Dubai is heading into another busy weekend, with fitness challenges, family theatre, pool days, brunches and major live entertainment all competing for a place in your plans. From testing yourself at DEKA STRONG to celebrating Oktoberfest or settling in for an evening at La Perle, here are eight things to do in Dubai from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, 2026. For more ideas beyond this weekend’s events, see our guide to things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Where: Dubai | When: September 18–20, 2026 | Location: Various locations across Dubai, UAE
Turn Friday night into a Bongo’s Bingo party
Bongo’s Bingo returns to Dubai on Friday with a special Halfway To Paddy’s Day edition. Expect bingo mixed with singalongs, dancing, rave-style intervals, confetti and deliberately over-the-top prizes, all with an Irish-themed twist. Doors open at 7 pm, while the show starts at 8.30 pm. Tickets currently start from AED 150, and the event is restricted to guests aged 21 and above. For more evening entertainment ideas, check out our guide to things to do in Dubai at night.
Where: Bongo’s Bingo – Halfway To Paddy’s Day
When: Friday, September 18
Time: Doors 7 pm; show 8.30 pm
Location: Bla Bla by McGettigan’s, The Tent, Dubai Marina
Test your fitness at DEKA STRONG
If you would rather spend Saturday moving, DEKA STRONG lands at Move at FIVE on September 19. The indoor functional-fitness challenge consists of 10 standardised DEKA Zones without a running component, putting strength, agility, power and endurance to the test. Entry currently starts from AED120, with different heat categories available for varying fitness levels.
Where: DEKA STRONG – Move at FIVE
When: Saturday, September 19
Time: Check registered heat time
Location: Move at FIVE, FIVE Jumeirah Village, Dubai
Spend the day poolside at Mama Shelter
For a more relaxed weekend, Mama Shelter Dubai offers access to its four outdoor pools with a fully redeemable day pass. The AED150 adult pass can be spent on food and drinks, so you can alternate between swimming, sunbathing, and ordering something poolside without paying a separate non-redeemable entry fee.
Where: Mama Skypool
When: Daily
Time: Pool hours 8 am–7 pm
Location: Mama Shelter Dubai, Business Bay
Get into the Oktoberfest spirit at Ernst Biergarten
Dubai’s Oktoberfest season is officially getting underway. Ernst Biergarten at 25hours Hotel One Central is hosting its Bavarian Bierfest from September 17 to October 31, with traditional German dishes, live bands, festival-style entertainment and a classic biergarten atmosphere. Weekend sessions begin on Friday evening and continue into Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Bavarian Bierfest at Ernst
When: September 17–October 31
Time: Fri from 5 pm; Sat from 1 pm; Sun 1 pm–4 pm
Location: 25hours Hotel One Central, Dubai
Take the family to see Mother Goose
Magic Phil returns to Theatre by QE2 with Mother Goose, a family pantomime packed with songs, comedy, audience participation and plenty of theatrical chaos. Two performances are scheduled for Saturday, making it an easy daytime option for families looking for something indoors. Tickets start from AED 79. If you are planning more family activities, explore our guide to things to do in Dubai with kids.
Where: Magic Phil in Mother Goose
When: Saturday September 19
Time: 11am and 3pm
Location: Theatre by QE2, Queen Elizabeth 2, Dubai
Try a South African-style Braai brunch at Garden on 8
Garden on 8 is giving its Saturday brunch a South African spin with the Big Saturday Garden Party – Braai Edition. The rooftop venue at Media One Hotel combines grilled food, sharing plates, and a lively social atmosphere, making it a strong option for groups who want their weekend brunch with more energy than a traditional buffet. The special Braai edition is listed for September 19.
Where: Garden on 8
When: Saturday, September 19
Time: From 1 pm
Location: Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City
Watch Dubai’s spectacular aqua show at La Perle
If live entertainment is more your style, La Perle remains one of Dubai’s most visually ambitious theatre experiences. The resident production combines aerial performances, acrobatics, dramatic stage effects and water-based sequences inside its purpose-built Al Habtoor City theatre. A current summer promotion also runs until September 30, offering 30 per cent off the second adult ticket when purchased with one full-price adult ticket.
Where: La Perle by Dragone
When: Weekend performances available
Time: Check selected performance when booking
Location: Al Habtoor City, Dubai
Make it a foodie weekend at Time Out Market Dubai
When everyone in the group wants something different, Time Out Market Dubai keeps things simple. The Downtown food hall brings together 17 kitchens and three bars in a 43,000-square-foot space, with everything from casual comfort food to chef-led concepts available under one roof. The outdoor terrace also adds Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain views to the experience.
Where: Time Out Market Dubai
When: Friday–Sunday
Time: Fri 12 pm–1 am; Sat 10 am–1 am; Sun 10 am–12 am
Location: Level 3, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
Looking for more ways to fill your itinerary? Browse our guide to fun things to do in Dubai for more attractions and experiences.