June Festivals
Jeddah Festival: this event is the largest within the confines of the city, typically attracting around three million visitors. Usually starting at the end of June, the huge festival involves air-balloon shows, prize draws, games and music that take over the whole city. July Festivals
Jeddah Film Festival: in a country where cinemas are effectively banned, a film festival is a major occurrence particularly for the younger generation. This film festival is still in its infancy but it’s gathering momentum every year and is usually held in July. November Festivals
Saudi International Motor Show: held in November, this annual motor show sees the rich and famous of Saudi Arabia descend on Jeddah’s International Exhibition and Convention Centre to see the latest line of luxury cars. No Fixed Date
Islamic New Year: this special day is a major event for Sunni Muslims, the division of Islam that most Jeddans belong to. The New Year in Jeddah is a much more subdued affair than in the West, of course. The timing depends on the lunar calendar. Hajj: this is the big event. Roughly 2.5 million people show up in Jeddah every year for the short trip over to Mecca for what is the largest religious gathering on earth. Of course, if you’re not a Muslim you’re not even allowed into the city but for the faithful this is the moment they have waited for. The long, strictly organized Hajj pilgrimage lasts 5 days. Hajj Feast (Eid ul-Hajj): coming roughly a month and a half after the Ramadan Feast, the second Eid is also a 10-day affair in Saudi which traditionally includes the sacrifice of a goat with a subsequent feast. | 
