Saudi Arabia’s entertainment scene is going through a major shift, and one of its clearest signs is an entirely new concept: QB Festival. In this complete guide, we take you inside Saudi Arabia’s first play-along competitive entertainment festival — from its core idea to its programme, activations, dates and tickets — so you can plan your visit and get the most out of it.
What is QB Festival?
QB Festival isn’t a traditional esports tournament or a passing entertainment event — it’s a complete competitive entertainment universe you step into and play. It’s built on one central idea that captures its whole spirit: you don’t watch the game, you’re in it. Instead of sitting as a spectator, you become a player who picks a side, takes on challenges, earns points and shapes the outcome.
The festival runs at BLVD City, Riyadh, for 32 consecutive days, from 27 July to 29 August 2026 — making it one of the standout and longest events among Riyadh’s 2026 line-up.
The worlds of Quokka and Blen
QB draws its name and concept from two worlds meeting: Quokka, representing the spirit of entertainment, energy, community and fun; and Blen, representing creativity, content, digital culture and innovation.
Merging these two worlds creates the festival’s visual identity and fuels the creators-versus-clans rivalry at the heart of the event.
The three core departments
QB Festival splits into three connected departments, each offering a different but linked experience within one story.
- QB Cup (the competition)
The QB Cup is the festival’s most visible face: a major tournament of 8 teams, each with 4 players, in a knockout format across 16 matches. The rivalry runs between two worlds — teams of creators and celebrities on one side, professional esports clans on the other — creating a story of competition and belonging the audience lives with every match.
- QB Points (the participation)
QB Points is the system that turns your visit into a real game. The festival drops 13 daily challenges across difficulty levels, and every challenge you complete earns points that lift you up a live leaderboard and can be redeemed for rewards. This system is what truly embodies the shift from viewer to player.
- QB Activations (the experience)
QB Activations is the on-ground layer, including multiple game zones (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC), VR and AR experiences, Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Drone Soccer, the Saudi Al Bisaat majlis, creator meet-and-greets, and sports challenges.
How the QB experience is different
The fundamental difference between QB Festival and any other event is participation. At traditional events your role ends at watching. At QB you’re at the centre: you pick a side, take on challenges, earn points and climb the leaderboard. Participation here isn’t an add-on — it’s the whole experience, which makes the festival a perfect fit for a generation that wants to interact, take part and share rather than just watch.
Must-try experiences
- Saudi Arabia’s first Drone Soccer: a new tech sport blending flight and team competition.
- Al Bisaat majlis: an authentic Saudi experience with Baloot, board games and hospitality.
- The six game modes: from Motion and Mind to Gaming and AI.
- QB Beast every Monday: new modes and bigger rewards.
- VR with Meta Quest 3 and the AR Room.
Dates, venue and tickets
QB Festival takes place at BLVD City, Riyadh, from 27 July to 30 August 2026. The tournament opens with the ceremony and team draw on 27 July, with rounds running through to the Grand Final on 29 August. You can book your ticket via Webook or the QB World app, which gives you access to the festival’s various activities, daily challenges, and the chance to meet content creators and influencers. Choose the ticket that fits your experience:
- Festival – SAR 35: General admission to the festival’s various activities, with the opportunity to meet content creators and influencers. Note: this ticket does not grant access to the Main Stage.
- Festival + Cup Entry – SAR 55: Everything in the Festival ticket, plus access to watch the QB Cup at the Main Stage.
- VIP – SAR 150: Access to watch the QB Cup from a dedicated area close to the action at the Main Stage for an enhanced viewing experience, plus general admission to all activities, the chance to meet creators and influencers, and Fast Track access to the Meet & Greet experience.
Tips to get the most out of your visit
- Open the QB World app as soon as you arrive and pick up your daily missions.
- Spread your time across different modes to multiply your points.
- Choose your visit day by the schedule: big matches, Monday’s event, or the weekend peak.
- Arrive early on important match days to secure your spot.
- Don’t miss the Al Bisaat majlis for a break between rounds.
Conclusion
QB Festival is more than an entertainment event; it’s an entirely new experience redefining the audience’s relationship with entertainment in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re an enthusiastic gamer, a creator fan, or looking for a standout family destination among Riyadh’s 2026 events, QB offers an unforgettable full day.