From browsing titles at the annual book fair to cheering on Qatar’s Strongest Man to checking out the Ajyal Film Festival (Meg Ryan is coming!), there’s plenty to do around town over the next few days.

Here are our picks:

Ajyal Youth Film Festival

The Doha Film Institute’s fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festival kicks off today (Nov. 30) at Katara Cultural Village.

Some 70 films will be screened this week, including 24 features and 46 short narratives/documentaries. There will also  be 42 public screenings, 18 jury screenings, interactive panels and master-classes, red carpets, exhibitions and family activities.

The festival that everyone have been waiting for @AjaylFilm Festival.
70 films from 33 countries all screened in 6 days. #Ajyal16 pic.twitter.com/NJsrsj3JXD

— Al Mayassa Al Thani (@almayassahamad) November 29, 2016

The themes of the films range from women’s empowerment to the global displacement crisis, the loss of loved ones, financial dependence, separation and everyday struggles.

During the week, American actress Meg Ryan will make her directorial debut Ithaca, the tale of a young telegraph delivery boy in the so-named small town.

Free entry is available to all Ajyal talks and some films. Even though a lot of tickets are sold out, film buffs can still grab some last-minute ones.

Tickets are priced QR25 for general screening, and are available for purchase 24/7 here. Other options include buying tickets from the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office in Katara Building 12 or at the Ajyal ticket outlet at FNAC in Lagoona Mall.

The full festival guide can be accessed here. 

Doha International Book Fair

The 27th annual Doha International Book Fair will open today, Nov. 30, under the theme “Read.”

Held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) near City Center mall, the fair’s offerings will include 104,000 titles, out of which 15,219 are new.

Some 33 countries and 490 publishing houses will be participating.

And 890 stands will be selling books, including best-selling academic and children’s books from the US and UK. There will also be daily seminars and workshops.

The venue will have free WiFi and some 10,000 carts will be provided for shoppers. There are also restaurants/cafes and ATM machines on site.

The fair runs until Dec. 10. It is open Saturdays to Thursdays from 9am to 5pm, and from 4pm to 11pm on Fridays.

Christmas concert

With Christmas fast approaching, the Catholic Church is getting into the holiday spirit with a concert on Friday, Dec. 2.

Led by Lebanese singer and songwriter Edwin Lattouf, the performance will include songs in English, Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish.

The concert will take place at 8:30pm at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. The event is free and open to the public.

More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

Qatar’s Strongest Man

Aspire Zone is hosting the 4th edition of “Qatar’s Strongest Man” this weekend.

The event consists of a series of exceptionally difficult competitions to be performed by men with physical mettle.

The competitions will test the strength, endurance, determination, skills, tactics, strategy and mental ability of participants.

Some of the activities will include: truck pulling, sand bag lifting, giant wheel tire pushing, weight lifting (150 KG) and car lifting.

The event will take place on Dec. 2 from 3pm to 9pm at Aspire Park.

More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page. 

2nd Chance fair

The 2nd Chance animal shelter is holding a Christmas Fair in collaboration with Qatar Expat Women.

The fair includes handmade arts and crafts, a children’s bouncy castle, face painting, raffle prizes, festive games and a book sale.

The proceeds from the fair will go toward raising urgently needed funds to feed over 200 rescued dogs and cats at the shelter. The funds will also contribute toward the shelter’s maintenance costs.

Tickets are available upon entrance on the day of the event, and will cost QR50 per adult, and QR25 for children under 10 years old. Children may come dressed in a festive outfit.

More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page. 

Handel’s Messiah

The Qatar Concert Choir, Doha Baroque Ensemble, and four world renowned vocal soloists will perform Handel’s Messiah for the fifth time in Qatar.

Soloists include Lauren Armishaw, David de Winter, Benjamin Williamson and Simon Robinson.

The concert’s last performance will be held tonight (Nov. 30) from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Qatar Anglican Centre.

Tickets cost QR100 per person. Those interested can purchase tickets here. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

Bonus: 

• Bowling tournament: Amateur bowlers 16 years and older are invited to play in a tournament at the Megapolis Entertainment Center this weekend. The tournament kicks off with a qualifying round tonight (Nov. 30) at 6pm. The championship game will be held on Dec. 3 at 6pm. Registration costs QR100 and can be done by calling 4437-8444. Participants qualify to win a free trip to Dubai. More information is here.

What are your plans for the weekend? Thoughts?