There’s a diverse range of activities taking place this weekend, including a celebration of the world’s top classical musicians, live comedy and several races – some on two legs, others on two wheels.

Here are our top picks:

Standard Chartered 10K Race

In an effort to promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement among local residents, Standard Chartered Bank is organizing its second annual run in the Aspire Zone.

The event starts at 7am on Saturday, Dec. 13 and consists of a 3km fun run, a 10km race as well as a race for a select group of the country’s “senior leaders.”

Registration costs QR90 for the fun run and QR175 for the 10km race, with participants receiving a free goody bag and t-shirt.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Seeing is Believing project, a regional initiative that funds cataract operations, trains ocular surgeons, and builds eye care facilities.

Participants who complete the race will receive medals for their efforts. For more information, visit the event’s website.

Oscar Della Lirica Awards

A prestigious international event, recognizing the world’s best opera singers and classical musicians, is coming to the region for the first time this weekend.

The fourth edition of the Oscar Della Lirica awards will be held on Friday, Dec. 12 from 9pm to 10:30pm at the Katara Amphitheatre. The event will see celebrities in the fields of operetta, opera and classical music celebrated for their work across multiple categories and disciplines.

Proceeds from ticket sales for this event and others hosted at the Katara Amphitheatre will go towards the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

For more information, visit Katara’s website.

Six Senses Spa Walk and Run

The Six Senses Spa at Al Sharq Village is hosting a charity run and walk on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2:30pm onwards at the Ras Abu Aboud Road and Track. Interested participants are requested to meet at the spa at 2pm before competing in the 10km or 20km event.

Registration will be held on the day, and participants are required to donate QR50 to help fund a project, initiated by the spa and Qatar Charity, to bring clean water to underprivileged communities. For more information, call 4425-6999 or 4425-6917 or send an email to [email protected].

Petronas Asia World Racing Championship

The final leg of the Petronas Asia World Racing Championship will kick off on Friday, Dec. 12 at the Losail International Circuit.

Different events will be held over the following days, with free and qualifying practices held at varying times.

The event is free and open to the public.

Click here for a more detailed overview of the motorcycle racing event.

Dine in darkness

For a novel culinary experience, head to the Oryx Rotana to dine in the dark tonight, Dec. 10, from 8pm onwards at the hotel’s Jade Ballroom.

Proceeds go to support Orbis, a mobile eye care hospital based in an airplane.

The dinner costs QR245 per person (food only), and interested residents can reserve their seats by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information, contact the hotel at 4402-3391 or 4402-3351.

Maz Jobrani comedy event

Internationally acclaimed Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani will perform at the Grand Hyatt Doha this Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8pm.

The event will feature Jobrani performing jokes on Middle East stereotypes, racism against Iranians and Arabs as well as other regional topics.

Tickets cost QR150 and can be purchased at the Grand Hyatt concierge desk.

For more information, call 4448-1234 or email [email protected].

Bonus: Seasonal fairs

• The Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa is hosting a family gingerbread house-making contest on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 from 3pm to 5pm at its restaurant, Blue. For QR249 per house, families and kids will be provided gingerbread, edible decorations, candy and other necessities to create a personalized gingerbread house. The event also includes a complimentary tea and coffee station.
• Local group the Friends is organizing an Eid Bazaar this Friday, Dec. 12 from 4pm to 11pm at the Al Baker Gardens. The event will showcase Eid clothes, jewellery, bags, shoes, accessories and food in addition to henna and a host of activities for children. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 5560-7780.
• The Royal Vet Clinic is hosting a Winter Fayre on Saturday, Dec. 13 between 11am and 4pm that features stalls selling local handicrafts, handmade gifts, pet accessories, cake and other foodstuffs. For more information, visit the clinic’s Facebook page. Funds raised will go towards rescuing and treating Doha’s abandoned and abused cats and dogs.

What are your plans this weekend? Thoughts?