Qouz Arts Festival: Your guide to the music, art, and family fun at Alserkal Avenue

Dubai's Alserkal Avenue is set to host the Qouz Arts Festival, a weekend celebration of creativity spanning music, art, film, and food. According to the official program, the event features a packed schedule of live performances, interactive installations, and family-friendly activities. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Music and live performances

Music is a major focus, with two stages offering a mix of regional and local talent. The main stage headliners include Lebanese singer Yasmine Hamdan, Palestinian hip-hop group DAM, and Syrian duo Tootard. You can also catch performances from GAYA and Gayathri Krishnan.

Stage 2.0 hosts DJ sets and artist conversations, giving you a chance to hear directly from performers like DAM and Tootard. The Yard area features morning wellness sessions followed by afternoon DJ sets from a vinyl souk. There are many events at Alserkal Avenue, but this festival's music lineup is especially strong.

Art installations and exhibitions

Art is everywhere at the festival. A highlight is 'Tape Dubai' by Numen/For Use, a large-scale installation in Concrete. Other major works are scattered around the district, including 'Floe' by Jean Baptiste André on 17th Street and 'Interval' by Tomislav Topic in Lane 5.

Alserkal Avenue's resident art galleries will also host exhibitions throughout the day. You can explore shows at Ayyam Gallery, The Third Line, and Leila Heller Gallery, among others. It's a great preview of what the city has to offer during the wider Dubai Art Season.

Family fun and kids' activities

The festival is very family-friendly, with a full schedule of kids' programmes. Activities include interactive play zones, workshops on ribbon stick-making, and a DIY studio run by thejamjar. The Happy Studio offers a 'Goo Fun' workshop and a live drawing photo booth.

For entertainment, Les Marionnettes presents kids' theatre, including The Rabbit Thief and Alice in Wonderland. Cinema Akil will also screen family films, including Flow and Space Cadet, making it a great day out for all ages.

Workshops, talks, and wellness

Beyond the stages, there are plenty of hands-on activities. You can start your day with yoga in The Yard or join a movement practice with Joint Space. Jotun hosts workshops on colour theory, cupcake decorating, and candle making.

For those interested in learning, AFIKRA presents artist conversations with the festival's musicians. You can also attend a workshop on book collecting, take an acting class at The Junction, or join a rap battle hosted by Big Hass.

Food and shopping pop-ups

A huge selection of food and retail pop-ups will be scattered throughout the lanes. You can find everything from pizza and burgers to speciality coffee and desserts. Food vendors include Holy Smokes, Nightjar Coffee Roasters, Stonecraft Pizza, and Kooya.

For shopping, the BazaarNa and Reel Palestine Souk offer unique finds. Dozens of local and regional brands will be present, selling fashion, crafts, and homeware. The area is known for great food events at Alserkal, and this festival is no exception.

Tickets and dates

The official program confirms the Qouz Arts Festival will take place on a Saturday and Sunday. However, specific dates for 2025 and ticket information have not yet been announced. Check the official Alserkal Avenue website for the latest updates on pricing and schedules.

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