As the temperature finally starts to cool down, Bahrain comes back to life with more events and parties than you can dream of.
We all need something to look forward to, which is why we’ve rounded up some of the biggest and the best between now and December.
If you’re worried about the lack of festive events, don’t worry – we’ll be creating a Christmas calendar closer to the big day.
Read on for Time Out’s top picks.
September 20-November 2 – Rugby World Cup
Although rugby isn’t exactly the most popular sport in Bahrain, there are enough expats kicking about in the Kingdom to ensure the country is buzzing for the duration of the tournament. This year it’s being held in Japan, and there will be plenty of spots to watch all the action live in Bahrain – check out our guide by clicking here.
September 25 – Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Improv troupe The Noise Next Door are bringing the classic comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? to Bahrain in September. The show, hosted by The British Club in Umm Al Hassam, sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe eleven times and is bound to leave you in hysterics.
September 26 – Oktoberfest
If you can’t make it all the way to Munich for the real Oktoberfest, don’t worry – two hotels in Bahrain are bringing the party to you. On Thursday September 26, The Gulf Hotel Convention & Spa will be hosting an evening event featuring the Lasterbacher Musikanten band, and Bahrain Bay Kitchen will be throwing an Oktoberfest brunch filled with German delicacies including schnitzel and plenty of hops.
September 27 – Suzhou Ballet Theatre
A pioneering ballet group from China are set to dazzle at the Bahrain National Theatre this September with a gala performance. The Suzhou Ballet Theatre will carry out pieces from a number of classic shows including the Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s Giselle.
September 28 – Colours of Life Poetry Festival
Twenty poets will recite their work in the hopes of provoking a kind of synesthesia in audience members by conveying the colours of emotions and moods through their words. This annual event has something for everyone and will see performances in Arabic and English.
October – 5pm at Bab
The Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities will be putting on weekly activities at Bab Al-Bahrain for the month of October for the second year in a row. Although the events are yet to be announced, BACA is promising activities that target different age groups. Last year, Bab Al-Bahrain hosted musical performances as well as handicraft markets.
October 18 – Trib Fest
Don’t worry if your favourite artist can’t make it down to Bahrain – you’ll almost certainly find a tribute act to perform all their best tunes at Trib Fest this October. So far there are more than 20 artists performing including Maroon 5, the Bee Gees, and David Bowie.
October 19-October 26 – International Music Festival
Bahrain’s International Music Festival is now in its 28th year and will continue to showcase a number of different genres including everything from rock and pop to traditional music. The line-up hasn’t been announced yet, but keep checking Time Out Bahrain for updates.
October 26 – Think Pink Charity Golf Day
The Royal Golf Club will once again be hosting a charity tournament to raise money for Think Pink Bahrain. The club has supported the charity, which focuses on breast cancer education, for a number of years and in the past has sold pink food and drink options in its restaurants.
November 1 – Bahrain Jazz Fest
Bahrain Jazz Fest has hosted stars from across the globe in the past, and this year will be no different. Expect ten hours of music from artists including Lone Star Blues, Spyro Gyra and Jack Rabbit Slims as well as a number of food trucks.
November 11-16 – Amateur MMA championship
Khalifa Sport City is set to host the IMAAF’s senior and junior world championship for the third year in a row, so if you fancy supporting talented MMA fighters you should head here for the tournament. As well as the amateur competition, there’s also set to be a professional MMA fight on November 15 which you won’t want to miss.
December 4-7 – Chocolate and coffee expo
Chocolate and coffee go together like cheese and crackers, and fans of both will be overwhelmed by the selection on offer at the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre this December. Last year’s event attracted 35,000 visitors from across the Middle East and had 100 exhibitors. Expect this to be very busy.
