Top 5: Independence Day activities in Jerusalem

In addition to the popular BBQ, there are plenty of ways to celebrate – from concerts to parties to free entry to many top museums.

By ITRAVELJERUSALEM.COM TEAM
Dancing Shrine of the Book - Independence Day (photo credit: Courtesy)
Dancing Shrine of the Book - Independence Day
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Parties and performances in the city center
If you’re not afraid of crowds, Jerusalem’s city center is the place to be in the evening on Independence Day. You may simply enjoy taking in the festivities along Ben Yehuda Street or the gorgeous Mamilla open-air shopping strip, or attend free performances suitable for the whole family with several DJs and singers in the charming neighborhood of Nahalat Shiva. There will also be a street party along trendy Hillel Street organized by local student groups and featuring local DJs.
When: 15 AprilAddress: Family performances: Kikar HaChatulot, Nahalat Shiva ('Cats' Square'); Street party: Hillel St, JerusalemCost: Free Times: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Safra Square activities
Palm-tree-lined Safra Square at night is a popular venue to celebrate major Israeli holidays and events such as Independence Day. In true Israeli style, there will be a sing-along in the square and a performance of traditional folk tunes by the esteemed Einat Sarouf, known as the queen of Israeli sing-alongs. This will be followed by a night of Israeli folk dancing featuring some of Israel’s leading dancers. All events are free of charge.
When: 15 April Address: 3 Yafo Rd, JerusalemCost: FreeTimes: Sing-along: 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.; folk-dancing: 11 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
The Israel Museum
This Independence Day it’s apt to spend a few hours at arguably the country’s richest and largest cultural institution, the Israel Museum – and it’s free. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the museum’s regular exhibits, famous Herod the Great exhibition (NIS 20 extra) and array of activities in honor of the day. The Even Yerushalmim vocal ensemble will perform, Mimi Kogan will lead visitors in dancing, and dancers from the Hora Jerusalem chidren's troupe will perform traditional Israeli dances in beautiful costumes in the Shrine of the Book plaza. 
When: 16 April Address: 11 Derech Ruppin, JerusalemCost: Free entrance; special NIS 20 entry for the Herod exhibition and complimentary audio guideTimes: Museum: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Independence Day activities: 11 a.m.- 2p.m.Phone: (02) 670-8811
The Yellow Submarine
If you appreciate live music, you'll enjoy spending a few hours at the Yellow Submarine music center. In addition to performances of well-known Israeli songs by the Yellow Submarine’s Young Bands Project, Idan Alterman and a four-member band will combine music and comedy with humorous songs and humorous translations of famous songs. There will be entertainment provided for all with crafts for kids, clothing and accessories for sale as well as the customary barbeque on the venue’s porch.
When: 16 AprilAddress: 13 Harechavim Street, Talpiot Cost: NIS 10Times: noon -7 p.m.Phone: (02) 679-4040
Concerts and Music at Tower of David
Although many of the events at the Tower of David Museum are geared to Hebrew speakers, the musical aspects of the celebrations are a must for all. In the evening, there will be a bonfire featuring the “Story of Israel” group and singer Shira Z. Carmel, who will host young Jerusalem musicians in new versions of traditional “Land of Israel” folk songs.
This will be followed by a performance by the band The Giraffes and then by a party in the stunning courtyard with DJ Gal Kadan (Laissez Passer, Balkadan). In the daytime, there is free entrance to the museum and a musical concert in the courtyard with singer and pianist Ora Zinta, with stories of great poets who yearned for the land of Israel and songs about Jerusalem and the Land of Israel.
When: 15 – 16 April Address: Tower of David, Jaffa Gate, Old CityCost: Evening (limited tickets): Pre-purchased tickets at NIS 50 ; NIS 70 at the door (limited tickets); day-time museum entrance: free; day-time concert: NIS 15 (can be combined with the Night Spectacular at 8:30 p.m. at a discounted price)Times: Bonfire: 9:45 p.m.; Giraffes Performance: 10:45 p.m.; Party with DJ: 1 a.m.; Day-time Museum opening hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Day-time concert: 5:30 p.m.Phone: * 2884
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