48 Hours of Partying: Top Purim Parties in Jerusalem 2013

For those who use Purim as an excuse for drunken revelry, there are plenty of parties happening all over Jerusalem. Here are just some of the anticipated bests but there's a wide choice depending on the types of music and atmosphere you're looking for.

The party dates vary since it's effectively a two-day holiday in Jerusalem -  Saturday night/Sunday is Purim, and Sunday night/Monday is Shushan Purim. Just take note of which party is on which date – you may be able to party straight for 48 hours.

Separately, we've also written up an article covering top Purim events in Jerusalem this year. 

Here are the top parties:

Bezalel Purim Circus Party

One of the biggest Purim parties in Jerusalem, the Purim Circus Party is the product of art students that belong to the acclaimed Bezalel Academy of Art and Design.  The party is as hip and avant-garde as it gets with a circus theme and a live burlesque show, drag show and contortionist on each of the three floors.  Each floor also features different music – hip hop and breaks; techno; pop and trash. With an expected crowd of creatives and art students, you'll want to come dressed up in an innovative Purim costume (person in the best costume wins a hotel stay in Eilat). The party will take place at the Beit Shmuel complex overlooking the Old City walls.

When: 24^th February
Time: 23:00
Address: 6 Eliyahu Shama St, Jerusalem
Price: 60 ILS (Bezalel students in advance); 80 ILS (general public in advance; 100 ILS (at the door)

Mike's Place Purim Costume Party

If you're looking for a laid-back and welcoming Anglo-friendly party, then Mike's Place on Jaffa Road in the center of town is a great choice. The annual Purim party features live rock 'n roll, games and a costume competition at midnight with the promise of a grand prize. The Jerusalem Mike's Place is kosher, and you can keep your energy up with a wide selection of American-style drinks, light meals and snacks along the way.

When: 23^rd February
Time: 22:00
Address: 33 Jaffa Rd. Jerusalem
Phone: +972-54-799-1220

Purim in Olam Haba

After a super-successful party last year, Olam Haba productions is hosting yet another Purim party in Jerusalem with the aim of recharging your soul with the spirituality and joy of Purim and bringing "the world to come" down to our world. This year's celebration begins in a secluded courtyard in Jerusalem's Artist Colony (Hutzot Hayotzer), overlooking the Old City walls, and features guest DJs that include G-Nome Project, The Live Israeli Jamtronica Band, Meloya and Love Parade. The fun culminates in a procession from the Artist Colony through the city to Sacher Park. Healthy gourmet snacks and a wide selection of drinks will be served all night.

When: February 24^th
Time: 21:00
Address: 10 Emile Botta Street Jerusalem (near Chutzot Hayotzer)
Price: 25 ILS before midnight; 30 ILS after midnight; 40 ILS if you show up without a costume

Ben Yehuda Street Purim Party

It's an annual tradition that each year on Purim night,  the pedestrian Ben Yehuda Street in center city is transformed into a party zone with people of all ages dressed in an array of colorful costumes. Although you may be content to simply stroll around and take in the action, you may also prefer to bop around to trance music at Zion Square together with followers of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. Or, if you're in the mood for more, you can head over to the nearby party zone on Rivlin Street in Nahalat Shiva. To get in the festive street spirit, make sure to remember to dress up in disguise.

When: 24^th February
Address: Ben Yehuda St, Jerusalem
Price: Free

Purim Boogie

Although the Boogie is a regular popular event on the Jerusalem dance and nightlife scene, the Purim Boogie is extra big and extra special. If you enjoy dancing with abandon to world and ethnic music and the sound of drums, get yourself in a fabulous costume and head to Gerard Behar Center in town. The Boogie allows people the opportunity to express themselves freely, and to let go through good music. Religiously observant women may wish to take advantage of the separate private section for women.

When: 24^th February
Time: 20:30
Address; 11 Bezalel St, Jerusalem