Diriyah in autumn 2026: exhibitions and events in October and November
From CONTINUUM '26 until 7 November to the PaperBack fair and XP Music Futures at JAX, here is what is on in Diriyah this autumn.
Diriyah heads into autumn 2026 with a varied cultural programme, from the CONTINUUM '26 new media exhibition, open until Saturday 7 November, to the PaperBack Art Book Fair and the XP Music Futures conference at JAX District in November. The Diriyah Season 2026–2027 programme has not been announced yet, and At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace remain open to visitors in the meantime.
| Dates | October and November 2026 (each programme has its own dates; see below) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Diriyah: At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace, JAX District, Diriyah Art Futures |
| Tickets | At-Turaif via tickets.diriyah.sa; each event has its own official channel |
| Good for | Families and lovers of heritage, art and music |
On now
CONTINUUM '26 at Diriyah Art Futures
Diriyah Art Futures, part of the Ministry of Culture's Museums Commission, opened the second edition of its annual exhibition, CONTINUUM '26, on Thursday 3 September. It runs until Saturday 7 November 2026. The centre describes itself as the first new media arts centre in the Middle East and North Africa.
The show presents work by 16 emerging artists made during a year-long programme, mentored by artists Louis-Philippe Demers and Rick Treweek. Pieces range from immersive installations, light, sound and moving image to virtual and mixed reality and AI-generated projects.
A public programme of talks and workshops runs alongside. LIST magazine reports tickets from SAR 50, so check the centre's official channel before you visit.
At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace
At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes visitors year-round, and Bujairi Terrace facing it has offered restaurants and cafés since December 2022. At-Turaif tickets are booked online at tickets.diriyah.sa.
The FAQ on Diriyah's official website lists At-Turaif hours as 10 am to midnight from Saturday to Thursday and from 2 pm on Friday, with last entry at 11:30 pm. Check before you go, as hours can change.
Coming up in November
PaperBack Art Book Fair: 5 to 7 November
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation holds the third PaperBack Art Book Fair at JAX District from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 November 2026, according to Arab News. It brings together artists, independent publishers and booksellers, with workshops, talks on alternative publishing and book launches, including a new title celebrating Jeddah.
The fair is part of a public programme the foundation launched in September, with up to eight events a month at JAX District covering technology, the environment, design, publishing and culinary arts.
XP Music Futures: 26 to 28 November
The sixth XP Music Futures, organised by the MDLBEAST Foundation, returns to JAX District from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 November 2026, according to the foundation. The conference mixes panels, workshops and live performances on the region's music industry, and its initiatives include the XPERFORM talent contest and HUNNA, a platform for women in music.
Ticket details and this year's speakers have not been announced yet, so follow MDLBEAST's website for registration.
Diriyah Season 2026–2027: what we know
No dates or programme for the new Diriyah Season have been announced so far. For reference, the 25/26 programme was announced in October 2025, opened on 1 November 2025 and ran until late March 2026.
Based on last year's timing, details of the new season are expected in the coming weeks, but this is not a confirmed date. Follow Diriyah Season's official channels before planning a visit.
Tips before you go
- Book At-Turaif tickets online before you arrive.
- Visit At-Turaif and Bujairi in the evening, when autumn weather is more pleasant.
- Wear comfortable shoes; At-Turaif is explored on foot through mud-brick lanes.
- Each event has a different organiser, so check dates and entry rules on its official channel.
Getting there
Diriyah sits on the north-western edge of Riyadh. Bujairi Terrace looks across Wadi Hanifa to At-Turaif, and the JAX creative district is also in Diriyah. Set your exact destination when booking: At-Turaif, Bujairi, JAX or Diriyah Art Futures.
Book a ride in Drovox Passenger and see the fare before you confirm. Women riders can choose the women option so that only female Heroes receive the request.
Follow the event's official channels for any schedule updates, and find visitor information on Diriyah's official website.
