This weekend offers a chance in a lifetime to observe the longest lunar eclipse in this century, plus a few other cultural events worth a visit. If you know of any other events happening around Qatar please share in the comments section.

The Amazing Acrobat Show

The Amazing Acrobat Show, exclusively produced for Mall of Qatar, relies heavily on fantastic acro-balance skills, the whole show is backed by an incredible and engaging soundtrack that mixes authentic circus music and traditional Russian music all with a modern twist.

Where: Ooredoo Stage, Mall of Qatar

When: everyday till August 4 (12.30pm, 4.30pm & 7.30pm)

Friday 27 July & Friday 3 August: 4:30pm & 7:30pm

Ticket: Free entry

Longest Lunar eclipse

On Friday evening, July 27, Qatar and most part of the world will be seeing the last lunar eclipse during this year.

This total lunar eclipse will be rare, because it will be the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century, where the duration of all phases of lunar eclipse will be six hours and fourteen minutes from start time till end time.

The partial phase will start at 9:24pm and the total phase at 10:30pm, while the maximum totality will be at 11:22pm; where Earth’s shadow will block 161% of full moon. The total phase will be end after midnight, while the partial phase will be end at 1:19am, Saturday, finally the penumbral phase will end at 2:28am

Where: All over Qatar

When: On Friday evening from 9:24pm onwards
More info

Batik Art Workshop

Katara presents Batik Art Workshop By Artist Hamad Mohammed Al Mutawah. The workshop is only for females, 10-year-old and above. Only 15 seats are available and will be conducted in both Arabic and English.

You need to register and pay QR300.

Where: Katara Art Studio B19

When: Saturday, July 28 – Monday, July 30 (4pm-6pm)

Fees: QR300
Register here

Local Dates festival

The festival is a big hit among all residents in Qatar. Everyday hundreds of kilos of dates are sold at a very reasonable price. If you haven’t been there yet, you have time till August 4 to try some local dates. Ministry of Municipality and Environment is organizing the third edition of Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif from July 19 to August 4.

Many local farms are participating in this edition. The festival displays all types of Qatari dates. The festival will be open to the public daily from 4pm until 10pm.

Where: Souq Waqif

When: July 19 – August 4 (4pm – 10pm)

Ticket: Free entry

Splash and Dash activity at Aspire Zone

Aspire Zone Foundation has kicked off Splash and Dash event to keep everyone busy in summer. The purpose of the event is to entertain the public during the summer vacations with fun filled activities such as swimming and running.

The event is taking place in Aspire Dome and will last till August 29 and will be held two days per week (Monday & Wednesday) from 7pm till 9pm.

The registration fee for a day is QR35. Only 60 people can attend per day. Open for all ages.

Where: Aspire Zone

When: Every Monday and Wednesday till August 29

Ticket: QR35 per day

To register, click here

Summer Entertainment City

Summer Entertainment city is the largest indoor festival in Qatar. With over 75 rides and games, such as the largest bouncy castle, virtual reality area with more than 15 games or the Football Fan zone. The food court has over 40 outlets and more than 140 stores to explore.

The entry fee is QR15 and the price for the tickets are QR150 (The Gold Pass) and QR699 (The Season Pass), can be purchased online and at the venue.

Where: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre

When: Until August 5 (2pm  – 11pm)

To buy, click here

‘Artist in Residence’ exhibition

Qatar Museums will host the third annual ‘Artist in Residence’ exhibition at the Fire Station.

Presented as a dialogue between art and artist, the exhibition will showcase the works of some of the most promising young artists in Qatar.

This year’s edition, titled Dual Inspirations, is presented as a conversation between two artists sharing their perspectives on the same topic. The exhibition will provide visitors with a thorough understanding of what the 18 artists have experienced during their residency and the ways in which it has enriched their craft.

Where: Fire Station

When: July 17 – October 1

Ticket: Free entry
For more info, click here

Bouthayna Al-Muftah: Echoes

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha has announced the newest edition of its Project Space titled Bouthayna Al-Muftah: Echoes. The project is an exploration of emerging artist Bouthayna Al Muftah’s ongoing research about the recollection of memories, and a reflection on the rapid social and cultural changes that have taken place in Qatar over the past few decades.

In order to highlight this challenging topic, the artist contextualizes the lyrical traditional game ‘tag ‘tag ‘tagya,a traditional group game played by boys and girls across the Arabian Gulf,’ and deconstructs its forms to redefine cultural narratives, offering a symbolic experience in a space in which the past and the present intersect.

Where: Mathaf

When: July 12 – September 10

For more info, click here

‘Deconstructing the Sacred’ exhibition

‘Deconstructing the Sacred’ is a first solo exhibition by Othman Khunji in Qatar, and it features interactive installations created through the use and application of innovative technology, including 3D printing, Arduino technology, laser cutting, neon glass heat bending, and water jet engraving.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see Khunji’s artworks including prominent collections such as ‘The Five Pillars of Islam’, ‘The Selfless Holy Ground’, and ‘HER’.

Where:  Education City Mosque, Georgetown Access Rd, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar

When: Until September 30 (12pm – 1pm)

Ticket: Free entry

Candy Land at Doha Festival City

Doha Festival City is hosting an event for children titled CandyLand, activities include clay pot painting and other crafts activities. Candyland will inculde an interactive sweet room, and a Gingerbread Playhouse, containing giant ice lollies, candy canes and other sugary delights.

They have also launched Kids Club – a loyalty programme where children will be given access to unique experiences, exclusive offers and services created just for them. Doha Festival City in partnership with its retailers, gives parents access to specially tailored offers as well as themed events for kids.

Where: Doha Festival City

When: Till July 28 (4pm – 8pm)

Register online here