Films, street festivals, and feasts.

Who’s ready for the weekend? We certainly are. And there’s lots to look forward to in Abu Dhabi, whether you’re looking to spend a quiet evening at the cinema or hit up a hotel for a crazy pool party. Whichever camp you fall in, have a great one.

Thursday October 11

Go see a brand new film

Lady Gaga fans, you won’t want to miss this. The singer has the leading role in A Star Is Born, a remake of the 1937 classic film. The musical drama tells the story of a waitress who has given up on her dream to become a singer, until she meets seasoned musician Jackson Maine (played by Bradley Cooper), who immediately recognises her natural talent.

A Star Is Born, in UAE cinemas from October 11.

Check out a new restaurant

Popular Dubai restaurant The Surf Cafe has just opened an Abu Dhabi branch in The Mall at World Trade Center. The menu features traditional Japanese dishes, vegan and gluten-free options, and other healthy offerings such as poke bowls, acai, seafood and salads, alongside a selection of cold-pressed juices, specialty coffees and almost-guilt-free treats.

The Mall at World Trade Center, weekdays 10am to 10pm, weekends to 11pm. @thesurfcafeuae

Friday October 12

Head along to a block party

The Yas Marina Block Party will see the promenade transform into a street festival, with live entertainment, games, food trucks, and even pop-up bars serving beer, wine and cocktails. The event is free, and families with kids will be welcome from 3pm to 7pm (after that it’s over-21s only).

Yas Marina, Yas Island, Fri 3pm to 11pm, free. yasisland.ae

Get cultured at Abu Dhabi Classics

Abu Dhabi Classics is back for the new season, and it’s kicking off with Austrian chamber orchestra Camerata Salzburg, joined by French classical violinist Renaud Capucon. They’ll be performing Mozart and Satie Violin Concertos. The evening will also feature pieces from late 19th century/early 20th century minimalist composer Erik Satie.

Emirates Palace, Fri 8pm, Dhs50 to Dhs395. Tel: (02) 690 7999. ticketmaster.ae

Hit up a pool party

Aloft Abu Dhabi is hosting a liquid rain and foam pool party tonight – you’ll find it at Mai Cafe on the fifth floor. It’s free entry for ladies and Etihad crew, while gents pay Dhs100 for entry and get a free welcome drink.

Aloft Abu Dhabi, Fri 8pm to 3am, ladies free, gents Dhs100. VIP table booking (02) 654 5193. @AloftAbuDhabi

Saturday October 13

Celebrate Oktoberfest

It’s the last day to enjoy the Oktoberfest celebrations at the Al Zahiyah Hotel, which is appropriately home to Brauhaus, the oldest German restaurant in the capital. The outdoor area behind the lobby is hosting traditional games, live music, lots of Bavarian beers and dishes and more. Also, spend Dhs150 and you’ll get two sharing style plates of food and two litres of German beer.

Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, October 3 to 13. Tel: (02) 6979011. rotana.com

Catch a free classic film

Head to Cinema Space at Manarat Al Saadiyat for two classic films – family favourite The Wizard of Oz (4pm) and Swedish historical fantasy flick The Seventh Seal (7pm). It’s free, but RSVP is required due to limited seating.

Cinema Space, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, various dates and times, free. cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com

Enjoy some live entertainment

You can head along to beachfront destination A’l Bahar at the Corniche every weekend this month for some free live entertainment. Every Friday and Saturday, local band Part Time Sinners will perform classic jazz tunes from the 70s and 80s.  You’ll also be entertained by roaming street performers including fire dancers, acrobats, mime artists and magicians.

A’l Bahar at the Corniche, Fri & Sat from 5pm, free. al-bahar.ae

– For more about Abu Dhabi straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.