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. A mixed, showery one weather-wise, with a blend of indoor picks and outdoor spots for when it clears. Here’s the plan for Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.

Updated live from the forecast. Pop back closer to the weekend for the sharpest read.

This weekend’s weather

FriShowers14°8° 100%

SatDrizzle11°5° 74%

SunLight drizzle11°2° 38%

Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

FRI24

Carnivorous Plant SocietyMusic

The Playhouse Cafe & TheatreThe genre-bending New Zealand jazz outfit plays the Playhouse as part of the Winter Fest.

FRI24

Sun City SoulMusic

The BoathouseA night of soul and R&B at The Boathouse, also featuring on the jazz festival line-up.

FRI24

The John Psathas GroupMusic

Nelson Centre of Musical ArtsMusic by acclaimed New Zealand composer John Psathas performed live at the NCMA.

SAT25

Suena Oro · EP Release Winter TourMusic

The Dog's BoneReggae act Suena Oro celebrates their new EP on the Nelson stop of their winter tour.

SUN26

Nelson Jazz Winter FestivalFestivals

Venues across NelsonFive days of jazz across the city's bars, cafes and theatres, from big bands and youth showcases to late-night jams.

SAT25

Youth Jazz BeatsFestivals

DeVille, Fanny's & The Honest LawyerLunchtime and afternoon festival sets from Nelson's school and youth jazz bands.

SAT25

The Big Winter Double BillFestivals

Rutherford Hotel NelsonA festival double bill headlines Saturday night of the Nelson Jazz Winter Fest.

SUN26

Last Call Jazz: 3 BandsFestivals

Fanny's NelsonThree bands close out the festival with a Sunday afternoon session.

SUN26

Dixie SwingFestivals

The Honest LawyerTraditional dixieland swing rounds off the festival weekend at the Honest Lawyer.

ALLWKND

Tāhunanui + Stoke Adventure & Exploration PassportFamily

Tāhunanui & StokeThe winter edition of the free explorer passport trail runs through the school holidays.

See everything on in Nelson →

Things to do this weekend

Weather-matched things to do this weekend in Nelson: a mixed one, so it’s indoor picks for the showers and outdoor spots for when it clears.

Fishing

D’Urville Island Fishing: Snapper and Kingfish Near Nelson

Unearth the secrets of D'Urville Island's premier snapper and kingfish fishing—discover the best spots and techniques that await you!

Read the guide →

Park

Mount Arthur Nelson: Hike Kahurangi National Park Summit

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mount Arthur in Kahurangi National Park, where adventure awaits and secrets of nature beckon to be revealed.

Read the guide →

Park

Gardens of the World Nelson: Global Flora and Event Venue

Keen to explore a stunning array of global plants at Gardens of the World? Discover the magic that awaits just minutes from Nelson.

Read the guide →

Beach

Rabbit Island Nelson | Surfcasting, Kitesurfing & Beaches

Nestled near Waimea Estuary, Rabbit Island offers surfcasting thrills—discover the best fishing spots and secrets that await you!

Read the guide →

Museum

Higgins Heritage Park: Exploring Vintage Machinery and Kiwi Ingenuity

Marvel at Higgins Heritage Park, where vintage machinery and Kiwi ingenuity collide—discover the secrets of New Zealand's rich history waiting for you!

Read the guide →

Library

NMIT Library Nelson: Te Puna Mātauranga Academic Resources

Welcome to NMIT Library, where a vast array of learning resources awaits—discover what treasures lie within!

Read the guide →

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 →

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.

Read the guide →

Sunrise and sunset this weekend

Skies are hit and miss 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.