Hold back the night: Nuit Blanche and all-night events in capital cities

Late night events are an increasing feature of city entertainment and tourism. The phenomenon of Nuit Blanche, cultural festivals and museum nights has expanded across capital and other cities with a common aim and brand, but reflecting local and cultural aspirations. On the one hand, they provide an alternative to the problematic effects of late night binge drinking and mono-use of city centres by a younger cohort, and on the other hand, a global network of events that have expanded in scope and scale over the past decade. The article situates the event city within the competitive, 'cosmopolitan city' through a comparative analysis of late night events in capital cities, with examples from London's night-time economy and programmes of extended opening of museums and cultural venues.