Al Quoz Arts Festival returns to Alserkal Avenue on 24–25 January 2026, bringing two lively days of contemporary art, performances, food concepts, and interactive workshops.
The festival has become one of Dubai’s most popular cultural weekends, offering an easy-going atmosphere, walkable district layout, and experiences that appeal to families, tourists, and long-time residents.
- Dates, timings, and how to get to the Al Quoz Arts Festival
- Al Quoz Arts Festival highlights
- Alserkal Avenue: The Heart of the Festival
- Tickets and access to the Al Quoz Arts Festival
- Visitor Information
- Past and Expected Featured Artists
- Tips for a smooth visit
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Dates, timings, and how to get to the Al Quoz Arts Festival
The festival’s layout, spanning warehouses, courtyards, and open walkways, makes it enjoyable at any time of day. With extended hours, you can spend the entire day exploring Alserkal Avenue or simply drop in for a few hours of art and food.
Key timings and access information
The Al Quoz Art Festival 2026 will take place across the district with expected hours from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM. This allows visitors ample time to move between galleries, installations, workshops, and live performances.
Reaching the festival is easy:
- Metro: Onpassive Station (Red Line), followed by a short taxi or RTA bus ride
- Taxis and ride-hailing: Easily available throughout the day
- Parking: Paid parking and surrounding street parking
Al Quoz Arts Festival highlights
The Al Quoz Art Festival brings together the most exciting art, performances, workshops, food experiences, and family activities happening across Alserkal Avenue.
1. Immersive art exhibitions and installations
Every year, Alserkal Avenue transforms into a district-wide gallery during the Al Quoz Arts Festival. Warehouses and outdoor spaces host curated exhibitions, experimental works, and interactive installations that reflect the diversity of Dubai’s art scene.
Indoor and outdoor creative experiences
The Al Quoz Art Festival 2026 will feature a mix of contemporary installations across galleries and open-air zones. Visitors can expect:
- Large-scale sculptures
- Multimedia and digital installations
- Street art, murals, and themed interventions
- Curated exhibitions from over 60 creative venues
2. Live music, spoken word, and outdoor performances
Music and performance art bring a vibrant layer to the Al Quoz Arts Festival, turning Alserkal Avenue into an open stage as the day transitions into the evening.
Performances that set the festival’s atmosphere
Past line-ups have included acclaimed regional artists such as Omar Offendum, Emel Mathlouthi, and Ÿuma, alongside independent musicians, emerging bands, and spoken word poets. In 2026, visitors can expect a similar genre-diverse programme across outdoor stages and courtyards.
These performances create a relaxed, communal feel as festivalgoers gather across Alserkal Avenue. You can also visit various cultural events in Dubai alongside this event.
3. Workshops, artist talks, and community experiences
The Al Quoz Art Festival is renowned for its engaging workshops and hands-on sessions, offering both beginners and seasoned artists the opportunity to explore new mediums.
Creative sessions for adults and younger visitors
Workshops typically include pottery, printmaking, illustration, and photography, with many designed to be walk-in friendly. Artist talks and open studio sessions offer an inside look into creative processes and the stories behind the works on display.
These conversations help strengthen the festival’s sense of community and encourage new visitors to explore various artistic practices.
4. Food trucks and curated dining experiences
Dining is a significant part of the Al Quoz Arts Festival, and in 2026, it will continue to offer a broad mix of street food, pop-up concepts, and festival-exclusive menus curated by What The Food by Alserkal.
What to expect from the food pop-ups
Visitors can look forward to:
- Gourmet street food and fusion bowls
- Plant-forward menus
- Artisanal desserts and pastries
- Speciality coffee concepts
The food areas offer plenty of seating, making them ideal for breaks between exhibitions. You can also visit Dubai’s best outdoor cafés during your free time.
5. Kids’ Lane and family-friendly activities
Families are an essential part of the Al Quoz Arts Festival audience, and the event is structured to ensure all ages feel welcome.
Activities designed for children and families
The Kids’ Lane offers craft corners, simple workshops, supervised play areas, and creative storytelling sessions. These activities make it easy for families to spend several hours at Alserkal Avenue without feeling rushed, as the district’s walkable layout supports slow exploration.
6. Film screenings and cultural events
Cinema Akil, one of Dubai’s most beloved independent cinemas, returns with a curated selection of films during the Al Quoz Arts Festival.
What film lovers can enjoy in 2026
Expect cinematic programmes featuring indie titles, regional films, and storytelling that aligns with the festival’s creative spirit. Depending on the schedule, there may also be screenings connected to the Reel Palestine Film Festival.
Alserkal Avenue: The Heart of the Festival
Alserkal Avenue is the heart of the Al Quoz Arts Festival, offering visitors a walkable creative hub with galleries, studios, cafés, and performance spaces.
Why Alserkal Avenue anchors the festival
The district brings together more than 60 contemporary art galleries, design studios, and cultural venues, making it one of the UAE’s most influential creative destinations.
- A diverse mix of visual art, design, performance, and culture
- Home to established galleries and experimental project spaces
- Walkable lanes that connect exhibitions, workshops, and food pop-ups
Tickets and access to the Al Quoz Arts Festival
The Al Quoz Arts Festival remains accessible and welcoming, with pricing designed to encourage community participation.
Ticket options and entry details
Based on previous years, 2026 tickets are expected to follow similar pricing:
- One-day pass: Approximately 63 AED
- Weekend pass: Approximately 126 AED
- Free entry: Seniors and under-18s
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Visitor Information
The Al Quoz Art Festival attracts a broad mix of residents, tourists, and culture lovers, and the 2026 edition is expected to welcome even larger crowds across the two-day programme.
Who the festival is ideal for
The event caters to visitors of all ages and interests, making it a welcoming community experience.
- Expected attendance of 35,000+
- Ideal for families, art enthusiasts, students, and global travellers
- Multiple transport choices, including metro, taxis, buses, and nearby parking
Past and expected featured artists
The Al Quoz Art Festival is renowned for its strong lineup of regional and international creatives, and the 2025 programme provides a clear indication of the artists likely to appear again in 2026.
Artists and installations you may see in 2026
Based on last year’s highlights, visitors can expect a mix of musical acts, installations, and gallery showcases.
- Performances by Omar Offendum, Emel Mathlouthi, and Ÿuma
- Installations by renowned artists such as ENESS and Lamya Gargash
- Gallery exhibitions featuring works by Shilpa Gupta and Farhad Ahrarnia
These names reflect the festival’s commitment to blending emerging talent with internationally recognised creatives.
Tips for a smooth visit
With so much happening across two days, planning helps you make the most of the Al Quoz Arts Festival. The experience blends indoor and outdoor activities, making timing and comfort crucial. A simple plan might include:
- Starting with installations and galleries in the late morning
- Joining a workshop or an artist talk in the afternoon
- Staying for live performances and food in the evening
- Comfortable footwear, light clothing, and staying hydrated are essentials for enjoying Alserkal Avenue at peak hours.
Key takeaways
The Al Quoz Art Festival 2026 offers two vibrant days of art, culture, food, film, and community programming at Alserkal Avenue. From interactive installations to family-friendly workshops, curated dining, and live performances, the festival reflects Dubai’s evolving creative identity. Its accessible pricing, open layout, and inclusive programming make it a must-visit event for residents, tourists, art enthusiasts, and families.
FAQs
The Al Quoz Arts Festival will take place on 24–25 January 2026 at Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Dubai.
Yes, tickets are required, with one-day and weekend passes available online. Seniors and individuals under 18 typically attend for free.
Yes, the festival features Kids’ Lane and dedicated family zones, offering creative workshops and activities specifically designed for children.
The Al Quoz Arts Festival offers gourmet street food, pop-up kitchens, and curated concepts, including plant-based and fusion options.
You can reach Alserkal Avenue via the Onpassive Metro Station (Red Line), followed by a short taxi or bus ride, or by car, with parking available in the area.
