10 Free Things to Do in Dubai This Weekend: 16, 17 & 18 October 2026
From Diwali celebrations and fashion exhibitions to live music, art experiences, outdoor fitness and family-friendly activities, Dubai has plenty to explore from Friday, 16 October to Sunday, 18 October 2026 – without paying an entry fee.
1. Celebrate Dandiya Nights at Oasis Mall
Dates: 16-18 October 2026
Time: From 7 PM
Location: Oasis Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz
Entry: Free, registration required
Celebrate the festive season with Dandiya Nights × Femme Fest at Oasis Mall with a three-day celebration that brings together traditional Dandiya dancing, cultural entertainment and a festive marketplace featuring women-led businesses.
Booking: Register for free
Event Details: Dandiya Nights × Femme Fest on Eventbrite
2. Discover Festive Fashion at Numaish Select – The Diwali Edit
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Time: 11 AM – 8 PM
Location: Shangri-La Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Entry: Free registration
If you enjoy fashion, jewellery and discovering independent designers, Numaish Select – The Diwali Edit is worth exploring. The one-day exhibition brings together 15 curated designers showcasing festive clothing, statement jewellery, accessories and gifting collections.
Booking: Official free registration
Event Details: Numaish Select – The Diwali Edit
3. Explore an Indoor Urban Farm at Alserkal Avenue
Dates: 17-18 October 2026
Time: 10 AM-6 PM
Location: Growhouse by One Life, Warehouse 7, Alserkal Avenue
Entry: Free, no registration required
For a different kind of weekend activity, visit Take a Stroll Through the Garden Upstairs, an indoor urban farming experience at Alserkal Avenue.
Explore a space dedicated to growing herbs, vegetables and leafy greens while learning about urban agriculture and sustainable food production.
Event Details: Alserkal Avenue – Take a Stroll Through the Garden Upstairs
4. Explore Dubai Home Festival 2026
Dates: 16 October – 1 November 2026
Location: Participating stores across Dubai
Entry: Free to browse
Dubai Home Festival returns this Friday with furniture, interior design and home décor experiences across participating retailers.
Visitors can explore new collections, discover home styling ideas and take advantage of promotional offers, with discounts advertised at up to 75%.
Festival Details: Dubai Home Festival 2026
5. Join a Free Morning Run at Kite Beach
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Time: 7 AM
Location: Kite Beach, Dubai
Entry: Free registration
Start your Saturday morning with a community run along Dubai’s coastline.
Two fitness communities have listed running meetups at Kite Beach: F45 Run Club and BLNK CANVAS × +SOCIAL Run Club.
Booking Options:
6. Enjoy Free Live Music at Home Centre, City Centre Mirdif
Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Time: 8 PM – 9 PM
Location: Home Centre, City Centre Mirdif
Entry: Free
If you’re looking for an easy Friday evening plan, head to City Centre Mirdif for a live music experience hosted as part of the Home Centre Collective.
Event Details: Home Centre Collective – Visit Dubai
7. Explore Contemporary Art at Jameel Arts Centre
Dates: 16-18 October 2026
Location: Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront
Entry: Free general admission
Spend an afternoon exploring contemporary art at Jameel Arts Centre, one of Dubai’s waterfront cultural destinations.
The centre features exhibitions by regional and international artists, alongside a research library and outdoor sculpture spaces.
Visitor Information: Jameel Arts Centre – Official Website
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