Summer is nearing its end and the weekend of August 29–31, 2025 in Paris, promises a packed schedule: major exhibitions are still open, jazz festivals are starting off strong, waterfront strolls await, and intimate concerts are on the agenda. Here’s a verified selection of real events to fill these three days—practical, directly usable, and tailored to all tastes.
Must-See Exhibitions
David Hockney 25 — Fondation Louis Vuitton
A retrospective celebrating twenty-five years of David Hockney’s prolific work (painting, drawing, digital prints).
Location: Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Dates: April 9, 2025, to September 1, 2025.
>Reserve your entrance there
Robert Doisneau, Instants donnés — Musée Maillol
Thematic journey dedicated to the street photographer of Paris, showcasing his portraits and scenes of everyday life.
Location: Musée Maillol.
Dates: April 17, 2025, to October 12, 2025.
Richard Avedon, In the American West — Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson
Presentation of Avedon’s iconic series on the American West, featuring large formats and powerful portraits.
Location: Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Dates: April 30, 2025, to October 12, 2025.
Marie-Laure de Decker, L’image comme engagement — Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP)
Brief description: Retrospective of the committed photojournalist, focusing on conflict zones and human narratives.
Location: MEP.
Dates: June 4, 2025, to September 28, 2025.
Festivals, Concerts, and Outings (6 Verified Ideas for the Weekend)
Jazz à La Villette — Festival (Major Event of the Weekend)
A jazz and improvised music festival with a rich lineup (big names and discoveries). Ideal for outdoor evenings and intimate performances.
Location: Parc de la Villette / Philharmonie and associated sites.
Dates: August 28 to September 7, 2025 (event includes the weekend of August 29–31).
Jalen Ngonda (Concert) — Jazz à La Villette
Brief description: Contemporary soul with polished arrangements; concert by singer Jalen Ngonda kicking off the evening.
Location: Grande Halle de la Villette.
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025 (8:00 PM).
The Shape of Jazz to Come (Denardo Coleman & Guests) — Jazz à La Villette / Philharmonie
Brief description: A reinterpretation of a jazz classic with an expanded formation and Ostinato orchestra—an ambitious musical experience.
Location: Grande Salle Pierre Boulez – Philharmonie de Paris.
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025 (8:00 PM).
Tinariwen (Concert) — Jazz à La Villette
Legendary Tuareg blues band for an evening of desert vibes, hypnotic guitars, and Saharan traditions.
Location: Le Périphérique (festival site / Philharmonie).
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025 (8:00 PM).
Fête à Neuneu
The Fête à Neuneu is a large family funfair held every year in the Bois de Boulogne (16th district, Porte de la Muette). It features around a hundred attractions (Ferris wheel, ghost train, bumper cars…), free weekend shows, and plenty of traditional treats. The 2025 edition runs from August 29 to October 12, with free admission and paid rides (€3 to €10). It is a festive and popular back-to-school event in Paris, especially enjoyed by families.
Location: Bois de Boulogne
Dates: August 29 – October 12, 2025
Paris Plages — Summer Animation, Swimming, and Free Concerts
Brief description: Urban beaches, DJ sets, cultural scenes, screenings, and photographic exhibitions along the Seine; supervised swimming at certain sites. Family activities and free musical evenings along the banks.
Location: Banks of the Seine, Bassin de la Villette, Canal Saint-Martin, quay of Bercy (depending on the site).
Dates: July 5 to August 31, 2025—thus active presence during the weekend of August 29–31.
QUATUOR PARIS CLASSIK — Chamber Music Concert (Classical)
Classical/Romantic program in an exceptional setting (Sainte-Chapelle)—an intimate and remarkable acoustic evening.
Location: Sainte-Chapelle.
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025 (8:00 PM).
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Weekend
Book in Advance: For concerts (Philharmonie, Grande Halle, Sainte-Chapelle) and popular exhibitions, buy your tickets online—some evenings may sell out.
Hours and Night Visits: Check the opening hours of museums (hours vary in summer) and favor morning visits to avoid crowds.
Dress and Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes for walking between sites (La Villette / Philharmonie, banks of the Seine, central museums), carry a small water bottle, and bring a light jacket for the evening—temperatures can drop after sunset.
Transport: Opt for the metro/bus/taxi based on your movements; allow time to reach La Villette from the center and to exit after concerts (high traffic).
Paris Plages & Swimming: If you plan to swim, follow safety instructions and the supervision hours indicated on-site.
Suggested Itinerary for a Well-Filled Weekend
Friday, August 29: Exhibition in the morning (Musée Maillol or MEP), stroll and lunch on the banks, concert in the evening (Jalen Ngonda at La Villette or Quartet at Sainte-Chapelle depending on mood).
Saturday, August 30: Major visit (Fondation Louis Vuitton for David Hockney), relaxing afternoon at Paris Plages or a stroll in a park, evening at the Philharmonie for The Shape of Jazz to Come.
Sunday, August 31: Gentle morning (MEP or Musée Maillol), lunch on a terrace, free afternoon (markets/îles), and evening with Tinariwen to end beautifully.
Read our itinerary for 2 or 3 days in Paris
Or our itinerary for 4 or 5 days in Paris
This weekend of August 29–31, 2025, combines major exhibitions (Hockney, Doisneau, Avedon, Marie-Laure de Decker), a rich jazz festival, and several headliner concerts, not to mention the summer atmosphere of Paris Plages. Plan according to your priorities (exhibition vs. concert), reserve paid seats, and allow time to wander: Paris often reveals its charm when you accept to lose a few hours. Enjoy your visit and make the most of this final great summer weekend in Paris!
Discover more from StillinParis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.