RIYADH: Fringe events and public space performances will take place from Dec. 7-10 as part of Riyadh Music Week, extending the festival into the city’s cultural venues and outdoor spaces.
Fringe highlights emerging local talent and creative communities by transforming warehouses, studios, cafes and outdoor spaces into intimate hubs of creativity, offering a platform to connect artists and audiences through music.
From JAX District to Sports Boulevard and the Diplomatic Quarter, the lineup features some of Saudi Arabia’s most forward-thinking music communities, including Underrated X, MDLBEAST Records, The Fridge, Bohemia Records, Merwas and The Warehouse. Each partner will host concept-driven night series that complement Riyadh Music Week’s core program.
On Dec. 7, The Fridge launches “The Fridge Open Mic powered by Sennheiser” at Personage Warehouse C11, JAX District. The evening is split into two segments: Little Legends Open Mic for ages 7–14, followed by a main open mic for those 15 and over. Doors open at 6 p.m., with Little Legends from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the main session from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The event features a full professional backline, supports emerging talent, and is free with pre-registration via The Fridge’s website.
On Dec. 8, “The Fridge Presents” will feature three standout Saudi artists at Personage Warehouse C11: Shargeeya, Zain Faiez, and Turki Abdullah. Doors open at 7 p.m., with performances from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The multi-genre event highlights discovery and original music, from Shargeeya’s soulful fusion of pop, soul and Afrobeat, to Zain Faiez’s hip hop storytelling and Turki Abdullah’s modern pop and alternative sound rooted in Saudi heritage. Entry is free with limited capacity via advance registration.
On Dec. 9, The Fridge launches its long-running Concert Series in Saudi Arabia, again at Personage Warehouse C11. Headlined by Tamtam with Khaleeji Blonde opening, the night focuses on original Arabic pop, trap, and R&B, showing Riyadh as a key stage in a new golden age of Arab music. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the show starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are limited and available online.
On Dec. 10, URX will present “Riyadh Rhythm,” a special Fringe night at SALT restaurant’s outdoor area in Riyadh Park. Blending curated house and electronic music with a community-led atmosphere, the event continues URX’s mission to uplift underrated DJs and highlight Saudi Arabia’s artistic energy globally. The session runs from 7 p.m. to midnight and will welcome up to 300 guests, including families.
MDLBEAST Records will host a Fringe showcase alongside an International Music Managers Forum session. Featuring MDLBEAST Records AllStars and focusing on Arabic electronica and progressive sounds, the night highlights the label’s role in promoting local, regional, and global Arabic talent across indie, pop, hip hop, and electronic music.
Bohemia Records will host “Wax Head – A Bohemia Records Takeover” at TWH — J08, JAX Culture, Diriyah, on Dec. 9–10 from 6 p.m. to midnight. The program celebrates vinyl culture and underground sounds with live DJ sets, bands, interactive listening stations and a coffee-led “Beans & Beats” rave from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by live performances until midnight.
The Warehouse at JAX District will serve as a core Fringe hub on Dec. 7–8 with two signature oriental music nights.
Lammah, taking place on Dec. 7 from 9 p.m. to midnight, is “a night where the crowd becomes the star,” inviting audiences to an intimate gathering of classic Arabic melodies sung by the crowd and brought to life by a live band, creating a spontaneous celebration of timeless Arabic music.
Jalsat, on Dec. 8 from 9 p.m. to midnight, offers a cozy winter evening of Arab and Khaleeji songs celebrating the spirit of tarab. Each night features a different artist, bringing nostalgia, culture, and authentic traditional vibes in The Warehouse’s warm grassroots setting.
Merwas, home to the world’s largest music studio complex, will host a one-night Fringe session between Dec. 7–10 at its rehearsal space for up to 150 guests. The evening begins with private studio tours from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a live band performance from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., blending Arabic and English music.
Featuring interactive singalong moments, the session aims to deepen audience engagement while reinforcing Merwas’ role as a leader in the creative and music industry.
