Music, art and self-expression converge at Freakyard 2026 in Riyadh

RIYADH – This February, the historic desert site of Banban on the outskirts of Riyadh will once again be reimagined as a sprawling, immersive arena for electronic music, as Saudi Arabia’s boutique festival Freaks of Nature returns with its seventh edition, Freakyard 2026. Set across two weekends on February 5-6 and 12-13, the event marks the most ambitious chapter yet for a homegrown festival that has grown into one of the Middle East’s most recognisable electronic music brands.

Spread across four nights and three stages, Freakyard will bring together a heavyweight international line-up alongside a strong contingent of regional artists, reinforcing the festival’s dual identity as both a global music destination and a platform for local talent. Headliners across the two weekends include Alesso, Alan Walker, Martin Garrix, Amelie Lens, ARTBAT, Meduza, Eric Prydz, Hot Since 82 and Morten, joined by acts such as Mathame, Kasablanca and Zamna Soundsystem. Saudi and regional artists including Haffs, Gazi and Moon Talk are positioned alongside international names, reflecting the festival’s commitment to cultural exchange rather than simple importation.

Beyond the scale of the line-up, Freakyard’s significance lies in its carefully constructed environment. The Banban site will be transformed into a multi-layered, industrial-inspired landscape, enhanced by bespoke stage architecture, advanced 3D visuals and immersive lighting design. The Mainstage is built around large-scale, euphoric dance music moments, while the Underground stage focuses on club culture, combining techno-driven soundscapes with holographic visuals and mapping. The House of Freaks, an indoor venue, offers a more playful and flamboyant energy, extending the festival experience into the early hours.

One of the defining elements of the 2026 edition is The Freaks (Live), a specially designed performance concept that moves beyond traditional DJ sets. Presented as a collaborative live experience blending sound, light and visuals, it reflects Freakyard’s broader ambition to blur the lines between electronic music, performance art and immersive theatre.

The festival extends well beyond its stages. An entertainment village centred around the Freak Bazar will host interactive art installations, chill-out zones, gaming experiences and a wide range of food offerings. A DJ competition, new merchandise lines and roaming characters are designed to animate the site, turning the festival into a fully realised cultural space rather than a sequence of performances.

Since its launch, Freaks of Nature has evolved from a boutique event into a globally exportable cultural concept rooted in Saudi Arabia. Previous editions have hosted artists such as Agents of Time, Lost Frequencies and Nic Fanciulli, while maintaining a distinct identity built on creative freedom and audience participation. Freakyard’s philosophy centres on self-expression, celebrating individuality and collective experience through music and art.

With attendance expected to exceed 30,000 visitors per day, Freakyard 2026 arrives at a moment when Saudi Arabia is increasingly visible on the global cultural map. As the Kingdom continues to expand its entertainment and creative sectors, the festival stands as a symbol of a broader shift, one that positions local initiatives not merely as hosts for international acts, but as originators of cultural formats capable of resonating far beyond the region.

Tickets for Freakyard 2026, including general admission, VIP, backstage and VVIP table options, are currently available, with further artist announcements expected in the coming weeks.