Making its grand debut as a premier destination on the Kingdom’s event calendar, the multi-month Al Khobar Season invites visitors from at home and abroad to experience the coastal city’s vibrant energy through major concerts, cultural showcases, and family-friendly seaside activities.
The city of Al Khobar, known for its picturesque Corniche and relaxed coastal vibe, is stepping into the spotlight with its own dedicated festival, for the very first time: welcoming, Al Khobar Season.
Running from late October through late January, the season is a major governmental initiative aimed at boosting tourism in the Eastern Province and showcasing the region's unique blend of cultural heritage and modern entertainment. This new winter festival leverages the city's mild, pleasant weather during these months, turning the entire coastline into a hub of activity perfect for families and international visitors alike.
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Key Festival Zones and Highlights
The season’s program features over 130 unique events and activities spread across three main attractions:
1. The Corniche: The Heartbeat of the Season
The Al Khobar Corniche transforms into the primary entertainment hub. This stretch of waterfront is animated by the Khobar Breeze Festival, which features open-air food stalls, pop-up art zones, and live musical performances that blend local and global sounds.
- Big Bounce Arabia, from October 23 - November 15: A major family draw, this ticketed pop-up features giant inflatables and obstacle courses right along the water's edge, offering fun for all ages.
- Al Souq Marketplace, from October 23 - November 23: Ajdan Walk is converted into a month-long marketplace that skillfully fuses traditional Arabian market aesthetics with a modern curation of goods. Visitors can browse local designers, artisans, perfumers, and handmade products.
- Khobar Breeze Festival, from October 23 - January 31: The Khobar Breeze Festival turns the waterfront into a lively, family-friendly zone, featuring games, cultural performances, and heritage displays. This focus on the coast is rounded off powerfully with an Environmental Awareness Day and community beach cleanup, marking a meaningful conclusion that celebrates the Arabian Gulf.
2. Ithra: The Cultural Epicentre
The world renowned King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), located nearby in Dhahran, plays a strategic role by hosting the majority of the latest winter season celebrations with a variety of culturally-rich programming.
The cultural and artistic hub will showcase a wide variety of family friendly activities, from art exhibitions and workshops to live performances. Ithra will present a rich schedule of intriguing art exhibitions, educational workshops for adults and children, and theatrical performances, focusing on arts, architecture, and design. Other highlights include captivating visual and musical performances that light up the Dhahran skies, alongside a performance by the esteemed Chinese Orchestra, and concerts by regional favourites like Tarabband and the Children's Orchestra.
3. Half Moon Bay: Adventure and Relaxation
For those seeking sea-based leisure and adventure, Half Moon Bay hosts the season's aquatic activities. This destination offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families and sun-seekers. From watersports like sailing and diving, to lounging on the beach with a picnic, Half Moon Bay offers visitors a taste of the eastern coast.
Entertainment and Music
The season’s calendar is packed with significant headline acts and cultural shows. Eastern Province icon Rabeh Saqer is scheduled for a one-night concert, and Kuwaiti favourites Miami Band will bring their energetic Khaleeji pop to the Khobar Arena, ensuring a vibrant nightlife scene that complements the city’s daytime cultural experiences.
Al Khobar Season is being positioned as a must-visit destination within Saudi Arabia’s "Winter is Alive" festival calendar, successfully demonstrating that the Eastern Province is ready to take its place alongside Riyadh and Jeddah in hosting world-class, city-wide celebrations.
Dates for your Diary
- Rabeh Sager - October 30
- Miami Band - October 31
Al Khobar Season 2025, from October 23, to January 31, 2026
@khobar_season
