10 Nuit Blanche adventures

An increasing number of cities across the world have taken to hosting the annual cultural all-night event 'Nuit Blanche' or 'White Nights'. Morwenna Evans finds out more

5 mins

Over 23 cities across the globe dedicate 12 of their night-time hours usually spent tucked up in bed, showcasing museums, quirky contemporary art, theatre, literature and film, whether for one night or a series.

Decidedly cool, these events are set to be the highlight in the cultural calender for many cities this year. Museums throw open their doors until the wee hours, bands pop up and perform in various nooks and crannies around the city, and various light installations take over from lampposts to illuminate the streets. Residents and visitors alike leave their cosy beds en-masse and venture out to witness the best in local and international entertainment. Each city offers its own take on the White Night, offering a unique and culturally explosive all-nighter. Here's our pick of the best cities to spend your sleepless nights in this year.

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina: 20 February

Buenos Aires is known for showing visitors a good time, and it doesn't let the side down when it comes to Noche en Vala festivities. Pockets of street performances around the city are sure to entice, while urban painters exhibit their wares in unexpected locations. Previous years have also seen mesmerising light installations spanning the Planetarium's facade and a giant video game on Mayo Avenue. For an alternative slice of Argentinian contemporary culture, head to a milonga (tango night) to observe, or, if you're feeling brave, participate in a bit of a tango.

2. Melbourne, Australia: 23 February

Hosting its first ever White Night Festival, the newest member of the Nuit Blanche family is set to impress. The city is dividing itself into eight event precincts, each possessing a suitably enticing name. Get lost in the 'Wonderland District', before progressing to the 'World Above', or perhaps braving the 'Outer Limits'. A 'Pop Up Food Village' on Flinders Street should keep you going if you start to flag, while the eateries in Federation Square and Southgate are extending their opening times. Exhibiting Andy Warhol's 13 Most Beautiful Screen Tests, hosting jazz, blues and pop artists, and showcasing a socially explorative zombie flick, Melbourne's White Night is pulling out all the stops.

3. Florence, Italy: 30 April

For a Renaissance White Night, make your way to Florence this April. Its Notte Bianca offers a wide variety of family-friendly fun, including fairytale puppet shows and a launching of lanterns into the night sky at Ponte Vecchio – Florence's iconic medieval bridge. Street bands touring the city and theatre in the dark brings a new dimension to the city's cobbled streets. Professional make-up artists, armed with white powder are ready to fully transform you into a true Notte Bianca patriot. Cinemas offering free late-night showings of old classics and new arty projects will keep you entertained until the sun comes up.   

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: 16 June

Various surprising locations across the notorious Red Light District and the Eastern Docklands play host to this year's summer  White Night Festival. Certain to keep you entranced until the early hours, festivities will include performing arts, photographic exhibitions and interactive multimedia installations. Previous festivities have encouraged participants to kick things off aided by a bit of Dutch courage with a Russian twist; cocktails and readings from Dostoevsky's White Nights at The Armitage are a good place to start. When you've had your fill of quirky cultural exploits head to the Jordaan for a cup of coffee and a spot of people watching.

5. St Petersburg, Russia: June-July

Celebrate St Petersburg's 300th birthday under the midnight sun this June. Join the locals and stroll down Nevsky Prospekt, sampling street food as you go. Don't miss the spectacular 'Scarlett Sails': a show that blasts out the latest Russian pop before dazzling with a laser and pyrotechnic show on board a tall scarlet-sailed ship regally navigating the River Neva. The Mariinsky Theatre hosts a multitude of cultural enticements; enjoy a late-night opera or ballet in plush surroundings in the White Night's central venue. Blast that lingering vodka hangover the next day and sweat out the toxins at a local banya, or Russian bathhouse.

6. Riga, Latvia: 8 September

Enjoy the buzz of Riga's Balta nakts across a diverse set of venues this September. From abandoned shops and factories to the trendiest clubs in town, this free festival embraces cultural enthusiasts of all ages in Latvia's largest annual celebration of contemporary art. The aesthetically impressive Old Town is sure to be bustling with excitement, and is certainly laden with cultural treasures in its own right. For a sobering glimpse into the history that shapes Latvia's current cultural expression, don't miss the Occupation Museum, The Soviet War Museum and The Museum of the Latvian People Front.

7. Singapore: 24, 25, 31 September

Singapore's nocturnal celebrations take shape in a medley of colourful aerial performances-think Olympic-esque gymnastics illuminated by fluorescent lighting. Bras Basah Road in the Bugis precinct, Singapore's arts and heritage district, plays host to the majority of the cultural contributions offering up the Singapore Management University's green spaces to Singaporean and international artists. Aside from this annual nocturnal extravaganza, Singapore's established attractions are well worth a look.

Capture your stay with an uber-cheap, uber-state-of-the-art camera from Funan Digitalife Mall, or take it all in from the Singapore Flyer, a gigantic London-type observational wheel dishing up the best views in town.

8. Valletta, Malta: 29 September

This small capital city has big plans for its Notte Bianca. This September, Valletta's baroque streets will be lined with music, art and a general excited buzz. Combing established exhibitions, boasting artistic giants such as Caravaggio – with 'spontaneous' interactive art on the streets, the city combines past greats with enthusiastic newcomers in its take on the festival. Last year a science-inspired, doughnut-shaped bus called 'Joyride' graced St George's Square, while nautical transportation remained a little more traditional on board the 106-year old M/S Hulda. If the buzzing crowds get too much, hop over to neighbouring islands Gozo and Comino, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that sweeps over these rugged shores.

9. Toronto, Canada: 29 Sept

Last year's nocturnal celebrations saw the work of more than 500 artists and curators lining the streets of Toronto. Over one million culture vultures descend on the city to breathe in the multitude of artistic offerings. From literary theory to an interactive installation that invited observers to tie as many knots as they choose (later untied by the artist – illustrating the work's attempts to explore frustration, futility, and humour), Toronto's Nuit Blanche really does have it all.

This September, the city once again offers an autumnal cultural extravaganza sure to ignite even the most gallery-shy.  

10. Paris, France: 6 October

Showcasing artistic elegance as only Paris can, this October festival will make you feel as though you are at the cultural epicentre of the world. Even the city's most famous monuments gain an air of novelty illuminated by light shows and admired by multitudes under the night sky. Follow the banks of the Seine for the highlights of Paris' Nuit Blanche. For a unique souvenir, don't miss the scattering of well hidden flea markets enclosed in courtyards along rue St Paul in the Marais area, or venture to the world's oldest at the Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. 

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