Top Summer Cultural Events For The Whole Family

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Jerusalem

♦ June-July 28: “Jerusalem Season of Culture.” Highlights include International Philosophy Festival; Merce Cunningham Legacy Tour; evening performances in the Mahane Yehuda outdoor market every Monday during July, and Renee Fleming finale concert on July 28. For more details: www.jerusalem-culture.com

♦ July 7-16: International Film Festival, featuring 200 local and international films, which are screened at the Jerusalem Cinematheque. One of the most sought after tickets in town.

♦August: Wine-Tasting Festival at remodeled Israel Museum.

♦ Aug. 14-19: Puppet Theater Festival for children and families. www.traintheater.co.il

♦ Aug. 15-27: Annual Hutzot Hayotzer International Arts and Crafts Fair with artists, concerts and more. www.artfair.jerusalem.muni.il

♦ Aug. 18-19: Jerusalem Beer Festival at the Old Train Station, features some of Israel’s best homemade brews.

♦ September: Houses from Within: Jerusalem’s most beautiful private homes, synagogues and gardens are open for public view for one weekend. www.batim-il.org

Tel Aviv

♦ June 30: “White Night,” the popular annual all-night event that brings tens of thousands into Tel Aviv’s streets. The White Night celebrations commemorate the July 2003 UNESCO designation of the White City of Tel Aviv, with its exceptional collection of Bauhaus architecture, as a World Heritage site and the city’s well-deserved reputation as the “city that never sleeps.” www.visit-tlv.co.il

♦ July 14: The annual Opera in the Park will feature the Israel Opera chorus and soloists from Israel and overseas in Mozart’s “Magic Flute,” conducted by David Stern. An enchanting evening of fine music under the stars in the heart of Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park — and it’s all free. www.israel-opera.co.il/eng.

♦ Sept. 8-10: “Loving Art. Making Art”: The opening of the city’s art exhibition season, with all 75 museums and art galleries throughout Tel Aviv open to the public, free of charge, into the night, with many special exhibitions. Events also take place outdoors, along the city’s boulevards and in the parks. www.visit-tlv.co.il

Herzliya

Located just north of Tel Aviv, the coastal resort city features more than four miles of pristine beaches, the largest marina in the Mediterranean basin, a recently renovated mall and a vibrant entertainment area.

♦ July-August: Music Festival on the Water: This summer festival at the Herzliya Marina square overlooking the inviting ocean and yachts, features live musical duets by local and international artists including opera, pop and jazz to romantic music, Greek and others. Every Tuesday evening in July and August. Free.

♦ August: Goldstar Zappa Festival: A two-day event featuring the best of Israeli rock with live performances on stages along the Herzliya beach (with disabled access). Free.

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