As summer nears, we’re tempted to use our free time making way toward sun, sea and sandy beaches. But there’s no shortage of events and activities designed to keep those who thrive on a big-city vibe happily ensconced within some of Europe’s great metropolises. Here’s a look at some of the top happenings in sports, culture and music for June 2023.

Paris: Nuit Blanche is an annual event in which the city’s museums, monuments and cultural spaces remain open late into the night and a program filled with concerts, exhibitions, performances and hands-on experiences ensures all comers will find something to their taste. The term Nuit Blanche, which refers to a night without sleep, reflects the all-night nature of the cultural offerings. For years, Nuit Blanche was organized in October, but the autumn date was often marred by inclement weather. In 2023, the beloved all-nighter moves to its new early summertime slot.

On the night of June 3, Parisians and visitors alike will forgo their shut-eye in favor of a cultural program made up of more than 200 program points. Monumental installations, a giant ping-pong tournament, immersive art at the Picasso Museum and much more awaits. This year’s program shines a spotlight on the river Seine. Online: tinyurl.com/aksxjwmm

Lisbon: Throughout the month of June, the Festas de Lisboa, or Lisbon Festivities, engulf the city in a celebratory atmosphere. Life is lived to the fullest outside in the city streets, with concerts, shows and folk festivals held late into the night throughout the city’s most charming neighborhoods. The smell of grilled sardines hangs in the air as the sounds of fado music ring out. The party reaches fever pitch on June 12, the eve of the feast day of Saint Anthony. Costumed groups representing Lisbon’s various districts march down the Avenida de Liberdade, showing off their choreography. On June 13, Lisbon continues to celebrate while the rest of the country works as usual. Online: tinyurl.com/5fdbd285

London: West End LIVE is a weekend in which the city’s theater district promotes its latest offerings by offering free performances in Trafalgar Square. With stars of some of the city’s hottest shows taking to the stage, this free-entry event is always well attended, so arriving in good time and being prepared to queue is advisable. The schedule of performances will be announced on the event website about one week prior to the event, which takes place June 17-18. Online: www.westendlive.co.uk

Berlin: With the 2023 edition of the Special Olympics World Games set to unfold at the Olympiastadion June 17-25, the German capital looks forward to welcoming thousands of athletes from around the world who come prepared to compete across 26 sporting events. The world's largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities is staged in parallel with a number of equally inclusive events including festivals at the Neptunbrunnen, Sommergarten and Brandenburg Gate, along with a Special Olympics Activity Zone set up on the grounds of the Messe Berlin. Online: berlin2023.org

Luxembourg City: The country itself may be tiny, but Luxembourg celebrates its national holiday in a big way. Festivities marking Luxembourg National Day on June 23 kick off the night before and include a changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Grand Ducal Palace, torchlit procession, grand display of fireworks and street parties that run late into the night. On the big day itself, official ceremonies include a speech by the Prime Minister, inspection of the troops by the Grand Duke, a 101-cannon salute, and a large military parade near the Luxembourg City train station. From 2 p.m., free concerts enliven the Place d’Armes. Online: publicholidays.lu/national-day

Prague: The Praha Zija Hudbou, set for June 23-24, is billed as the city’s biggest street festival. The festival’s name translates to Prague Lives with Music, evidenced by the presence of buskers, street musicians and other performers. Entry is free; tipping the performers is encouraged. Online: prahazijehudbou.cz

Vienna: The Danube Island Festival, billed as Europe's largest open-air festival with free admission, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023 with its usual jam-packed program. From June 23-25, visitors can enjoy musical acts performing across 13 stages, sporting activities, culinary treats or just chilling out in one of the pop-up beer gardens. The event unfolds in an expansive green space alongside the riverfront and is easily reached by public transportation. Online: donauinselfest.at

Brussels: The diversity of the Belgian capital is on full display at the Couleur Café, a summer music festival featuring a lineup of performers from across the world, with a focus on music of African and Caribbean origin. Festivalgoers revel in the carnival atmosphere evoked by drum groups and dancers in flamboyant costumes. The festival takes place June 23-25 at Atomium Square. Single-day tickets go for 54 euros while a three-day festival pass costs 110 euros. Children age 11 and under enjoy free entry, and onsite camping is available. Online: couleurcafe.be/en