If you’re looking for a free event in Riyadh that actually feels worth your time, Traditional Arts Festival is one to check out. It brings together different sides of Saudi culture, and you can visit until April 8. Here, you’ll find live performances, workshops, and exhibitions, so you can watch, join in, or do a bit of both.
One of the parts people tend to gather around is the Nabati poetry evenings. These are live, interactive sessions where poets respond to each other on the spot.
If you’d rather get involved, the workshops are a good place to start. They break traditional arts down into simple steps, so you can sit in, learn something new, and walk away with something you’ve made yourself.
There’s also a live show called The Story of the Sea, which looks at Saudi coastal life through music and movement. It includes traditional sea chants that were once used by sailors.
Details of Traditional Arts Festival
- Location: Mayadeen, Riyadh
- Open until April 8, 2026
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 4 PM to 11 PM | Friday and Saturday: 4 PM to midnight
- Free event
If you’re in the mood to keep exploring, you might also want to check out the interactive music night at Couplet Sessions on April 2.
And for other events and ideas on what to do in the city, go to Platinumlist. There’s plenty more to add to your plans.
