White Night in Tel Aviv

Ashley | May 26, 2009 | 0 Comments

If you’re looking for a great night out this week, Tel Aviv opens its heart and soul Wednesday with the 5th annual White Night shindig. Pretty much the entire city will be alive with various concerts, shows and other happenings, headlong into the wee hours. In the spotlight on this long, long night: the city’s extraordinary architecture and its amazing nightlife. See our list below for the pick of the events.

What is White Night? Originally initiated in 2005 to celebrate the recognition of Tel Aviv’s White City (Tel Aviv’s magnificent collection of Bauhaus buildings) as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Tel Aviv has since made White Night an annual bash, usually celebrated on the last Thursday in June (mark your diaries!). This year it’s on Wednesday because the Jewish holiday Shavuot falls on Thursday.

Some of the highlights on White Night in Tel Aviv (I believe most are free to enter):

Fifty of Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus buildings on Rothschild and Bialik Streets are to be lit up throughout the night with special spotlights highlighting unique architectural elements.
Rothschild Street is going to be buzzing with action, including among many others a statue of Dizengoff being dedicated at 6pm outside his former home at No.16, circus acts, a tango band with dancers on a specially prepared dancefloor, and various dancers dressed in white and “lit up” flitting through the crowds. Rothschild Street sounds like the place to be!
Jaffa Flea Market is open all night long.
In the Station Complex, next to Neve Tzedek, the Gesher and Habima theatre companies will be performing between 9-12pm.
In Rabin Square there will be a collection of classic cars (between 8-11pm).
Sing and dance along to Israeli songs on Gordon beach (and dress in white).
Israel’s opera greats will be lending their voices to the Electric Opera at the Sharon Garden in the HaHashmal Park complex.
Party all night long on Alma beach (starts at 10pm).
Join legendary Israeli singer Yehudit Ravitz at dawn on Tzuk beach, performing her classics (starts at 1am).
Reserve a spot on a Jaffa night cruise, leaving Jaffa Port for a 45 minute trip. Call 0542288958 to reserve a place.
The Third Ear on 48 King George Street is having an Arik Einstein (famous Israeli singer/actor who recently celebrated his 70th birthday) filmfest.
Many great restaurants/bars are offering a special 79 shekel per person deal especially for White Night, including Brewhouse and Dita.

This year’s White Night also clashes with the Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona, so you can expect a quiet evening up until around 11:30pm, though after that I’d imagine things will really kick in to gear as hordes of fans exit pubs and cafes.

For a complete guide to what’s on and where in Tel Aviv, and there’s A LOT, see the official guide in English here.