There’s quite a bit of brain power going into Expo 2020 Dubai – unsurprising given that 192 countries, all with their own flavours and cultures, are descending on the emirate.
And that means a certified library of mindboggling-cool, chin-on-the-floor funky and heart-back-flipping wonderful things to see and do at Expo 2020 Dubai in October.
Here are some of our absolute faves things to do at Expo 2020 Dubai in October. Get them in your itinerary, pronto.
Dance
Ballet National
If the leading dance company in West Africa, Le Ballet National du Senegal, don’t get you dancing through Expo 2020 Dubai, we’re not sure what will. Take your seat for a high-energy performance complete with percussive instruments showcasing the cultural diversity of this wonderful country.
Oct 12, 13, 15, 16 9pm
Fricska Rhythm
Starved of contemporary dance and pounding rhythm? Fricska Rhythm is laying on an immersive performance that is full of symbolism and exceptional energy. The choreography will have you on the edge of your seat, so be careful not to tip off onto the floor.
Oct 1, 2 2pm, 5.30pm, 8.30pm
Kapa Haka Performance
Possibly the world’s most recognisable dance, this symbol of power is an indigenous cultural icon, unique to Aotearoa. The Kapa Haka will run thrice over two days this month, so don’t miss out on the gooseflesh-inducing display.
Oct 3, 4 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 4pm
Malaysia Truly Asia Cultural Showcase
Exotic and enthralling culture sound like a bit of you? The Malaysia Truly Asia Cultural Showcase is laying on a feast of daily performances, highlighting the country’s diverse richness and heritage. A unique variety of traditional music, dance and cuisine come offer an authentic taste of Malaysia. Dig in.
Daily 7pm, 7.30pm
Olga Pericet
Olga is a superstar in the dance world, known for her astounding technical abilities and versatility in Flamenco and Spanish classical dance. Here, she embarks upon a personal journey through dance based on memories and experiences from life. Unmissable.
Oct 28, 29 7pm
Step Afrika!
One of the top African-American dance companies in the United States is coming to Expo 2020 Dubai. This percussive dance troupe have dazzled audiences all over the 50 States, and Expo guests can expect a true artistic experience, plus audience participation.
Oct 3, 5-9 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm
Family events
Family Show
Let the whole gang experience the fun and excitement of a specially commissioned show from Saudi Arabia, combining music, songs, puppetry, audience participation and digital screen content. Organisers promise dazzling cultural entertainment experience for all the family.
Oct 8, 22 11am, 12.30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm
Hammour House Art Workshops
Ready to unleash your inner artist? These creative workshops will give guests the chance to learn all about sustainable paper and use it to sculpt and paint corals. Artworks become part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s on-site art installation, allowing everyone to etch their name into the history books.
Oct 8, 22, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3.30pm
MyButterfly Kites Flying
Let’s go fly a kite, as the popular Disney movie encourages. At Expo 2020 Dubai, you can do exactly that. Held every last weekend of each month through the show’s run, the sky is most certainly the limit.
Oct 30 4.30pm, 5.30pm 6pm
Music
African Percussion Performance
A pair of talented artists from the new generation of Angolan percussionists demonstrate how harmony is achieved in a village through the sounds of drums. It has been described as an ‘eclectic music symbiosis between traditional roots and world music’ and lasts 30 minutes.
Until Oct 12 10am, 1.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm.
Flangr: Music with Space Sounds
Even Chilean pop music gets the spotlight at Expo 2020 Dubai. Flangr who has developed music with space sounds coded from the Orion Nebula by the Observatory ALMA, will surely deliver an out of this world performance.
Oct 18, 19 7.30pm
Jalsat Nights
Reimagining Jalsat as a vibrant Khaleeji-led jam session, Jalsat Nights will give visitors an exciting introduction to Arabic tradition. A lively formation of 25 local musicians will be joined by special guest artists from other cultures.
Oct 12 4pm, 8.30pm
Kerekes Band
From dance houses in Hungary to Expo 2020 Dubai, Kerekeswill be performing folk music from Moldova based on authenticity, but with influences from jazz, funk and Balkan music. Think ethno-funk, and get there early.
Oct 8, 9 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm
Kuwaiti – Arab Takht Band Concert
Led by maestro Dr. Ayoub Khudir, this renowned orchestra is very selective about its performances, and is making a very special trip to Expo 2020 Dubai. The orchestra consists of virtuoso players and artists that have been hand-picked for their mastery of their respective instruments. You’ll be dazzled.
Oct 3 6pm
Parades
Daily Parade
This one speaks for itself, but you stilll won’t want to miss out. Each day, the ‘Colours of the World’ Parade will treat audiences to a unique cultural fusion experience. A vibrant, colourful moving celebration featuring international participants, performers and musicians that radiates energy and brings a blast of fun.
Daily 12.45pm.
Expo Beats: World Beats
A unique monthly festival that takes visitors on a journey around the world through music, dance and culture. The festival line-up will also be infused with dance, spoken word and other performances, creating a rich and diverse programme.
Oct 7, 8, 9 4pm-1am.
Late Nights @ Expo
Expo 2020 Dubai will connect artists and people from across the world, breaking barriers between musical styles, generations and cultures. Magical encounters will create impossible mashups and original artistic collaborations.
Oct 2, 8.30pm.
Panamanian Marching Band
Panama’s marching bands are known for packing a punch, so expect a rousing instalment from this very special Expo 2020 Dubai strut. Combining art, feeling and plenty of flair with musical exploits in a display of mastery that will pump up any crowd.
Oct 20 5pm
Performances
Clown Performance
Ready for some clowning around? Bring the kids and join Bleu-Blanc-Rouge balloon clown for crazy, madcap antics and more fun with balloons than you ever thought possible. Serious(ish) fun for all the family.
Oct 2. 10am, 11.30am, 3pm, 5.30pm.
Robot Radius
A fascinating pantomime based on the famous 1920s sci-fi play ‘Rossum’s Universal Robots’ by Czech writer Karel Čapek, which introduced the word and idea of ‘robots’ to society. This gripping performance uses exciting new technologies to transform man into robot and vice-versa.
Oct 28 6pm, 8pm
For more exciting things to see and do at Expo 2020 Dubai, click here.
