If you’re not sure what to do this weekend in Dubai, Festival Bay’s waterfront fills up again today. The Bay by Social returns to Dubai Festival City Mall with food kiosks, retail pop-ups and live entertainment, and entry to the market is free. It suits groups who can’t agree on dinner. Everyone can walk the stalls first, see what’s on offer, then meet at a table by the water with whatever they chose.
What’s on the menu
This season’s The Bay by Social line-up includes a brand-new IKEA kitchen, Haute Dogs by O33U, Dibsa, Lula Kebab, Kofte Istanbul, Flock Chicken, Shawarma Abu Al Abid, Public Buns, Feka, Local Coffeehouse and Yoberry. That covers burgers, kebabs, shawarma, fried chicken, coffee and dessert, so most tastes are catered for.
Families and anyone with energy to burn can try axe throwing, bungee jumping, bumper cars, carnival games and a bouncy castle. If you’d rather sit back, the PLUMA Circus Spectacular offers a live performance for AED 100.
Retail pop-ups add some shopping to the evening. The vendors and events change through the season, so a second visit should turn up something new. Sunset is a good time to arrive, when the waterfront views are at their best.
Key information
- Festival: The Bay by Social
- When: October 23, 2026 onwards
- Where: Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall
