This weekend Dubai’s serving up a huge brew fest, an underground night in Satwa and a free improv workshop (oh, and yoga in a pool).

Thursday 25

1. Head to Hopfest

The massively-popular three-day brew fest is back for its 12th year. Hopfest will feature 120 brands of hops from around the world – from Australia to Belgium and back. Make sure to get there early as the queues get massive, and expect to stay a while as the atmosphere tends to be unbeatable. Entertainment will feature The Maplejacks, Mileage 51 and Rodie.

Irish Village Dubai, Garhoud. 12pm to midnight, Thursday August 25 to Saturday August 27. More info on Facebook.

2. Visit one of Dubai’s ice bars

Feeling sweaty? Well spend your weekend at Barasti’s new ice bar, the inside of which has been chilled down to a subzero temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius. Everything is made from ice – ice lounges, tables, an ice photo-wall, an ice bar. So how do you gain entry? Purchase two German digestif drinks to receive two free tickets. You’ll be given a snow jacket (yes, you’ll definitely need it) and a complimentary beverage to help ward off the cold. Ooh, there’s also an Ice Bar in Cavalli Club too if you don’t like travelling too far past Trade Centre.

Ice Bar, Barasti Beach Bar, Al Sufouh Road. Daily 11am to 2.30am until September 30. 21+. Tel: (04) 3181313. barastibeach.com. 

3. Two-for-one at Four Seasons

The beautiful Four Seasons Jumeirah is offering two-for-one on all massages booked at The Pearl Spa from today until Sunday August 28 and two-for-one on nail and hair experiences at Ever En Vogue salon. So grab a friend, book now and treat yo’self.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2. Spa treatments from 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 270 7777 More info on website. 

4. Head to a night out in honour of Satwa

Satwa 3000 is an art collective of designers, videographers, DJs, creatives, musicians and more. What unites the diverse bunch? They’re all inspired by ‘Old Dubai’ pop culture. Tonight they’re hosting a night at the classic Chelsea Plaza Hotel, with music from Frezidante and e-ratic dreamer.

Las Vegas Night Club, Chelsea Plaza Hotel, Satwa. 9pm to 3am, free entry. More info on Facebook. 

Friday 26

5. Zen out at a yoga retreat

The Shangri-La on Sheikh Zayed Road is a rather lovely oasis smack bang in the centre of the city and they’re hosting a half-day yoga retreat today. There will be a Vinyasa flow session, a Yoga Nidra class, a Chakra Activation session, a touch of Aqua Yoga in the pool and then a healthy brunch. Ooh, and afterwards you’ll get access to the hotel’s lovely pool (from 2pm to 4pm).

Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road. 10.30am to 2pm. Dhs200 for members, Dhs250 for non-members. More info (and registration) on Facebook. 

6. Hang out with Barney

Remember Barney? That giant purple dinosaur thing? Well as part of Dubai Marina Mall’s Back to School campaign, Barney and his pals will be hosting performances from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 4.30pm, 6.00pm and 7.30pm. Oh and if your kids fancy it (or you, no judgment here) there are meet and greet sessions at 6.45pm and 8.15pm.

Dubai Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road. Thur to Sat, 4.30pm, 6pm and 7.30pm. Entry free. dubaimarinamall.com. 

7. Go to a Little Green Cars gig

Irish indie rock band Little Green Cars have played Lollapalooza, Coachella and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and tonight they’ll be at The Baggot in McGettigan’s in JLT. The band’s got a great reputation for bringing their A-game to live gigs so it should be a good night. There’s also a pre-gig drinks package of unlimited house beverages from 5pm to 8pm for Dhs199.

MeGettigan’s JLT, Bonnington Tower, Cluster J, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Doors open at 8pm, band on stage from 9.30pm. Entry free. Tel: (04) 356 0560. More info on website.

8. Free yoga at Alserkal Avenue

Here’s an offer that’ll have you bending over backwards: Urban Yoga are hosting a free pop-up yoga class at artsy pop-up Nadi Al Quoz every Friday until the end of October. All levels of yoga lovers welcome. You can’t just rock up with a yoga mat though, make sure to register beforehand. Read more about Nadi Al Quoz here.

Nadi Al Quoz, Warehouse 90, Al Serkal Avenue. Fridays 4.30pm to 5.30pm. RSVP at nadi.al.quoz@gmail.com. 

Saturday 27

9. Learn to improv, for free…

Today Dubai’s bravest residents can learn to improvise at a special open day at The Courtyard Playhouse in Al Quoz. The session is open to everyone, so not just aspiring actors: “People walk in a bit nervous and walk out completely energised. They leave buzzing and feeling more confident,” organiser Tiffany Schultz explains.

Street 4B, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (050) 986 1761. More info on website. 

10. Stock up on fresh fruit and veg

Every Saturday until the end of October, the Ripe Summer Market at the Times Square Centre is stocked up with fresh fruit and veg, local honey, coconut oil, tea, superfoods and more. If you’re not much of a foodie, there are also market stalls selling everything from skincare products to handbags.

Times Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. Free entry. Saturday 9am to 3pm. ripeme.com. 

11. Go to a Tragically Hip brunch

This one’s for Canadians: Weslodge is hosting a special Tragically Hip brunch this weekend. Why? Well because after a career of more than 30 years, the iconic Canadian band is retiring due to the illness of a band member. The restaurant will pay homage to the group with a specially-themed brunch, Tragically Hip tunes on rotation and a screening of the band’s final concert.

Weslodge Saloon, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay. Brunch from Dhs345 to Dhs545. Brunch package from 12pm to 6pm (concert screening at 5.30pm). Tel: (04) 560 1700. More info on website. 

12. Get a good deal on grooming

Ladies, Pastels Salon in Mercato is running a promotion this weekend only – from Thursday to Saturday – that means 15 per cent off of all Lycon leg/bikini waxes. Also, anyone who gets a Lycon wax will also get a free goody bag. Good on them for making a wax as appealing as possible (because let’s be honest, it’s nought but a chore).

Pastels Salon, Mercato, Jumeirah Beach Road. Tel: (04) 344 7883. 9am to 9pm daily (opens 10 on Fridays). More info on Facebook. 

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