Things to Do This Weekend in Nelson

Your weekly guide to the best things to do this weekend in Nelson: what’s on, where to go and where to eat. It’s shaping up wet, so we’ve leaned this weekend’s picks towards indoor options. Here’s the plan for Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.

This weekend’s weather

SatLight drizzle15°9° 76%

SunShowers14°11° 100%

Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

FRI4

Open Mic Night!Music

The Dog’s BoneThe Friday night open mic kicks off at 8:00pm in the Nelson pub.

SUN6

Dixie SwingMusic

The Honest LawyerA Sunday afternoon set of dixieland and swing standards from 1:00pm.

SUN6

Meech & Co.Music

Eight PlatesLive jazz over Sunday lunch from 1:30pm.

SAT5

The BlunderstudyArts

The Suter TheatreA theatre season with evening performances from 7:00pm and a 2:00pm matinee on Saturday.

SAT5

NBS A Night at the OperaArts

Theatre Royal NelsonAn evening of operatic favourites presented at the Theatre Royal from 7:00pm.

SAT5

Saree StoriesArts

The Nelson Provincial MuseumA 1:30pm talk exploring the personal stories behind the saree.

ALLWKND

Unravelling the Saree: Beyond the FoldArts

The Nelson Provincial MuseumAn exhibition on the saree, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.

SAT5

Nelson’s Model Railway ExhibitionFamily

Warnes Stadium, StokeA biennial exhibition of model railway layouts across several scales, opening 10:00am both days.

SUN6

Higgins Heritage Park Open DayFamily

Higgins Heritage Park, WaimeaVintage machinery and heritage displays open to visitors from 10:00am.

FRI4

Open Evening at Willow BankFamily

Willow Bank Heritage Village, WaimeaAn after-hours look around the heritage village from 5:00pm.

See everything on in Nelson →

Things to do this weekend

Weather-matched things to do this weekend in Nelson: a wet one, so we’ve leaned towards museums, galleries and covered attractions.

Heritage

Christ Church Cathedral Nelson: Historic Architecture & Visitor Guide

Nestled in the heart of Nelson, the cathedral's breathtaking architecture invites you to explore its rich history and vibrant community. Discover its hidden treasures.

Read the guide →

Library

Stoke Library Nelson: Family-Friendly Hub in Stoke Suburb

The Stoke Library is a vibrant community hub in Nelson, offering engaging activities for families that you won't want to miss discovering.

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Heritage

State Cinemas Nelson: 9-Screen Cinema on Trafalgar Street

Marvel at the blend of history and modern cinema at State Cinema, where unforgettable films and events await your discovery.

Read the guide →

Art Gallery

The Suter Art Gallery Nelson: Free Entry and Historic Art Collection

Immerse yourself in Nelson's vibrant art scene at The Suter Art Gallery, where captivating exhibitions and local treasures await your discovery.

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Museum

Nelson Provincial Museum: Explore Nelson Tasman History and Heritage

Step into the Nelson Provincial Museum to uncover the region's captivating history and heritage—discover what hidden treasures await you inside.

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Heritage

Isel House Nelson: Historic Home and English-Style Gardens

Find out how Isel House reveals the captivating history of Nelson's settlers amidst stunning gardens that invite you to explore more.

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Library

Nelson Community Toy Library: Affordable Toys for Nelson Families

Step into the Nelson Community Toy Library, where endless play and discovery await—find out how it can enrich your family's playtime adventures!

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Art Gallery

Atkins Gallery Nelson: Art at Founders Heritage Park

The Atkins Gallery at Founders Heritage Park invites you to explore art and culture—discover what unique experiences await you inside this vibrant destination.

Read the guide →

Sunrise and sunset this weekend

A wet one this weekend, so it’s not the weekend for chasing sunrises or sunsets. We’ll point you to Nelson’s best spots when the skies clear.

Keep exploring Nelson

Two more ways to make the most of your time in Nelson. Tap through below.

What’s On in Nelson Things to Do in Nelson

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do this weekend in Nelson?

This weekend in Nelson you can pick from weather-matched things to do, the events on this weekend, and the best spots to eat, all rounded up on this page and updated live from the forecast.

What’s on this weekend in Nelson?

The “What’s on this weekend” section above lists this weekend’s events in Nelson, concerts, markets, theatre and more, each with its date and venue.

What can I do this weekend in Nelson if it’s raining?

On wet weekends we lean the picks towards indoor options in Nelson such as museums, galleries and covered attractions. The weather block at the top shows the weekend forecast so you can plan around it.

Are there markets this weekend in Nelson?

Any markets running this weekend in Nelson show up in the events section above, tagged so they’re easy to find alongside the weekend’s other happenings.

Are there free things to do this weekend in Nelson?

Often, yes. Many of Nelson’s museums, galleries, parks and markets are free to enter, and the free picks are highlighted in each weekend’s round-up.

What can families do this weekend in Nelson?

For families this weekend, look to Nelson’s playgrounds, beaches and daytime community events, and the weekend picks call out the family-friendly options.

How often is the Nelson weekend guide updated?

Every Friday morning. We rebuild the guide each week for the coming Friday to Sunday, with the latest events, weather-matched things to do, and current picks for eating out.