The Balad Beast music festival is returning to the historic Al-Balad district on January 29 and 30, 2026, for its fourth annual edition, organisers have confirmed. The event will once again transform the UNESCO World Heritage site into a festival setting with multiple stages, live performances and cultural activity.
Balad Beast has grown into one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent music gatherings since its launch. The 2026 edition will bring international and regional artists across a range of genres to Al-Balad’s alleys, squares and public spaces. More than 70 artists are scheduled to perform over the two nights.
Among the headliners are American rapper Playboi Carti and hip-hop artist Don Toliver, adding a strong contemporary rap presence to the festival’s roster. Dance and electronic music are well represented with global performers including Alesso, Solomun, Ben Böhmer and Loco Dice. Other acts on the bill include pop group LANY, reggae artist Shaggy, and a number of regional performers.
Balad Beast is organised by MDLBEAST, a Saudi entertainment company that produces live events and festivals across the region. The festival is known for its integration of music with the cultural and architectural fabric of Al-Balad, an area characterised by traditional buildings and narrow streets.
The 2026 programme will take place on four distinct stages set throughout the old town. Each stage is designed to offer a different musical focus, from headline performances to electronic and regional sounds, ensuring a variety of live experiences. Concerts will begin each evening at 8:00 pm, with closing acts running into the early hours.
Tickets for Balad Beast are available through the NOFOMO app, which serves as the official platform for entry and event information. Attendees must be 16 years or older to enter. The festival has positioned itself as a major cultural fixture in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment calendar, drawing visitors from across the region.
