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Quoz Arts Fest 2026 is Dubai’s vibrant weekend celebration of art, music, food, and community at Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. Expect immersive installations, boundary-pushing performances, hands-on workshops, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you are an art lover, culture-seeker, or looking for a memorable day out, QAF 2026 has something for everyone.
Quoz Arts Fest 2026 – An Overview
Quoz Arts Fest (QAF) is among Dubai’s standout annual cultural events, transforming Al Quoz’s creative district into a walkable landscape of galleries, pop-ups, installations, and stages. Launched in 2012 to bring the local community together through art and culture, the festival has grown into a citywide favorite that showcases regional and international talent across multiple disciplines.
This year, QAF returns to Alserkal Avenue for a two-day takeover featuring contemporary dance, live music, workshops, public art installations, family programming, and plenty of culinary delights. It is a one-stop platform for contemporary art experiences, experimental performances, and community-led initiatives.
Some of the region’s and world’s most exciting creatives are set to appear, and there will be engaging activities tailored to all ages, from kids’ sensory zones to late-evening concerts.
Tickets and Other Details
Dates: 24–25 January 2026 | Timings: 10:00 am to 11:30 pm
You can purchase tickets online in advance or on-site at Alserkal Avenue, subject to availability. Pricing for QAF 2026:
- One-day pass: AED 100
- Two-day pass: AED 200
- Free entry: Kids under 18 and visitors aged 60+
Entry tips
- Arrive early for popular performances and installations; late afternoon gets busy.
- Carry a valid ID to redeem age-based free entry and to verify online bookings.
- Most vendors accept cards and contactless payments; carrying a small amount of cash can be helpful.
- Re-entry is typically permitted the same day; keep your wristband or digital pass visible.
- Families can use stroller-friendly routes along the Avenue; look out for wayfinding signage.
Getting there and parking
- Closest Dubai Metro stop: Onpassive Metro Station on the Red Line.
- Dedicated RTA bus: Route 110 from Al Safa Terminus near Onpassive Station, running frequently.
- Ride-hailing: Set your drop-off to Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz.
- Parking: Limited street and lot parking is available around the Avenue; consider public transport or carpooling during peak hours.
Programmes and Performances
As always, QAF’s curators bring a bold and diverse lineup that spans visual art, live music, dance, and community-led workshops. Here are the highlights to prioritise.
Art Installations
TAPE Dubai by Numen/For Use
A headline attraction for 2026, TAPE Dubai by the acclaimed collective Numen/For Use makes its city debut inside Concrete. Built collaboratively from layers of transparent tape, this cocoon-like, organic structure is designed to be entered, climbed, and explored. It blurs the boundaries between sculpture, architecture, and live performance, inviting playful interaction and fresh perspectives on how we move through space.
The TAPE project has appeared in global cultural hubs from Paris and Tokyo to Milan and Moscow; in Al Quoz’s raw industrial context, it gains a striking new dimension. Beyond this centrepiece, the Avenue becomes a continuous art walk with pop-up shows, warehouse takeovers, and public commissions that reward unhurried wandering.
Kids Warehouse
Families will find a dedicated, sensory-driven zone at Jossa Warehouse 45. This inclusive space prioritises accessibility and comfort, with playful installations and restful nooks that let young visitors explore, pause, and reset. It is a great base for families to map their day between workshops, gallery stops, and outdoor performances.
Performances
This year’s stage programme showcases genre-defying musicians and movement artists from across the region and beyond.
Day One
- DAM — The pioneering Palestinian hip-hop collective delivers a high-energy set.
- Gayathri Krishnan — Soulful vocals that weave South Asian influences with contemporary sounds.
Day Two
- Yasmine Hamdan — A Lebanese singer-songwriter known for boundary-pushing, atmospheric performances.
- TootArd — Levantine rhythms meet desert blues and playful, danceable grooves.
- From the Lips to the Moon — A QAF-commission featuring spoken word and music by Pouya Ehsaei and Tara Fatehi.
Both Days
- Floe by Jean-Baptiste André — A choreographed performance presented within a site-specific visual environment by Vincent Lamouroux, bridging movement and installation.
Workshops, Talks, and More
- Make-and-take studios: Short, beginner-friendly workshops in printmaking, collage, and upcycling.
- Curator walk-throughs: Guided tours that decode exhibition themes and artistic processes.
- Movement sessions: Pop-up dance and wellness activities, suitable for mixed abilities.
- Community storytelling: Intimate sets featuring poets, sound artists, and performers.
Pro tip: Many galleries time their exhibition openings for Quoz Arts Fest weekend. Browse venue schedules early to catch guided previews and artist meet-and-greets.
Food
Food is central to the QAF experience. Across the Avenue you will find a curated mix of pop-up kitchens, food trucks, and beloved Al Quoz eateries offering everything from grab-and-go bites to leisurely sit-down plates.
- Global flavours: Expect Middle Eastern staples, South Asian comfort food, Levantine grills, gourmet burgers, and plant-forward bowls.
- Dietary-friendly choices: Vendors typically highlight vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options; ask staff for allergen information.
- Sweet stops: Specialty coffee carts, artisanal gelato, and patisserie-style desserts fuel gallery-hopping.
- Family-friendly picks: Kid-sized portions and simple menus help keep little ones happy between activities.
Seating clusters and casual picnic corners are dotted around the lanes, making it easy to pause between installations and performances. For the smoothest experience, plan meals outside peak concert times and carry a reusable bottle; bottled water is widely available from vendors.
Insider tips for an easy day out
- Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable footwear for walking between venues.
- Check daily schedules at the main info points; headline performances can reach capacity quickly.
- Photography is welcome around public installations; always respect gallery rules and artist requests.
- Pets are welcome when leashed and well behaved; bring waste bags and water for your furry friend.
- Sunset is especially photogenic in the Avenue’s outdoor corridors — plan a mid-evening art walk before the night concerts.
FAQs
Where is Quoz Arts Fest 2026 held?
At Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Dubai. Follow event wayfinding on-site to locate stages, galleries, and key installations.
What are the dates and timings?
Saturday 24 January and Sunday 25 January 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm each day.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Onpassive Metro Station, then RTA bus 110 from Al Safa Terminus or a short ride-hailing trip to Alserkal Avenue. Buses typically run at frequent intervals throughout the day.
Is parking available?
Limited street and lot parking exists around the Avenue. Arrive early, use public transport, or carpool during peak hours to avoid delays.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas; always follow venue-specific signage and instructions.
Is the festival suitable for children?
Absolutely. QAF features a Kids Warehouse with sensory-friendly activities, plus stroller-friendly routes and family facilities. Children under 18 enjoy free entry.
What should I bring?
Valid ID, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. Most vendors accept cards, but a small amount of cash can be useful. Check individual workshop or performance notes for any special requirements.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Ticket policies are set by the organiser. Check the terms at purchase for details on refunds, transfers, and re-entry conditions.
