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 party at Le Loft
NYC’s family-owned French language school in SoHo’s Little Paris neighborhood is throwing a Bastille Day party on Saturday, July 13th in their new space, Le Loft, from 8pm-11:59pm. As Coucou celebrates the opening of their new space, guests will be transported to St. Tropez with tropical flavored choux and French cocktails. Learn more here.
2. Check out the annual Bastille Day street fair
On Sunday, July 14th, the annual Bastille Day street fair will take over Madison Avenue. Nibble on French delicacies with 50+ food and lifestyle purveyors, catch film screenings, and join the Champagne Party. It’s all happening from 12-5pm on Madison Avenue from 59th to 63rd Street. Read more about the Bastille Day street fair.
3. Taste Maman’s limited-time, giant croissant
For this weekend only in honor of Bastille Day, you can purchase a croissant at the SoHo and Cobble Hill Maman locations that’s anything but petite. Customers can buy ‘Le Croissant des Families’ that will feed the whole family for $25.
4. Head to the Bastille Day bash at the Tin Building
The Tin Building in Seaport is bringing France to New York for Bastille Day with live music, special tastings and more on the 14th. The 53,000-square-foot food market will transform into a wonderful party with a quick class on how to make the French classic croquembouche at 2pm and a live NOLA-style brass band with can-can dancers at the Outdoor Bar from 4-7pm. Learn more here.
5. Attend Benoit’s Bastille Day Party
DJs, ice cream, pétanque and French food will takeover Benoit from 12pm to 8pm on Sunday, July 14th. You won’t want to miss this, considering Benoit is one of the best French restaurants in the city!
6. Watch a pétanque tournament at Industry City
Teams will be participating in an all-day pétanque tournament at Industry City on Sunday, July 14th as part of Carreau Club’s 4th annual “La Brooklynaise.” The tournament officially begins at 11am. Find out more on their website here.
7. Jam out at the French Consulate’s Bastille Day 2024 French Music Festival
On Sunday, July 14th, an incredible lineup of French and French-speaking artists will take to the stage and perform at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park in partnership with SummerStage. Genres will span from rap and pop, to electronic. It all kicks off at 5pm and lasts until 10pm. Entrance is open to the public at no cost. Learn more here.