Bingo, beer festivals, brunch, British dinner deals and Broadway illusion shows…

The weekend is nearly here, and that means it’s time to start planning. As well as live music, there’s dinner deals, illusionists and top artists in town.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday May 3

1. Check out a pop-up at this cute new teahouse

Newly opened Tania’s Teahouse (which we think must be Dubai’s most Instagrammable cafe) is playing host to a pop-up by High Tide Showroom, which specialises in tropical brands and resort wear. Head along for a dose of summer style inspiration – plus, Tania’s Teahouse will also be offering guests some free samplers off their menu.

Tania’s Teahouse, Villa 779A, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. High Tide Showroom pop-up Wednesday May 2 to Saturday May 5, 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 324 0021. More info on website.

2. Cool down inside Dubai’s first Ice Park

Things are really hotting up in Dubai – but we know the perfect place to chill out. Head to Dubai Garden Glow and check out their unique Ice Park, which is maintained at a refreshing -8 degrees. You’ll find ice sculptures of all of your favourite Dubai landmarks, and you can even spend some time in a real igloo. Don’t worry if your wardrobe is full of summer wear – coats are provided.

Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park two, daily 4pm to 12am, Dubai Garden Glow, Dhs60, extra Dhs40 for entry into the ice park. Tel: (052) 478 5605. More info on website

3. Party hard at a season closing

It’s your last chance to party hard at Cielo’s final Thursday house night of the season. Expect sweeping views across the creek, and high-octane Ibiza vibes from DJ Kiko Navarro.

Cielo, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Thursday March 29, from 9pm. Tel: (04) 161 1800. Email reservations@cielodubai.com. More info on website

Friday May 4

4. Get your Willy Wonka on at a candy-themed party

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE is set to host ‘Kandy Factory’ a one-off themed party that’s set to take revelers to Wonderland this weekend. Promising ‘comical and absurd’ production, crazy decoration and a candy-covered venue, there’s music by electronic music experimentalist Carl Craig.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Resort, Ghantoot, 1pm to 11pm, Friday May 4. Tel: (056) 113 3400. More info on Facebook 

5. Tuck into a hearty British Feast

The Scene by Simon Rimmer has a tasty traditional British dinner deal to take advantage of. Every Friday from 12pm, enjoy a Beef Wellington with two starters for Dhs250 per couple. Pair it with their tab weekender which gets you five drinks for Dhs175.

The Scene by Simon Rimmer, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, 12pm to 6pm, Fridays, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 4222 328. More info on website

6. Celebrate International Star Wars Day

The beautiful Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera is hosting a special “May the 4th be with you” brunch for International Star Wars Day. Menu highlights include oysters, spit roast lamb, duck fat chips, and Sean Connolly’s signature lemon tart, plus, you can expect some themed cocktails for the occasion.

Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Friday May 4, 12pm to 4pm, packages from Dhs390. Tel: (04) 362 7312. More info on website

7. Get yourself to a Beer Fest

It’s the last weekend to get involved with Garden on 8’s annual beer festival. There’s a six-metre-long bar in the garden, with a total of 22 different beers available from all over the world, of which 11 are draft.

Garden on 8, Media One Hotel, until May 6. Tel: (04) 427 1000. More info on website.

8. Be amazed by a Broadway illusion show

Broadway’s highest selling show of its kind, The Illusionists, is set to return to Dubai with a brand new show. Running for seven days from May 1 to 7 at the Madinat Theatre, the show brings together seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth, each showcasing their jaw-dropping acts.

The Illusionists, Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, May 1 to 7, from Dhs245. Tel: (056) 675 6834. Tickets from tixbox.com

Saturday May 5

9. Bounce off those brunch calories

Bounce trampoline park is inviting people to join a Bounce Fit class and be part of burning one million calories across their UAE branches. It is open to anyone over 18 and kicks off at 11am.

Building 32, 4B Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz 1, 11am, Saturday May 5. Tel: (04) 321 1400. More info on website

10. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Mexican roof cantina and lounge Luchador will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a themed Saturday brunch, getting a special makeover for the occasion, as well as hosting an entertaining set from the live band and DJ. Grab a seat outside while you still can – it’s got some great views. Click here for five more places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Dubai.

Luchador, Aloft Palm Jumeirah, Dhs275. Tel: (04) 247 5550. More info on website

11. Take part in a community run

Grab your friends and family and head along to Zabeel Park this morning  for the first Cigna Park Run. It’s dedicated to helping everyone improve their health and wellbeing, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned runner. The run will kick off a year-long series of fitness events, with runs scheduled for the first Saturday of each month.

Zabeel Park, Gate 1 and 3, Saturday May 5, 8am. Dhs100 (one-time registration fee, includes souvenir t-shirt and custom timing chip). More info on website

12. Listen to some live music al fresco

The Saturday sundowner event takes place every Saturday at Pure Sky Lounge. Expect melodious tunes from electric violinist, Nico AVR, with drinks prices from Dhs35.

Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai The Walk, 6pm to 8pm, Saturdays. Tel: (04) 374 7888. More info on website

13. Unleash your competitive streak with a game of bowling

Dubai Bowling Centre in Al Quoz has had a pretty significant makeover, and we can’t wait to check out the new look of the popular wallet-friendly bowling alley. Decked out in retro-style ’80s decal, the newly rebranded DBC has spruced up its 16 professional-grade bowling lanes for those looking for a little weekend’s rollin’, complete with giant projector screens playing classic films to enjoy between turns.

Dubai Bowling Centre, Al Quoz 1, weekdays 10am to 12am, weekends 10am to 1am, from Dhs15. tel: (04) 339 1010. More info on website

14. Enjoy free drinks at an American rap gig

American singer and rapper Fetty Wap is set to grace the stages at White Dubai’s ever popular ladies night, URBN, this Saturday. Fetty Wap rose to fame in 2015 after his single, Trap Queen debuted at number 2 in the Billboard 2015 as well as earning the rapper a Grammy nomination. He went on to release two further top 10 hits, ‘6,7,8‘ and ‘My Way‘, as well as lending his vocals to collaborations with Nicki Minaj and Fifth Harmony.

Fetty Wap, Drai’s Dubai, Meydan,  11pm to 4am, Saturday May 5. Tel: (050) 443 0933. More info on website

15. Dine for less across some top Dubai restaurants

Running from Sunday April 29 to Saturday May 5, Jumeirah Restaurant Week’s seven-day foodie festival will see almost 40 of Jumeirah’s best-loved restaurants in Dubai offering their signature dishes on three-course set menus (or buffets). Ranging in price from Dhs150 to Dhs350, the menus offer a wide range of options to suit every palate and pocket.

Jumeirah Restaurant Week, various restaurants, April 29 to May 5. Tel: (04) 366 5866. More info on website

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