From acrobatics to music, to fancy horses and one-minute films, Qatar’s got something on offer for everyone this weekend. Here’s our picks on what to do over the next few days:

Cirque Eloize iD

This fast-paced show opens for the first time in Doha tonight at the Qatar National Convention Center theater, and runs through Saturday, April 5. The Wednesday and Thursday shows will feature a single performance at 8 pm. Two shows will be performed on the next two days – at 3:30pm and 8pm on Friday; and 1:30pm and 6pm on Saturday.

The two-hour show is divided into two 45-minute parts, and will showcase 14 acts from 14 performers. The acts will feature a mixture of contemporary circus, dance, music and theater synchronized to a rock and electronic-inspired soundtrack.

Tickets prices begin at QR95 and are available online and at Virgin megastores at the Villagio and Landmark malls, as well as at the Cirque Eloize iD ticket booth at City Center Mall. Several placements, including the least and most expensive, have already sold out for opening night.

FREE STUFF: We are giving away four platinum seating tickets for tonight’s opener. Two winners will be awarded two tickets each for the show. To qualify for the giveaway, please leave a comment below on what you think about this weekend roundup stories. What are we doing right? What can we do to improve? Winners will be selected randomly and announced at 2:30pm today in the comments section. [This giveaway is now closed]

Arab hip hop festival

Young hip-hop enthusiasts and top artists from the MENA region will convene at the Hilton Doha from April 3 to 5 for this event. Organized by The Youth Company, the festival will feature breakdancing, graffiti, rapping from artists like Malikah, beat-boxing and DJs who will promote the street culture theme “without disrespecting traditional values.”

The event is comprised of two parts – an outdoor festival and a hip-hop conference. Tickets are priced at QR120 (standard) and QR250 (VIP)/person, and limited seats are left.

‘Souls in Harmony’ Concert

The British Paraorchestra will perform with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at the Katara Opera House in their first concert outside of continental Europe on Friday, April 4 at 7:30 pm.

The Paraorchestra’s public profile increased in 2012 after performing with Coldplay at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Paralympics.

This event is being held under Sasol’s “Definitely Able” initiative to raise awareness and promote social acceptance of people with special needs.

Limited complimentary seats are available. Tickets can be reserved by emailing contact details to [email protected]

Arabian horse show

The two-day Qatar National Purebred Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners, organized by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, will be held in the indoor arena of the club from April 4 to 5.

The show opens on Friday from 3:30 to 8:30pm with the fillies and Colts categories. The second day is divided into two sessions – the morning session goes from 8:30am to 1:30pm and features mares and stallions, followed by the afternoon session at 3:30pm, where the championship awards for the Best Bred Horse and the Best Breeder will be given out.

Registration for participating in the show is closed, but spectators are welcome and no tickets are required. More information is available here.

Red Bull 60: Seconds Award ceremony

At this event, more than a dozen 1-minute short films will be screened, judged and awarded based on the theme of what inspires people and gives them wings. The ceremony will be held at the Outdoor Amphitheater in Porto Arabia at the Pearl-Qatar on April 5 at 5:30 pm. Awards include Best Story, Best Picture, Best Editing and Popularity. The award ceremony is open to all. More information can be found here.

Bonus:

• “Between Persia and Brazil:” This free concert will be held at the Museum of Islamic Arts atrium tomorrow, April 3, at 6 pm. The one-hour performance is held every first Thursday of the month, and be conducted by performed by members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. More information is available here.
• Storytelling and Crafts: This will be carried out at WH Smith, Ezdan Mall on April 5 from 4 to 5pm. Children and their families will hear exciting stories read out in both English and Arabic. All children will also get to participate in a crafting event. The event is free and open to all. This event has been postponed until April 19.
• The MIA Park Bazaar: This event is held on the first Saturday of the month. So it will open this month on April 5, from noon to 7pm at the Museum of Islamic Art grounds. A modern version of the old souq tradition, one can browse and buy handmade products in jewellery, clothing, arts and crafts as well as books and souvenirs. Entry is free to the public.
• Gaming Lounge: As part of its push to attract Qatari youth, Vodafone Qatar is sponsoring free gaming for all residents at this 24-hour spot in Al Sadd. Players can participate in this promotion every Wednesday from noon to midnight.

Thoughts?