From National Day events, to Christmas caroling, Qatar-style to laughing out loud at a comedy show, there is no shortage of things to do in Doha this weekend. Here are our picks:

Comedy show

Lebanon’s “King of Comedy” Nemr Abou Nasser will perform at the Qatar National Convention Center on Friday, Dec. 19 at 8pm. Doors open at 7:30pm for the show, titled “Uninterrupted Funny Observations (UFO),” which Abou Nasser said he has been working on for two years. He added:

“I’m tired of how much people bad mouth Lebanon, so I wanted to do something for all the people who just nag and do nothing to remember that while they’ve been complaining, we’ve been working.

This show is a tribute to everyone who understands the challenges of Lebanon, but doesn’t stop, because ‘This is My Country.’ The lyrics for the song in the clip are ‘Don’t Bring Me Down,’ and ‘Don’t tell me our youth is running out, it’s only just begun.'”

The lowest-price seats are sold out, but tickets are still available from QR145/person to QR500/person. They can be bought at Virgin Megastore outlets or online here.

National Day

Whether on the Corniche, at Aspire, Katara or Darb Al Saai, there is no shortage of Qatar National Day-related activities going on over the next few days.

The highlights include the parade tomorrow morning on the Corniche, as well as fireworks there in the evening and at Darb Al Saai. Katara is also boasting a military parade and paratroopers show, and Aspire will host Qatar’s Strongest Man competition.

Meanwhile, several activities catering to Qatar’s different expat communities will be held at various venues around town, including West End Park and sports clubs in Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah and Al Khor.

See our guide here for more information on the many QND events that are going on around town.

Christmas carols in the desert

2nd Chance Rescue Qatar is holding a “Carols by candlelight in the desert” on Friday, Dec. 19 from 4pm onwards in Simaisma.

It asks visitors to bring chairs, picnic blankets and/or warm blankets, and drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Any donations of pet food, blankets, leashes and collars are welcome.

For more information, including a map of the venue, see the event’s Facebook page here.

Youth festival

The fourth edition of the regional youth sports festival Run the World will be held from Dec. 18-20 at Katara Cultural Village.

The initiative hopes to engage young adults in cultural exchange and extreme sports including basketball, volleyball, football, cricket, skateboarding, parkour – which involves running, jumping and climbing over urban obstacles – as well as BMX riding. There will also be a talent competition and a graffiti exhibition.

And for the first time, the festival will also include a Global Village, with a section where different embassies can gather to showcase their varied cultures. More information about the event can be found here.

Handicrafts market

The next QatArt Handmade Market will be held at Katara Cultural Village on Dec. 19 from 3pm to 10pm outside building 19.

All are welcome to shop at the event, which will feature jewelry, accessories, paintings, illustrations, graphic design, craft kits, bags, clothes, home decors and accessories, photography, handcrafted cards and boxes to party supplies and homemade food.

For more information, see the market’s Facebook events page here.

What are your plans for the long weekend? Thoughts?