Get ready for a big final weekend of February with plenty happening across Marseille! Don't miss the huge Japan Expo Sud at Parc Chanot, or catch the tail end of several fantastic themed workshops and shows. For Sunday, check out the MARSbleu race in Parc Borély or the Marcel Pagnol film screening at the Alcazar library.
See our top picks
Durance 360° Exhibition
Parc du 26e Centenaire
A free, educational exhibition about water and landscape running all weekend.
Illusions Tour Magic Show
CHAPITEAU ILLUSIONS TOUR
A huge indoor magic show perfect for captivating the family.
Early Years Discovery Visits: Strolling in the Woods
Musée des Beaux Arts
A free, gentle sensory visit specifically designed for children aged 0-3.
· February 28
10: The 16th edition of Japan Expo Sud is happening this weekend! Expect everything from manga and anime to games and culture. It runs all weekend, so grab your tickets early.It's one of the biggest recurring cultural events in Marseille, running right up until Sunday.
EARLY YEARS DISCOVERY VISITS: STROLLING IN THE WOODSFREE : A special sensory visit at the Fine Arts Museum designed specifically for babies and toddlers (0-3 years old). A great way to introduce the very young to art gently.It is specifically targeted at the under-3 crowd, which is rare.
AIX-EN-PROVENCE CARNIVAL PARADEFREE : Head over to Aix for the grand parade themed around Moby Dick! They also have workshops for masks and makeup beforehand.A lively Saturday afternoon outdoor parade event perfect for all ages.
LES Z'ENFANTINES EVENTFREE : A free event dedicated to young children happening in Marignane this Saturday. Great if you have a wide age range of kids to entertain.It covers ages 0 to 12 and is free.
: A workshop combining citizenship and art during the school holidays at the poignant Camp des Milles site. This is your last chance to attend this weekend.Offers a unique historical context combined with creative workshops for older kids/teens.
: Catch the final day of the Planetarium's special holiday program. It caters to a great spread of ages, from young kids up to teens.The last day to see their special holiday programming before it ends Saturday.
: A short performance at the Vieille Charité targeted at young audiences. A good cultural stop while exploring the area.A concise show at the beautiful Vieille Charité site, running the last day Saturday.
: Catch the local water-polo champions in action at the Olympic pool. It’s fast-paced sport perfect for a Saturday evening outing.Great local sporting event with tickets starting low, running Saturday evening.
: A theatrical performance described as a 'story walk,' suitable for younger theatre-goers.A dedicated children's theatre show on Saturday afternoon.
TIE-DYE CREATION WORKSHOP INSPIRED BY CHAGALLFREE : Explore Chagall's light touch by creating your own tie-dye fabric print inspired by his drawings. This is a free workshop in Aix.It's a free, hands-on, age-appropriate art workshop linked to a major exhibition.
· March 1
3FREE : An exhibition focused on water, the environment, and landscape along the Durance. Since it runs until March 6th, this is your weekend to catch it.It’s free and covers important topics in an engaging exhibition format.
OM STADIUM TOUR: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE ORANGE VÉLODROME : Take the kids behind the scenes of Marseille’s iconic football stadium. It’s a fun look at history and sport, running all weekend during holiday hours.A classic Marseille experience available all weekend with specific holiday operating hours.
: Participate in a solidarity run/walk in Parc Borély to support cancer screening awareness. They have adapted courses for younger kids.A lovely Sunday morning outdoor activity with a positive community focus.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5: A full-day creative workshop at La Buzine themed around snowy slopes. Since it's indoors, it's a great option if the weather turns.A full-day, immersive workshop activity for primary school kids that happens to fall on Saturday.
FREE : Free story time session at the main library, perfect for parents with babies and toddlers before the main crowds arrive.It's a reliable Saturday morning free activity for the 0-3 age bracket.
: Watch two restored Pagnol films, Jofroi followed by Merlusse, at the library, followed by a discussion. A nice cultural afternoon.A unique, relaxed cultural event focused on classic Marseillais cinema.
FREE : Wander through a magical indoor garden made of 30,000 glass fish and floating angels by sculptor Marcoville. It's free and runs through March.It’s a stunning, free installation that appeals strongly to the imagination of all ages.
: The largest magic show in Europe! This is running this final weekend of February/start of March, so book now for some spectacular illusions.A big-scale indoor spectacle that is great for captivating all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Marseille this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-Mar 01) there are several free options: the Durance 360° Exhibition at Parc du 26e Centenaire, the special Toddler Discovery Visits at the Musée des Beaux Arts on Saturday morning, the Chagall Tie-Dye Workshop in Aix on Saturday, and the stunning Celestial Lights Exhibition at Cathédrale de la Major.
What is there to do on Sunday, March 1st?
For Sunday, you can join the MARSbleu solidarity race in Parc Borély, catch the final day of the Japan Expo Sud, visit the Celestial Lights exhibition, or enjoy a classic Marcel Pagnol film screening at the Alcazar Library.
Are there any specific events for teenagers (13+)?
The Japan Expo South (Feb 27-Mar 01) is generally great for teens. Also, look into the final day of the Winter Holiday Program at the Marseille Planetarium, or the Citizen and Artistic Holidays workshop at Camp des Milles.
