In August the heat really peaks, but so does Tel Aviv's culture and nightlife scene. The long sandy beaches by day and the variety of open air events by night help everyone cool down a little

Comics and Caricature Festival

August 2011
Yet another in the long list of Tel Aviv Cinematheque festivals, this event focuses on the animated aspect of art.

Beach Cinema

During a week in August, Banana Beach offers an open air screening of well-known films.  Starting in the early evening, you can grab a seat and enjoy one of the contemporary classics ("When Harry met Sally", various Monty Pythons etc.), while sipping a cold beer or enjoying some dinner in the heat of August.

Beach Cinema, Banana Beach

Tu Be'av: The Jewish Day of Love

15 August 2011

Though Valentine's Day is celebrated in Israel, the Jewish calendar boasts a love day of its own, Tu Be'av.  The idea is obviously quite similar, and the celebrations in Tel Aviv tend to focus on restaurants, parties and different shows – everyone offering their interpretation of the day and its significance.  So, this is yet another day for romance and splurging. But, after all, which day isn’t when you're on holiday?

Pishpeshuk

1-31 August 2011
All through August, the Tel Aviv Municipality is holding a special after hours festival every Thursday in the Jaffa flea market (Shuk HaPishpeshim). The event, which starts at 20:00 and ends at midnight, includes special artists' stands, street theatre, antique booths, musical performances (Balkan music, jazz, Arabic music, etc) a holistic activity area, including a yoga practice area, and more. All these booths and areas are scattered around the alleys of the flea market, attracting quite a number of visitors from Tel Aviv and beyond. This lively and colorful event is a wonderful pastime for a night in Jaffa and highlights some of the area's real charm. Beware though - it's very popular. 
Every Thursday, 20:00-00:00

The Jaffa Flea Market

The Humus Festival

August 2011
Each year, one of Israel's leading humus manufacturers arranges this grand event which celebrates Israel's national dish – humus.  Taking place in Hayarkon Park, the best places for humus in Tel Aviv participate in this event offering their cuisine to the festival's hungry guests.  There are other attractions besides the food, according with the oriental atmosphere accompanying humus, which originates in Arab countries. There are performances by well-known musicians, mostly from the Mizrahi genre (Arabic musical influences), and some belly-dancing too.  The creators of the festival surprise its comers with new additions each year, we'll just have to wait and see what's on this year.

The Humus Festival, Hayarkon Park, from 18:00

Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat

23-26 August 2011
This annual event has been taking place in the city of Eilat for years now, and attracts many of the best Jazz artists in the world.  Justly, this festival has gained much respect and recognition, and it is probably one of the most famous festivals taking place in Israel.  During these four days, there's a non-stop Jazz extravaganza!  Besides the pre-scheduled shows (about which you can learn more on the festival's website), there are also plenty of Jamming sessions, the most well known of which takes place in the Riviera Hotel and usually goes on till dawn.  Israeli jazz fanatics flock to this event, but it also a festival which suits non-expert tastes. It's famous for its mellow vibe and the talented artists participating in it.  The beautiful red mountains surrounding Eilat are just a bonus.

Red Sea Jazz Festival, Eilat
The festival's site offers information in English: http://www.redseajazzeilat.com
Tel: (03) 695-9355