This coming Thursday (June 30), it’s White Night (Layla Lavan) in Tel Aviv once again, the night Tel Aviv celebrates its being declared a White City by UNESCO in 2003. And this year, as in previous years, the city opens its doors to the public for an all-nighter festival of fun, song and good times.
We’ve rustled up a quick list of must-sees to check out on Thursday night, just don’t forget to bring a good mood!
1. Tour Rothschild Boulevard
A tour of Rothschild is a must, and is usually the main focus of events. Expect huge crowds strolling along with you, and gazing at the beautifully lit Bauhaus buildings. You’ve got all night, things will be happening (including off-beat street performances) until the wee hours. FREE.
2. Indie City
If you like your guitars and style, there will be a variety of indie/rock concerts going on at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, 27 Shaul Hamelech Street. Some of our favorite bands will be there, including Izabo, Electra and the best thing to come out of Israel since hummus… Eatliz. Things kick off at 6pm. FREE.
3. Partyyyy night!
Catch one of the all-night street parties, including the R&B and hip hop in Bialik Square and jazz-rock-70s in Ben Gurion street (close to Kikar Atarim). Dizengoff Center is having a Pop-Shop party, where Dizengoff Street meets King George Street. The Center’s stores are also open all night. FREE (apart from the shopping!).
4. Night Market in Jaffa’s Flea Market
This is a great way to see Jaffa’s amazing Flea Market. Awesome by day, even more so during White Night festivities! Lots of great little stalls and shops to browse through, with lots of street performances and galleries to also enjoy. FREE.
5. Jaffa Port
Just down the road from the Flea Market is the Port of Jaffa, where Ahinoam Nini and Mira Awad will perform “Together and Alone”, while artist Ruba has a collection of her recent work called “Out of Place” on show. Top stylists Doreen Attias and Ravit Assaf will also be holding workshops. While a one and a half hour trip on a beautiful yacht from the port itself could be the clincher – costing 95 shekels per person, or 180 shekels for a couple (call 03-5189447 to reserve a spot). The 4am cruise sounds like the perfect way to wrap up a wonderful night!