A community-led celebration of creativity, collaboration and culture
Abu Dhabi’s homegrown arts scene is stepping into the spotlight with the launch of the inaugural Tapestry of Music and Arts Spring Festival.
Having launched on 31 May, the festival is a three-week celebration dedicated to Abu Dhabi’s vibrant community of performers, artists, educators, and creative practitioners.
The festival will run at The Club until June 19, and brings together an extraordinary cross-section of Abu Dhabi’s grassroots arts community for a packed programme of live performances, interactive workshops, and collaborative experiences designed to inspire creativity, connection, and cultural exchange.
Created by ArtsNetUAE, a community-led, not-for-profit initiative that supports artists and audiences across the UAE, Tapestry is more than just another festival on the cultural calendar.
It is a celebration of the people who make Abu Dhabi’s creative ecosystem thrive, from musicians and choirs to dancers, actors, comedians, teachers, and volunteers.
“This festival exists because of community,” says Co-Executive Producer Abby Díez. “It has been built through the dedication of volunteers, artists, educators, ensembles, and supporters who believe in creating spaces where creativity can thrive.
“Tapestry is not simply a festival happening in Abu Dhabi; it is a festival built by Abu Dhabi’s arts community, for Abu Dhabi’s arts community.”
Throughout the festival, audiences can enjoy a diverse lineup of performances spanning rock, jazz, blues, vocal harmony, theatre, dance, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment.
Amazing acts
Highlights include Battle of the Bands: Unplugged & Amplified, showcasing emerging local talent, alongside performances from award-winning a cappella ensembles Blue Fever Vocal Ensemble and Voices of Harmony, as well as the Al Khubairat Choral Society.
There is also a theatrical production called ‘An Evening of Cabaret’ performed by Abu Dhabi Choral Group (ADCG) and Abu Dhabi Dramatic Society (ADDS).
Music lovers can enjoy an eclectic mix of genres throughout the festival, from jazz and blues to rock, pop, vocal harmony, and choral music, with performances by the Saadiyat Big Band and other local artists and ensembles.
Rock Fever will bring the energy of classic rock to the stage with a tribute to the iconic Live Aid era, while Vera & The Mixtapes will transport audiences back to the vibrant sounds of the 1980s with their signature high-energy performances.
For those looking to get involved, Pub Choir offers a uniquely interactive musical experience where audience members become part of a multi-part harmonised performance in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Beyond the performances, the festival invites the community to participate in a wide range of workshops and creative experiences.
Open to all ages and abilities, sessions include dance, theatre, vocal performance, choir, creative coding, and interactive music experiences designed to inspire creativity, learning, and connection.
A powerful story
The festival’s story began with a simple but powerful idea. Founded by Laura Roberts, Artistic Director of ArtsNetUAE and founder of Blue Fever Vocal Ensemble and Voices of Harmony, Tapestry emerged during a period when many planned performances and artistic opportunities across the city were disrupted by cancellations and changing circumstances.
Rather than allowing those challenges to diminish opportunities for local artists, Roberts envisioned a platform that would bring Abu Dhabi’s diverse creative communities together under one roof.
She reached out to local performers, educators, ensembles, and artists with an invitation to collaborate, share resources, and build something collectively. The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive.
What started as a grassroots initiative quickly evolved into a city-wide collaboration, with artists and volunteers from across Abu Dhabi contributing their time, expertise, and creativity to help bring the festival to life.
The result is a unique event that not only showcases local talent but also strengthens connections between groups that often work independently throughout the year.
Ticket proceeds will help cover festival licensing, venue, and technical costs while supporting future community arts programming and creative opportunities throughout the UAE.
Main Performances
Friday, 5 June and Saturday, 6 June – Swing Sing Rock, featuring Blue Fever A Capella, Saadiyat Big Band, and Rock Fever
Friday, 12 June and Saturday, 13 June – Cabaret Comedy & Drama: performed by Abu Dhabi Dramatics Society (ADDS) and Abu Dhabi Choral Group (ADCG)
Thursday, 18 June – Vera and the Mixtapes
May-June – Workshops throughout
30 May to 19 June. The Club Abu Dhabi. For festival information, tickets, and the full programme of events, visit tickets.virginmegastore.me
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