Qatar is going to be buzzing with activity over the next several days – most of it at night, as many people will be fasting and spending more time inside during the daylight hours. Here are our picks for what to do this weekend:

Taste of the Universe

As part of its Ramadan offerings, Katara Cultural Village is holding a host of astronomy-related events this weekend and throughout the rest of this month.

There’s an astronomy book fair in Building 22, and a Galaxies Gallery exhibition in the same venue. The official timings are from 9pm to midnight, though the exhibitions also appear to be open in the mornings.

Inside the amphitheater, attendees can experience outer space by checking out at 4D experience spaceship (akin to a virtual reality amusement park ride), or peering through some of the telescopes that have been set up.

Children are invited to take part in the Our Planets Workshop from July 10 to 12 from 8 to 11pm at the Katara Art Studios. All other events run from 9 pm to midnight daily, and are free and open to the public.

Additionally, a concert featuring performances by three musicians from Spain playing Bach, and MOMA the band playing music dedicated to the creation of the Universe will take place on July 10 at 10pm in Building 16.

Moonlight kayaking

For the those who are feeling adventurous, Entalek, a local organization that develops outdoor activities and environmental education programs, is hosting a moonlight kayaking trip this weekend.

The event will take place on Friday, July 11. The trip costs QR250/person, and interested participants can book their tickets online here.

The group will meet at the Al Thakira Marina at 7pm before heading out to kayak. A barbeque will be held after the event, but attendees will have to bring their own food.

The group will supply all cooking equipment. For more information, call Adele +974 3023 3207.

DFI Screens Amazonia

Despite Brazil’s tragic defeat in the World Cup last night, DFI will continue its celebration of Brazilian culture with a screening of Amazonia today and tomorrow, July 9 to 10, at 9pm at the MIA Auditorium.

The movie focuses on a capuchin monkey who finds himself lost and alone in the jungle after a plane crash. The monkey, born and raised in captivity, undertakes “an adventurous and sometimes perilous journey to adapt to this magnificent and unknown universe.”

Tickets can be bought online here or at the the DFI ticket counter opposite the Auditorium an hour prior to showtime.

Free H.O.G. suhoor

The Qatar chapter of the Harley Owners Group invites residents to attend their Ramadan suhoor on July 9 at 9:30pm, at the Harley Davidson Dealership on Salwa Road.

The suhoor will feature a buffet and homemade dishes, and the group will host a screening of the second World Cup semi-final afterwards. The event is free and open to all, but prior registration can be made via email or by calling +974 4463 2428.

Qatari Kitchen fundraising event

Local group See My Culture, in conjunction with Reach Out To Asia, is hosting a fundraising event on Thursday, July 10 at 9pm, with proceeds from the event going towards a fund for low-income migrant workers.

The event if free and open to the public, and will be held at the Katara Art Center premises (Building 5).

The evening will include a children’s storytelling and crafts time from 9pm to 10pm, traditional homemade food by local Qatari chef Ayon Al Maha, and a photobooth with traditional and garangao clothing.

There will also be a cultural market, and various other henna and calligraphy booths. Umm Rashed, a film by two young Qatari filmmakers – Sarah Al Derham and Jassim Al Thani – will also be screened during the event. All money raised and donations made will go towards providing food, calling cards, and other amenities needed by migrant workers in Qatar.

Bonus:

• Ramadan crafts and story time: WH Smith and Silver Envelope will hold a morning of Ramadan-related arts and crafts activities for children on Saturday, July 12, from 11am – 2:30pm at Ezdan Mall. The event is free and open to the public. There will also be a storytelling time featuring childrens’ books related to Ramadan. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page here.
• Richard Serra Generation Project exhibition: Photographs, sculptures and other artwork inspired by Richard Serra’s exhibition in Doha will be on display at the W Doha hotel lobby until July 17. The works hail from prominent regional artists like Mohammed Al-Dosari, Haya Al Thani, Abdulaziz Al Ajail, and Ameera Fareed along with the sculptures of Khalifa Kuwari and Abdul Azziz Youssef. The event is free and open to the public.
• Garangao events: There are a multitude of children’s activities planned for this traditional festival, running from today until Saturday. Check out our list of things to do here.
• World Cup 2014: As the football tournament nears the finals, excitement has been high and fan turnout at screenings across Qatar is going up. See our picks for where to watch the matches here.

What are your weekend plans? Thoughts?