June 26, 2013

The 10th White Night Festival in Tel Aviv is set for tomorrow and once again the non-stop city has a long lineup of cultural goodies on the bill. This type of all-night arts festival is popular the world over and Tel Aviv definitely serves up a great White Night party.

For starters, the city’s promo video to the June 27 event got things moving in the right direction and has become a big hit online thanks to its beautiful cinematography. Click the video to watch:

So, where to go/what to do/where to eat/what to wear?

From past experience, you can’t really go wrong.

The Tel Aviv Municipality is sponsoring 12 events for the big happening. They are open to the general public, free-of-charge or for a nominal fee, and everyone is invited.

The official launch of White Night 2013 will take place at the Hatikva Market in the southern part of the city. Balkan, Greek and Oriental musical bands will ring in the festivities while local youth show off their dance moves. It’s an open event and is set to run from 17:00-21:00.

There’s also an early bird children’s art event from 17:30 along Bialik Street.

And though I hit up museums/parks/festivals/you-name-it with my kids, I prefer to keep White Night as an adult night out. As such, the babysitter has been called.

Most people will likely start their night out a little later. One of the central gathering spots is usually Rothschild Blvd. If you start here, then stop to check out the city’s architecture. The municipality will illuminate 50 of its most striking Bauhaus buildings along this tree-lined avenue and nearby Bialik Street. After all, this architectural style is what gives Tel Aviv its nickname the “White City” and its UNESCO certified ‘global heritage’ status.

White Night

The question as to what to do next is difficult to answer. Take a deep breath as there are theater and dance performances, public sing-alongs, selections from operas, classical music recitals, jazz ensembles, rock and alternative music concerts, video displays, meetings with artists and creators, art sales, a session with storytellers, discussions about literature and philosophy, beach volleyball, nighttime yoga or yoga at sunrise at the port, folk dancing, ballroom dancing, dance workshops, fashion events, an accessories fair, shopping, street parades, sunrise performances, parties at clubs, and tours conducted by the Tourism Association of Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

Keep yourself updated on times, places and events at the municipality website: http://www.tel-aviv.gov.il/eng/

Cafes and restaurants are also promising to keep their doors (and kitchens) open through the wee hours – and some are even promising a special “white” dish.

There’s big hype surrounding the Headphones Party at Rabin Square with top DJs and special effects. You must bring your own smartphone and you can either rent headphones on the square or bring your own. Just download the application for free and join the party.

In Jaffa, the usually busy Jerusalem Blvd. will be pedestrian-only and will feature a whole array of bands.

And though I usually call it a night somewhere close to midnight, this year’s sunrise concert – 1:30-5:30 — on The Cliff beach featuring Israeli musicians Metropolin and Yehudit Ravitz might very well keep me awake.

But it all depends on my babysitter, of course.

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Jason Harris

Jason Harris

Executive Director

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