Whether you plan to spend the weekend inside or outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Qatar over the next few days, including going cycling, watching free movies, shopping at an autumn market or dancing to raise breast cancer awareness.

Here are our picks:

Doha joy rides

Newly formed cycling group Doha Joy Rides will hold its first meeting this Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 to 10am at Aspire Park.

Organizers are urging residents to make the best of the improving weather and head over for an hour of cycling and fun. The event is free and open to the public, and interested participants are requested to be at the park by 8:30am. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page here.

Free movie screenings

The Doha Film Institute will screen several Iraq-themed movies on Oct. 16 and 17 at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium.

Some movies, like Children of War, Children of God, War Canister, Happy Birthday and Nesma’s Birds will be screened for free as part of the DFI’s “Stories from Iraq: Short Film Program,” from 4pm onwards on Oct 17.

Two other films, Son of Babylon and In The Sands of Babylon, will run at 7pm on Oct. 16 and 17, respectively.

Tickets for these movies cost QR35/person and can be bought online here or at the MIA DFI ticket outlet from noon to 8pm on Oct. 16, and from 2 to 8pm on Oct. 17.

Autumn market

Check out the latest in food, fashion, art and home decor at the Doha Mums Autumn Market this Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11am to 4pm at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Several local vendors and some from Dubai will be selling their goods at the market. The event is open to the public, and entrance costs QR20/person.

Islimi Classes at the MIA:

Children ages five to eight years old can channel their creative side by enrolling in a free six-session series of courses that introduces budding artists to Islimi design.

During the sessions, students will sketch, learn the art of printmaking, gilding and use recycled materials and leaves to create a final mixed media floral carpet. Sessions will be held on Oct. 19 and 26, and Nov. 2, 9 and 16 from 11am to 12:30 pm at the Education Center in the Museum of Islamic Art. For more information, email [email protected].

Black Comedy

Local theater group Doha Players will perform Black Comedy this weekend at the Student Center’s Black Box Theater in Education City.

The adult British comedy has previously been nominated for five Tony awards. Performances will begin at 7:30pm and held from Oct. 16 to 19 and Oct. 22 to 25. Tickets cost QR75/person, and can be bought at The ONE in Villaggio and Landmark malls.

No food and drinks are allowed in the theater, but beverages and snacks can be purchased from the Gloria Jean’s coffee shop, Papa John’s pizza outlet and the Sidra Store outside the theater.

Bonus:

• Pink Ribbon Zumbathon: To support breast cancer awareness and fund research about the disease in Qatar, the Ritz-Carlton in conjunction with the Zumba Fitness Doha Qatar Team and the Qatar Cancer Society will hold a two-hour Zumbathon from 7 to 9pm on Sunday, Oct. 19. Donations and ticket sale proceeds from the event will go to the Qatar Cancer Society. Tickets cost from QR150 to QR1,000, and include raffle tickets, dance classes and other goodies, depending on how much is spent. Snacks will be served at the event. Those interested in attending should be at the hotel at 6:30pm to register. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page here.

What are your weekend plans? Thoughts?