Saudi Kicks Off A 3-Day Weekend With Its First-Ever Mega Parade!

This weekend just got upgraded. With Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off in celebration of Riyadh Season 2025, the capital is gearing up for one of the most dazzling openings in the history of the festival. From floating giant balloons to roaming art troupes, here’s your full guide to what to expect…and how to make the most of it.

Riyadh Season is back, and 2025 promises to outdo itself

pic.twitter.com/TKEGesDO2d

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 8, 2025

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The festival officially launches Friday, October 10, and the kickoff will feature one of its most ambitious spectacles yet: a mega parade with enormous balloons, elaborately themed floats, live performances, and surprise acts. This will be the first time balloons so large make their appearance in Saudi Arabia,  some directly inspired by the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York.

Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has emphasized that this isn’t just any opening… it’s a statement

الموسم بيبدأ بمسيرة افتتاح استثنائية 😎
الدخول بدون تذاكر والدعوة مجانية للجميع ❤️
تعالوا واستمتعوا يوم 10 أكتوبر 🔥

The season kicks off with an exceptional opening parade! 😎
No tickets needed everyone’s invited for free! ❤️
Come and enjoy the vibes on October 10 🔥… pic.twitter.com/MXyOgiKp55

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 8, 2025

He’s described it as a historic act that puts Riyadh on the world entertainment map. Expect more than just visual spectacle. The parade will be accompanied by international dance troupes, local performers, floats, and massive balloons, with hundreds of handlers coordinating the event.

 When & Where: Parade Details

• Date: Friday, October 10, 2025

• Time: According to Arab News, the parade is slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.
  However, the official Saudi Press Agency lists 4:00 p.m. as the start time near Boulevard City.
  (Given these differences, it’s wise to plan for both early and later windows.)

• Location / Route: The parade will unfold near Boulevard City, between Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World.
  Some sources mention Al-Hawyi Street in the Hittin District, with road closures expected in that area.

• Entry: Free for visitors.

Because of the magnitude of the event, arriving early is strongly recommended.

Organizers will likely enforce road closures and use shuttle services from designated parking areas.