ENTERTAINMENT, Trending, What to Do - January 2, 2026

What to Do in Bahrain: Festivals and Cultural Events Worth Checking Out in January

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January brings a packed calendar of events in Bahrain, featuring international concerts, cultural festivals, and sporting competitions. Whether you’re after world-class music at the island’s newest venues, traditional shopping experiences at the Autumn Fair or Hawa Al Manama, or unique sporting events, there’s plenty to fill your weekends.

Here’s what to do across the month, covering everything from Linkin Park, John Legend, and Calvin Harris’s anticipated performance to archaeological seminars and community running events.


GCC Archaeological Heritage Seminar

Archaeologists and researchers from across the Gulf gather at the National Museum to discuss recent discoveries and preservation approaches. The two-day seminar covers documentation methods, protection strategies, and the shared cultural legacy of Arabian Gulf archaeological sites.

  • Date: 6 & 7 January
  • Venue: Bahrain National Museum
  • Details: Click the post below for details

AMEX x Bahrain Road Runners Half Marathon

Bahrain Road Runners hosts its annual half-marathon with two race options. Choose between the full 21.1km course or the shorter 5km route, both starting and finishing at Seef Mall.

  • Date: 9 January
  • Time: 7:00 am
  • Venue: Seef Mall
  • Details: Register here

Bahrain Runs on Oz

A community morning run organised by Not a Cult, open to all fitness levels. Expect good energy, easy miles, and post-run treats at the finish line.

  • Date: 10 January
  • Time: 7:00 am
  • Venue: OZ Café, Seef
  • Details: Check @notacult.run for registration

Hawa Al Manama

The Manama souq festival continues its run until mid-month, offering traditional shows, food stalls, and live entertainment. Go back in time to the island’s bygone era and celebrate one of Manama’s most atmospheric settings.

  • Date: Until 15 January
  • Time: Weekdays 5:00 – 10:00 pm | Weekends 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
  • Venue: Manama Souq
  • Details: Free entry

Bahrain Darts Masters

The professional darts tournament returns for its annual two-day event. With the World Championships quarter-finals just wrapped up, expect top-level competition and a grandstand atmosphere.

  • Date: 15–16 January
  • Venue: BIC
  • Details: Tickets available at bahraingp.com

Linkin Park: From Zero World Tour

The reformed lineup makes its Bahrain debut following a seven-year hiatus. Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, and Dave Farrell return with new members Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, touring behind their chart-topping From Zero album.

  • Date: 18 January
  • Venue: Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre

John Mayer at Terminal 4

The seven-time Grammy winner performs at Bahrain’s new concert venue. Expect material spanning his 20-million-album career, from Room For Squares through to recent releases, backed by guitar work honed through years with Dead & Company.

  • Date: 20 January
  • Venue: Terminal 4

Majid Al Mohandis

The Iraqi vocalist brings his emotionally charged Arabic compositions to Al Dana Amphitheatre. One of the region’s most respected artists delivers a night of powerful vocals against the venue’s atmospheric outdoor setting.

  • Date: 22 January
  • Venue: Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre

Autumn Fair

Bahrain’s largest shopping festival returns for 10 days of local, regional, and international products. More than 10,000 items span fashion, beauty, home décor, electronics, toys, textiles, and food, with live entertainment and exclusive deals throughout.

  • Date: 22–31 January
  • Venue: Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir
  • Details: Register for free

Calvin Harris

The Scottish DJ and producer closes out January with festival-ready production and chart hits. With over 35 billion streams and collaborations spanning Rihanna to The Weeknd, expect a set built for the massive Exhibition World venue.

  • Date: 29 January
  • Venue: Exhibition World Bahrain

READ MORE: The 2026 Concert Calendar

READ MORE: The January Movie Guide

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