: LEHAR Live in Jeddah

Prepare for an extraordinary night in Jeddah as LEHAR headline PORTAL 8. Lehar (real name Lorenzo Esposito) is an Italian DJ, nown for his deep, and atmospheric approach to electronic music, his sound weaves together rich melodies, hypnotic basslines, and dramatic, romantic soundscapes rather than sticking strictly to a single genre. Joining him on stage is a dynamic roster of talent: BKR, CHILLS, SPACEK, ASH, and TEAJ. Presented by MOV/ON, the event promises an all-night immersive journey driven by breathtaking visuals, state-of-the-art sound, and unflagging momentum until the early hours. 

Tickets from SAR 225 per person (early-bird prices)
PORTAL 8 - Indoor Venue, Al Ghulah, Jeddah
Buy your tickets here

August 7: Marasi Elneel Live in Jeddah

Marasi Elneel Live in Jeddah 1

Jeddah is set for a truly enchanting evening of song as the distinguished Dr. Hafeez performs live, accompanied by the acclaimed Jan Bahri and his talented band. This one-off live event will take place in the theatre of Jeddah's Society of Culture and Arts. This exclusive performance invites audiences on an unforgettable journey through timeless classics and modern favourites. Don't miss a night filled with profound emotion, powerful vocal performances, and an ambiance where elegance meets melody.

Tickets from SAR 99 per person
Jeddah Society of Culture and Arts, Jeddah 23412
Buy your tickets here

August 14: Catch Angham Live in Jeddah

Iconic songstress Angham returns to Jeddah this August, for just one night as part of Jeddah Season. Hosted in the state-of-the-art Abdai Aljohar Arena, attendees can expect an evening of pure enchantment, where the 'Voice of Egypt' will perform a selection of classical and contemporary Arabic pop, in addition to pieces from her brand new album, 'De Rohy'. As always, her performance promises an emotional, soul-stirring journey through signature hits like 'Sidi Wisak' and 'Sheta,' backed by a full orchestra. Showcasing her powerful vocal range and serene stage presence, the evening offers fans in the Coastal City an unforgettable celebration of Tarab music.

Tickets will be available on the Webook Platform starting August 4, 2026, at 8pm
@angham

August 20: Saint Levant, Disco Misr, Haifa Wehbe and Marwan Pablo live in Jeddah

Jeddah Season is hosting a massive night of live music on Thursday, 20 August 2026, at the Jeddah Superdome, 'Fawerha' will feature a stacked lineup headlined by Palestinian-Algerian artist Saint Levant. The genre-blending artist, known for trilingual hits like "Very Few Friends" and "Deira", will share the stage with Egyptian trap pioneer Marwan Pablo, Cairo’s nostalgic dance-remix collective Disco Misr, and Lebanese pop icon Haifa Wehbe. Promising a dynamic mix of Arabic pop, regional hip-hop, and high-energy electronic sets under one roof, this landmark concert stands out as one of the summer’s premier entertainment events, with tickets available now.

Tickets starting from SAR 270 per person
Buy your tickets here
Jeddah Superdome, Madinah Road, Jeddah

Until August 21: Chapter 26 gaming zone

Organised by Saudi entertainment company Al-Saqeefa, Chapter 26 is taking over  Running daily from 6pm to 2am until Friday, 21 August 2026, the indoor summer gaming festival features 28 interactive stations packed with over 200 games — ranging from traditional board, card, and chess setups to story-driven experience rooms, brain teasers, and competitive electronic gaming tournaments. Complete with live performances and on-site dining, the family-friendly event is designed as an interactive social space for casual players and seasoned gamers alike. 

Tickets starting from SAR 26 per person, with free admission for children under six and people with disabilities.
Malfa Hall inside Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City), Riyadh
Buy your tickets here
@ch26_sa

August 21: Ayed and Oumaima live in Abha

Abha Season Concert

Aseer Summer Season 2026 is bringing an unforgettable night of live music to Abha with performances by Oumaima Taleb and Ayed Youssef at the iconic Talal Maddah Theatre. Held under the season's theme "The Sky is Your Land," the concert promises a dynamic evening filled with romantic ballads and regional hits as the two acclaimed Arab artists take the stage amid the cool mountain backdrop of the region. Set against Aseer’s refreshing summer atmosphere, the show stands out as a major highlight of the local calendar, bringing together exceptional vocals and vibrant cultural celebration in the heart of the city.

Tickets starting from SAR 250 per person
Talal Maddah Theatre, within the King Fahd Cultural Center in Al-Muftaha Village, Abha
Buy your tickets here

August 21: This is (Lenny Jay's) Michael Musical

For one night only, an evening of homage to the King of Pop, "This Is Michael," is landing at Jeddah’s Abadi Aljohar Arena on August 21, 2026. Having captivated over 500,000 fans across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, this large-scale theatrical production brings Michael Jackson's timeless legacy to life with electrifying energy. Star performer Lenny Jay delivers an uncanny homage to Jackson’s iconic vocals, signature moves, and commanding stage presence. Audiences can expect a high-octane spectacle packed with legendary anthems, from "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" to "Smooth Criminal." It promises an unforgettable night celebrating the greatest entertainer in pop history.

Tickets from SAR 195 per person
Abadi Aljohar Arena, Jeddah
Buy your tickets here
@lennyjayofficial

August 22: Riyadh Park Mall indoor workout

GCC-founded gym wear brand SQUATWOLF is celebrating the launch of its debut store in Riyadh with the capital's first-ever Riyadh Mall Workout at Riyadh Park on Saturday, 22 August. Designed for all fitness levels, the equipment-free, bodyweight session runs from 8am to 9am (with check-in starting at 7am) and promises high-energy movement, community vibes, and exclusive on-site surprises. Attendance is free on a first-come, first-served basis upon registration, though participants must wear SQUATWOLF gear to take part. As a bonus, registered attendees receive a SAR 100 in-store voucher valid through event day, making it the ultimate combination of morning fitness and retail therapy.

1st Floor, Riyadh Park Mall
This is a free to attend event, however pre-registration is required
Please join the waitlist here

August 27: Harry Potter in VOX Cinemas nationwide

First released in 2001, the first iconic first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will return to cinema screens across Saudi Arabia for a limited theatrical re-release this August. As part of the global 25th-anniversary celebrations, the iconic 2001 film directed by Christopher Columbus will screen nationwide at VOX Cinemas locations. Fans can relive the magic on the big screen as a young Harry discovers his wizarding roots, boards the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾, and teams up with Ron and Hermione to uncover the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone. Whether you’re chasing pure nostalgia or introducing a new generation of witches and wizards to The Boy Who Lived, it’s the ultimate way to experience the spellbinding classic all over again. 

For tickets, keep an eye on ksa.voxcinemas.com

August 27: Tamer Ashour live in Jeddah

Tamer Ashour Jeddah Season

With a staggering 5.5 million Instagram followers, Egyptian pop powerhouse Tamer Ashour is returning to Jeddah this month, for just one night of emotive music at the Abadi Al Johar Arena. As part of Jeddah Season, Ashour will be accompanied by a full orchestra led by Maestro Hany Farahat, the singer-songwriter will deliver a sweeping setlist featuring fan-favourite classics alongside live renditions of tracks from his album Merayet El Hob. Known for his romantic ballads and powerful vocals, Ashour's performance promises to be one of the late-summer highlights of the city's concert calendar.

Tickets starting from SAR 375 per person
Abadi Aljohar Arena, Jeddah
Buy your tickets here
@tamerashourofficial]

August 28: SPW 19 The Last Warrior by Saudi Pro Wrestling

Saudi Pro Wrestling (SPW) is bringing high-octane action back to the capital with SPW 19 at Twisted Labs in Riyadh. As one of the region's premier live wrestling entertainment spectacles, the flagship event will feature a stacked match card filled with intense showdowns, dramatic storylines, and multiple title defence competitions starring top Saudi and international talent. Fans can expect an adrenalin-fuelled evening complete with ringside excitement and VVIP access options, making it a must-attend event for sports entertainment enthusiasts in the Kingdom.

Tickets from SAR 50 per person
Twisted Labs, Boulevard City, Riyadh 13516
Buy your tickets here
@spw_sa

Until August 29: SAIF Summer Programs 2026

Saif 2026

SAIF 2026 is a cultural program that aims to foster engagement with contemporary art, technology, and traditional crafts through a variety of workshops and film screenings. A selection of youth programs have been curated for those aged under 16, and between 15 - 18 years old; attendees can get involved in workshops, such as Ceramics on July 17 & 18, Tailoring and Embroidery on July 24 & 25, Ta’aluf (a creative lab for gaming controllers and musical instruments) on July 31. There are even events for the family, such as every Saturday from July 14, a series of play-based sessions will be held for mothers and children featuring sensory play, arts, and storytelling. And other community programs include workshops and talks named Glow & Grow, that focus on maternal health, connection, and community. 

SAIF 2026, until August 29, 2026
SAMOCA at JAX, Al Diriyah, Diriyah 13732
Tickets from SAR 20 per person, buy tickets here

@samocamoc

August 31: Visit the newly opened Emily's Brasserie 

Opening to the public, this is the perfect spot to experience if you're looking for somewhere new to try in the city. Head to Emily’s Brasserie located within the newly opened Radisson Collection Residences in Riyadh, here you will discover the stylish all-day eatery (with great views) that offers a curated menu of international favourites, alongside wholesome dishes, and fresh bakes against a backdrop of panoramic Riyadh skyline views, it’s an ideal spot for business lunches, coffee catch-ups, or an easygoing evening bite.

@emilysbrasserie.riyadh
@radissoncollectionresidences

Until August 31: The European Village in Aseer

This August, step into a world of European charm right in the heart of Aseer. As part of Aseer Season, The European Village brings the enchanting spirit of classic Western towns to Abha, blending picturesque, flower-lined streets with the region's stunning natural backdrop. From lively street performances and boutique shopping to cozy outdoor dining and green spaces, it’s the ultimate family-friendly destination for unforgettable seasonal memories.

Tickets start from just SAR 25 per person
Buy your tickets here
@visitsaudi

Until September 2026: Visit Jeddah Season's Forest Wonders 

Forest Wonders Jeddah Season 2

This Jeddah Season, why not explore Forest Wonders? The climate-controlled tropical rainforest sanctuary is open until September, and is inviting families, residents and tourists to explore the tropics and catch glimpses of some exotic animals. Found opposite City Walk in the Al Mohammadiya district, the sprawling 7,500-square-meter venue transports visitors into a lush, canopy-covered wilderness engineered as a cool, family-friendly escape from the coastal heat.

Forest Wonders, from July 29 to September 11, 2026
Child tickets from SAR 25, Adults tickets from SAR 35 per person
Al Mohammadiyyah, Jeddah
Buy your tickets here
@jed.calendar

Until September 2026: Two Park Summer Pass for Six Flags and Aquarabia

Qiddiya City has officially launched an all-inclusive, unlimited Summer Pass that grants visitors multi-day access to both Six Flags and Aquarabia until September 22, 2026. This flexible seasonal ticket allows guests to easily hop between record-breaking rollercoasters and cooling wave pools to escape the summer heat. Priced at SAR 499 for individuals, the pass pays for itself in just two visits, with a discounted five-person Family Bundle also available for SAR 2,399. Located just 45 minutes from Riyadh, the destination is offering free shuttle buses from select metro stations to ensure seamless travel for all pass holders.

2-Park Seasonal Individual Summer Pass, starting from SAR 499 per person, Buy your Summer Pass here
2-Park Seasons Family Bundle Summer Pass, starting from SAR 2399 (for 5 people), Buy your Summer Pass here
@sixflagsqc @aquarabiaqc