All photos by Ray Toh

An expanded two-week festival at Souq Waqif kicked off last night with children’s rides, games and preparations for art workshops.

While the crowds on the main pedestrian streets appeared to outnumber the number of visitors to the special attractions, many families could be seen at the amusement park, which is temporarily set up at Al-Ahmed Square.

Meanwhile, easels and other painting equipment were set up at the Souq Waqif Art Center, part of the educational art workshops for children that are scheduled to be held daily.

The two-week festival runs until April 18 and also includes some 30 Qatari, Arab and Western artists drawing paintings about Qatar’s environment live in front of the crowds.

There will also be entertainment from local groups, as well as stilt walkers and performers who will wind their way through the souq’s streets.

Additional details can be found on the souq’s website here.

Who’s planning to check out the festivities? Thoughts?