News

Roll out the barrel for the Bastille Festival

Zut alors… the most Frenchified festival of the year is coming back to Franschhoek!

Richard Holmes
Written by
Richard Holmes
Local expert, Cape Town
Franschhoek Bastille Festival 2025
Photograph: Franschhoek Bastille Festival
Advertising

While Franschhoek is mopping up after a wet and wild week, in just a few weeks the streets of the ‘French corner’ will swap winter greys for red, white and blue, as the Franschhoek Bastille Festival returns to the village for a weekend of Francophone food, wine and street celebration.

This year’s festival – the 34th edition – takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July, bringing a little Gallic flair to the Cape Winelands. It’s one of Franschhoek’s most talked-about winter events, rooted in the town’s French Huguenot heritage and centred on what the valley does best: wine, food and an excuse to dress up!

At the heart of the weekend is Iconic Bastille, hosted on Church Street, featuring wine and cheese tastings, live entertainment and the return of the Best Dressed Competition.

This year’s music line-up features Amy Jones, The Blend Theory and the ever-popular Absolutely Fabulous duo. Tickets for Iconic Bastille are priced at R450 per person, with Saturday and Sunday passes available via Webtickets.

For those seeking something a little more refined, Uncorked Exclusive at Bastille returns with a more intimate tasting experience, showcasing standout wines from participating estates.

But beyond the ticketed tastings and events, the village itself will be getting in on the action. Expect food stalls, local chefs, markets, and street entertainment throughout the weekend along Church Street’s Food Fair walk. A Bastille Boules Tournament is also planned for Saturday.

So dig out the beret, grab a ticket, and get ready to enjoy Franschhoek at its most French and festive.

Franschhoek Bastille Festival: Need to know

When: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026

Where: Church Street and venues across Franschhoek

Tickets: Iconic Bastille tickets from R450 via Webtickets

Dress code: Red, white and blue, of course!

Time Out recommends: the best things to do in Franschhoek

Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on FacebookInstagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. 

Latest news
    Advertising