Spring makes its appearance known by brighter days, warmer weather and enticing outdoor events. Here are four good reasons for road trips and later-than-usual bedtimes this weekend.

Late-night museum openings in Stuttgart, Germany: Lange Nacht der Museen Stuttgart is a night of eclectic cultural happenings taking place in some 60 museums, galleries, exhibition spaces and hidden corners of the city. From 6 p.m. March 22 until 1 a.m., tens of thousands of visitors will turn out in hopes of experiencing quirky, entertaining, thought-provoking and enlightening activities. A survey of program points reveals possibilities such as ascending the heights of the TV tower’s viewing platform; going deep down into the bunker located under the market square; exploring the comings and goings of river freight at a special harborside exhibition titled “Container Tetris”; or touring the city by streetcars built between the 1930s and 1990s. Classic auto fans can catch free rides in lovingly restored and maintained cars belonging to members of a local automobile club. Amongst the evening’s musical offerings are found performances by punk, ska, soul, blues and rock bands, a gospel choir, an Afghani percussionist and classical musicians. Food and drink on offer ranges from wine and cheese from France to the international street foods served up by the vans parked up on the courtyard of the Landesmuseum Württemberg. Night owls can party the hours away at pop-up clubs found at the Rathaus or Linden Museum. Amongst the nine establishments participating in the city’s annual museum night for the first time is the attic of a former brothel, now doubling as exhibition space for art exploring the themes of femininity and empowerment. A single ticket for all events goes for 22 euros and can be purchased online or at the information kiosk set up in front of the Schlossplatz on the night of the event. Children ages 6 and under can enter free of charge. Online: lange-nacht.de

Starkbier festivals in Munich: Lent, the period of fasting between Ash Wednesday and Easter, can be quite easy to bear in Munich, thanks to the ingenuity of some clever monks of centuries past. In 1651, the Paulaner monastery’s monks came up with the recipe for a brew that kept their bellies full during a time when eating was forbidden. Starkbier, or strong beer, is known as liquid bread due to its nutritional value and high calorie count rather than alcohol content; that being said, these brews are much more potent than your average beers and should be approached with the utmost respect and caution. Beer festivals centering around the consumption of Starkbier, while not unknown to tourists, are considered an authentic part of the city’s culture. Starkbier festivals take place on the premises of the breweries that make them, with three in particular hosting the largest of events: Paulaner am Nockherberg; Löwenbräu Keller and Augustiner Keller. Table reservations are always recommended, but small groups of spontaneous visitors might just be lucky enough to snag seats too. Showing up as the event is just getting started — the first of the two Saturday sessions at Paulaner gets underway at 11 a.m.— could prove to be a wise move. Online: tinyurl.com/ycxvju44

Museums and landmarks open in Italy: FAI Spring Days are days set aside for exploring some of the less-trodden landmarks and landscapes of Italy. On March 22 and 23, more than 700 places in 400 localities will throw open their gates. The event is organized by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano, or National Trust of Italy, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization based on the model of the National Trust of England. Palaces, villas, castles, churches and archaeological sites, along with natural spaces such as botanical gardens and themed routes, take part in the initiative. The properties one might choose to visit on this particular occasion include the Palazzo Repeta, overlooking the Piazza San Lorenzo in Vicenza; the Palazzo Altan-Rota in San Vito al Tagliamento, Pordenone or the Capo Peloro Lighthouse, located on the extreme north-eastern tip of Sicily between the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The FAI’s interactive map with links to the open sites makes an invaluable tool for planning. Note some of the participating sites require guests to register in advance or are open to FAI members exclusively. Joining the FAI supports the trust’s mission and costs 39 euros for individuals or 66 euros for families annually. Online: tinyurl.com/3b2nk3ds

Flower market in Mons, Belgium: A sure sign of spring is when the Ducasse of Messines, at once a market and folkloric event, takes over the city’s Grand Place. On March 22 and 23, visitors and locals alike can shop for antiques, greenery or handicrafts in a festive atmosphere. The giant puppets which make up part of Walloon cultural heritage are also set to make an appearance. Entry is free. Online: tinyurl.com/2cvnpvp5