April calls for music, festivities and lots of LOLs.

And Dubai’s got it all – whether it’s the huge music festival elrow XXL, a retro treat (90s Baby Festival) or a rapper whose music everyone loves (The Kid LAROI).

You also have a chance to catch an old flick on the big screen (thank you Roxy Cinemas) and many opportunities to giggle at stand-up shows.

And that’s us just getting started on the things to do in April.

Digi calendars at the ready, you are going to want to take note of this.

April 1

Watch a show at Roxy Cinemas

You really don’t need a reason to see a classic movie on a big screen, but here’s one anyway. Between Monday March 18 and Wednesday April 10, Roxy Cinemas is screening all the old favourites including Karate Kid, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, My Best Friend’s Wedding, As Good As It Gets, Baby Driver and Men In Black across all Roxy Cinemas locations. We feel a movie marathon coming.

Mon Mar 18- Wed Apr 10. Across Dubai, www.theroxycinemas.com

April 4-6

Giggle away with The Laughter Factory

Been a while since you saw a good stand-up set? The Laughter Factory won’t disappoint. This time around, it’s bringing Canadian Comedy Award Winner for Best Stand-Up Comic, Brian Aylward, whose observational comedy tends to hit the mark; comedian Jack Skipper; and Italian Siren Valentina. Her set infuses music into a tight set that talks about everything from post-partum world views to unemployment blues.

Dhs160. Thu Apr 4- Sat Apr 6, 8.30pm. Al Habtoor Polo Resort (Thu Apr 4); Radisson DAMAC Hills (Fri Apr ); Dukes The Palm, Dubai (Sat Apr 6) (0508786728).

‌April 8:

Celebrate Ramadan at Global Village

This is your last chance to celebrate Ramadan at Global Village. Meander through the Ramadan Wonders Souq, which is a one-stop destination for all things Ramadan-themed. There are daily performances with the Arabian Orchestra, an ensemble of 30 artists, along with regular Tannoura shows as well. Oh, and there’s plenty of food to go around, from fusion fare to Middle Eastern bites.

From Dhs22.50. Open daily 4pm- midnight, 6pm-2am (throughout Ramadan), www.globalvillage.ae (04 362 4114).

‌April 9

Celebrate Eid with a trip to Time Out Market

It’s bound to be a fun trip – with food and laughter, on-stage entertainment and kid-friendly moments. While Dubai is celebrating Eid AL Fitr, stop off at Time Out Market for your own family-friendly fun.

Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai/

April 10:

Hum along to Nawal El Kuwaitia

Get ready to hum along to the tunes of Nawal El Kuwaitia on Wednesday April 10. The Kuwaiti sensation will be belting out favourites such as Qeda Omry, Wesh Yes3edk and Babak W Babak at the Dubai Opera. Fantastic acoustics + on key singer = a good night.

From Dhs450. Wed Apr 10, 9.30pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai (04 440 8888).

Give yourself a staycation

Eid is coming – and that means a break from the mundane business of daily life. Take some time for yourself, to explore the city, to pamper yourself. There are plenty of places in Dubai offering deals and discounts for the upcoming holiday. Banyan Tree, for instance, is offering special incentives to residents of the UAE and GCC with up to 20 percent off available rates, dining and spa experiences. It’s also got a Banyan Tree Spa on the premises. The offer is available from Monday April 1 until Monday April 15 and reservations must be made before April 15.

Offer valid until Mon Apr 15. Bluewaters Island, guestservice-dubai@banyantree.com (04 556 6666).

April 11

Enjoy the music of Afroworld

For an evening of sick beats, check out Afroworld. Afrobeats star Rema is headlining the event, and you can expect to sing along to mega hits such as Calm Down, Dumebi and Iron Man.

From Dhs199. Thu Apr 11. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Coca-Cola-Arena.com

‌April 12-21

Dubai Comedy Festival brings the big names

It’s a calendar filled with funny acts for Dubai Comedy Festival, which will run from Friday April 12 to Sunday April 21 and draw comics from across the globe to deliver those punchlines. Among those performing are Chris Distefano, Amer Zahr, husband-wife duo Spencer and Vogue, Anubhav Singh Bassi, Mo Gilligan, Frank Skinner, Al Murray and Katherine Ryan. Now then, are you ready to laugh?

Various prices. Fri Apr 12-Sun Apr21. Across various locations in Dubai such as Dubai Opera and Coca-Cola Arena.

April 13

Dance your heart out at elrow XXL

Dust off those comfy shoes, you’ll need them for all the dancing. elrow XXL – the outdoor fest with over-the-top décor, costumes and most importantly, music – is coming to Dubai. Among the headline acts are Aussie producer Fisher, English DJ and record producer Eats Everything, Scottish DJ Arielle Free, De La Swing of Break The Mirror fame and Just Be musician Toni Varga.

From Dhs300. Apr 13, 6pm. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, www.elrowdubai.com

April 14

The Fridge Presents Sarah Geronimo x Bamboo

Rock star Bamboo and pop sensation Sarah Geronimo are coming to town on Sunday April 14, and it promises to be a night to remember. Hits you can expect include Sweet Sixteen and One Heart. Doors to the concert will open at 6pm.

From 149. Sun Apr 14, 7pm. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk (800 223388).

‌April 19

Calm down, it’s The Kid LAROI

If you are into rap, you’ve heard of him. If you are not, you will probably still have heard his music on the radio. The 20-year-old Without You rapper is coming to Dubai and he’s bringing his A-game. Think songs like Thousand Miles and Stay. Rapper Iann Dior and singer-songwriter Karl Wolf will join him for his Dubai gig.

From Dhs195. Fri Apr 19, 8pm (doors open at 7pm). Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk (800 223388).

‌Eat at Dubai Food Festival

This is your chance to eat your way through a city known as much for its amazing food as it is for its record-breaking developments. The Dubai Food Festival will run from Friday April 19 to Sunday May 12. Part of DFF, Dubai Restaurant Week will see more than 50 of the city’s top restaurants create set menus at affordable prices between April 26 and May 12. It’ll also have the ‘10 Dirham Dish’, a project that aims to share affordable fare from across menus; pop-ups and Foodie Experiences – a collection of culinary activations in different locations across the city.

Various prices. Fri Apr 19 to Sun May 12. www.visitdubai.com/en

‌April 20

Go all retro with the 90s Baby Festival

Swear it all over again – you love boy bands Westlife and Boyzone. And now you’ll have a chance to sing to their singles when some of the biggest acts from the UK in the 90s get together for a concert unlike any other. There’s the supergroup Boyzlife, Phats and Small in the line-up. Tickets start from Dhs99.

From Dhs99. Sat Apr 20, 4-11pm. Earth Terrace, Jumeirah Golf Estates, 90sbaby.ae

Take part in the Spring Feastival

The ‘Feastival’ is back and it promises to be a treat for the whole family. The main event, the dog show, will begin at 3pm and will feature games like a sack race and egg and spoon race. There’s a giant ball pit the pooches can jump into and a Cool Down Zone with multiple paddling pools. For those who like retail therapy (yes, we do too), there’ll be plenty to browse including fashion and food for the four-legged friends.

For kids, there’ll be a play area with a ball pit, bouncy castle and more. And for the dogs there are plenty of pampering options. If all that fun makes you hangry, don’t worry there are barbecue stations and ice cream on hand to quell your appetite. Throughout the day a live band and DJ will play. But take note, you’ll need to carry your dog’s passport with vaccine proof to be allowed entry into this pawsome event.

‌Free. Sat Apr 20, 11am-9pm. Al Habtoor Polo Resort, @habtoorpoloresort (04 435 4444)

April 25

Listen to Incognito

If you want nostalgic yet cool songs in your repertoire, British band Incognito’s concert is the way to go. Their alchemical sounds melds genres – jazz, funk and soul – and serves up a signature sound that you can’t help but groove along to.

From Dhs220. Thu Apr 25, 8pm. Dubai Opera (04 440 8888).

Make a splash at Wild Wadi Waterpark

Dive into a pool (or three) of fun when you visit the Wild Wadi Waterpark between March 25 and April 15. As a UAE resident you’ll get 30 percent off when booking tickets online and enjoy not only the rides and slides but also arts and craft sessions.

From Dhs195. Mon-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim 3, wildwadi.org (04 348 4444).

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