Bastille Day is almost a upon us, and with it, so many activities and fêtes across the city!
Not sure what Bastille Day is? It marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, freeing seven prisoners that were being held captive at the time. By 1880, it became an official French holiday.
So whether you’re French or not, who doesn’t love an excuse to celebrate something! Find some of the best ways to celebrate Bastille Day in NYC this weekend below:
1. Join Coucou for a block party in SoHo
NYC’s family-owned French language school in SoHo’s Little Paris neighborhood is throwing a fête for their 10 year anniversary that you don’t want to miss! On Saturday, July 15th, Coucou will hold a block party in Little Paris (Centre St. between Broome & Grand) from 2pm-6pm. Expect French pastries and food from local shops like Maman, Murray’s Cheese, Michel & Augustin, Aval and La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, French lawn games (ie. pétanque), raffle prizes, photo booths and live music!
2. Check out the annual Bastille Day street fair
On Sunday, July 16th, the annual Bastille Day street fair will take over Madison Avenue. Nibble on French delicacies with 50+ food and lifestyle purveyors, see some of Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical cast perform, and even try to win the ultimate grand prize of a 5-day getaway to Saint Martin. It’s all happening from 12-5pm on Madison Avenue from 59th to 63rd Street and on 60th Street from Fifth Avenue to Madison Avenue. Read more about the Bastille Day street fair.
3. Taste L’appartement 4F’s limited-edition pastry
Beyond their delicious array of French pastries (our all-time favorite is the La Framboise Croissant), L’appartement 4F is teaming up with skincare brand Caudalie for Bastille Day. Customers can order their limited-time grape pastry (honoring Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Serum). Each purchase of the pastry will come with a sample of the serum! The grape pastry will be available from 8am until they sell out.
4. Head to the Bastille Day bash at the Tin Building
French Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is hosting a Bastille Day bash at The Tin Building in Seaport. From 6-9pm, the 53,000-square-foot food market will transform into a replication of the buzzy, artist-driven Parisian neighborhood, Montmartre. In addition to special programming and food offerings, there will be live music from French violinist Adriene Chevalier’s quartette, along with solo accordion player Will Holshouser.
5. Sip on $9 glasses of wine at Claudette
When there’s a celebration, a little rosé is always fitting! Lucky for you, French restaurant, Claudette, is offering $9 glasses all Bastille Day, in addition to a special $10 “Dark and Storm the Bastille” cocktail.
6. Watch a pétanque tournament at Industry City
50+ teams will be participating in an all-day pétanque tournament at Industry City on Sunday, July 16th as part of Carreau Club’s 3rd annual “La Brooklynaise.” The tournament officially begins at 11am. Find out more about Carreau Club on their website here.
7. Enjoy rooftop views at Juliette in Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s Juliette is hosting a happy hour by Cognac Park on their rooftop from 4-8pm on Friday, July 14th. Your invited to enjoy French delicacies alongside specialty drinks featuring Cognac Park VS Carte Blanche all evening long. It’s sure to un bon moment!
8. Order from a special Bastille Day menu at Benoit
Get your mouthwatering with a juicy lobster roll from Benoit or sink your teeth into the beef ribeye with Bearnasie sauce. To end on a sweet note, be sure to get the tarte au fraise (strawberry tart) for dessert. And if you can’t make it into the restaurant, you’ll have another chance to catch Benoit at the Bastille Day street fair.