November is the month Sharjah wakes up. The weather finally cools, the Sharjah International Book Fair takes over Expo Centre, the east coast fills its calendar with festivals, and Khorfakkan Amphitheatre opens its concert season. If you have been looking for things to do in Sharjah in November, there is more on this year than in most.
This guide to things to do in Sharjah in November 2026 is sorted by date, with free events marked, so you can plan weekends rather than scroll through announcements.
Quick answer: The biggest events this month are the Sharjah International Book Fair (4 to 15 November), Majid Al Muhandis live at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre (14 November) and the free Perform Sharjah programme, which runs until 29 November. The Calligraphy Biennial also closes on 15 November.
Things to do in Sharjah in November 2026 at a glance
| Event | Dates | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjah International Book Fair | 4 to 15 Nov | Expo Centre Sharjah | Free entry |
| Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial | Until 15 Nov | Calligraphy Square, Sharjah Art Museum and more | Free |
| Perform Sharjah | Until 29 Nov | Arts Square, Al Mureijah and other venues | Free, booking needed |
| Khor Fakkan Cultural Festival | 6 and 7 Nov | Culture Centre, Khor Fakkan | Check with organisers |
| Kalba Sports Festival | 6 to 14 Nov | Kalba | Check with organisers |
| Diwali at Safari Mall | 6 and 7 Nov | Safari Mall, Muwaileh | Free |
| Majid Al Muhandis concert | 14 Nov | Khorfakkan Amphitheatre | Ticketed |
| SANSKRITI music and dance festival | 15 Nov | Safari Mall Auditorium | Check with organisers |
1. Sharjah International Book Fair (4 to 15 November)
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair is the anchor of the month. More than 2,600 publishers from 124 countries are taking part, Oman is the Guest of Honour, and there are around 1,500 events, from author talks to cookery demonstrations and children’s workshops. The theme this year is “Made of Stories”.
Entry is free. The fair opens from 10am to 10pm on most days and from 4pm to 11pm on Fridays. Buses run from Etisalat Metro Station in Dubai and City Centre Ajman, and free boats run from Sharjah Aquarium and Al Qasba. Follow @sharjahbookauthority for daily programme updates.
Read More: Sharjah International Book Fair 2026: Free Entry, Timings, Parking and Tips for Families
2. Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial (Until 15th November)
The 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial ends in mid-November, so this is your last chance. The theme is “Balance”, and it brings together 272 artists and 681 works across venues including Calligraphy Square, Sharjah Art Museum and the House of Wisdom. There are workshops too. Updates come from the Sharjah Department of Culture on Instagram at @sharjahculture.
3. Perform Sharjah (until 29 November)
The fifth edition of Perform Sharjah, run by Sharjah Art Foundation, is the most interesting free programme in the emirate this month. All performances are free, but you need to book. November highlights include:
- Perhaps Here, 6 to 8 November, Bait Al Serkal in Arts Square
- Hannibaby and Zarafa, 13 and 15 November, a family show with life-size puppets and mask-making workshops
- Longings, Returns, 22 November, at Khalid Bin Mohammed School in Al Mureijah
- XXL, 29 November, a hip-hop performance at the same venue
4. Khor Fakkan Cultural Festival (6 and 7 November)
The sixth Khor Fakkan Cultural Festival takes place at the Culture Centre in Khor Fakkan over the first weekend of the month, organised by the Sharjah Department of Culture. Combine it with a drive along the Khor Fakkan Road and a stop at the beach.
5. Kalba Sports Festival (6 to 14 November)
This is the first edition of the Kalba Sports Festival, organised by Sharjah Sports Council. More than 5,000 people are expected to take part, with total prizes worth over AED 350,000. If you play a team sport or run, it is worth checking which events are still open to the public.
6. Majid Al Muhandis live at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre (14 November)
The biggest concert in Sharjah this month. Iraqi singer Majid Al Muhandis opens the “Let’s Khorfakkan” season at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre on Saturday 14 November. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at around 9pm. Tickets are on Platinumlist.
The amphitheatre is about 90 minutes from Dubai, so plan to stay overnight or leave straight after the show.
7. Diwali and SANSKRITI at Safari Mall (6, 7 and 15 November)
Safari Mall in Muwaileh is hosting Diwali celebrations on 6 and 7 November, followed by SANSKRITI 2026, a music and dance festival in the mall auditorium on Sunday 15 November. Details are on @safarimalls.
Coming Next: December Concerts in Sharjah
Egyptian singer Mai Farouk performs an Umm Kulthum tribute at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on 19 December. National Day concerts in Khorfakkan usually follow in early December, so keep an eye on Platinumlist.
Getting around Sharjah this month
Traffic around Expo Centre will be heavy during the book fair. The newly opened section of the Al Taawun Interchange gives one-way access from Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road towards Expo Centre, and extra parking with shuttles is available along the road towards Sharjah Chamber of Commerce.
Read More: Top Places to Visit in Sharjah for Free With Family
Pro Tip: Make the weekend of 14 and 15 November your big Sharjah weekend. The book fair, the Calligraphy Biennial and Perform Sharjah are all running, and the Majid Al Muhandis concert is on the Saturday night.
Our Take
Sharjah rarely gets the attention Dubai does, but its November calendar is stronger than most. Much of this list is free, and most of it is cultural rather than commercial. For families, Perform Sharjah’s puppet show and the book fair’s children’s programme are the best value. For everyone else, a night at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is the event of the month.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Sharjah in November 2026?
The Sharjah International Book Fair, Perform Sharjah, the Calligraphy Biennial and the Majid Al Muhandis concert in Khorfakkan are the main events.
Is the Sharjah Book Fair free?
Yes, general entry to the Sharjah International Book Fair is free.
What concerts are in Sharjah in November 2026?
Majid Al Muhandis performs at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre on 14 November. Safari Mall hosts the SANSKRITI music and dance festival on 15 November.
Are there free events in Sharjah this November?
Yes. The book fair, the Calligraphy Biennial and Perform Sharjah are free, though Perform Sharjah needs advance booking.
How do I get to Expo Centre Sharjah from Dubai?
Book fair buses run daily from Etisalat Metro Station at 9am, 1pm and 5pm, returning at 12pm, 4pm and 9pm.
