Ritzy parties and invite-only exclusive soirees are the standard in Dubai, which is why we’re pretty chuffed by this unique street food block party that’s set to shake things up in November and teach Dubaiites to let their hair down in a wildly different way. Called Break the Block, the two-night festival is set to break the mould of how the City of Gold parties and will celebrate urban music, street culture and some lip-smacking food at d3 (Dubai Design District).
What’s a block party?
Set to unfold on November 4 and 5, Break the Block will be Dubai’s first-ever block party – a phenomenon common in cities like New York and London that sees entire neighbourhoods spill out onto the streets to celebrate specific festivals or just as a social mixer. Community gatherings are something we’ve all been starved of during the pandemic, so this is a fantastic opportunity to step out and lose yourself in a festive crowd without any worries since we no longer have to mask up outdoors!
Here’s what to expect at Dubai’s first block party
1. Food
Local restaurants such as High Joint, Sakura, Pizzaz, Biria Tacos, Pedalo Gelato and more have been cherry-picked to serve party-goers flavours from around the world.
2. Music
On the music front, local and regional DJs and music artists will keep up the tempo with a mix of hip-hop, Afro beats, Arab trap, and indie music; expect performances by Synaptik, DJ Danny Neville, MC Hype, DUNIA, Casa Vince and more taking to the decks.
But the musical showstopper is going to Beirut-based culture and entertainment group Factory People’s popular Hot Mess party, which will turn up the volume and wrap up the celebrations on November 5.
3. Art and culture
There’s also a special tribute to hip-hop dance on the cards called Slam In The Block, where local dance crew Slam Fam will step it up with some killer freestyle and B-Boy moves and dance battles. Dubai’s skater boys and girls can glide around d3 and break out their tricks during chilled-out skateboarding sessions scattered throughout the two-day festival. Akin Barber & Shop will have a pop-up venue that will be offering custom cuts and sharp fades to the dapper dudes looking for a fresh shave.
Great grub, greater music, and a killer alfresco venue – we can’t think of a cooler shindig to celebrate the onset of winter and Dubai’s great outdoors season.
Tickets are available online and at the door; the event is open to only those aged 14 years and above.