Photograph: Phyllis B. Dooney
Photograph: Phyllis B. Dooney

Bastille Day in NYC 2025 guide

French-ify your life during Bastille Day—NYC celebrates France with outdoor parties featuring wine, cheese, and live performances.

Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Contributor: Amy Ellison
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Francophiles can celebrate Bastille Day—NYC’s annual celebration that usually includes street fairs, dance events, live music, and performances (the cancan!)—through a number fun events this year. There are two major Bastille Day events you won't want to miss, and we've got the rundown on all the details below.

So don your beret and red, white, and blue outfit and settle in for some French-themed fun.

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When is Bastille Day?

The holiday is always held on July 14 to celebrate French National Day (July 14, 1789). This year, many celebrations are on Sunday, July 13.

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, is a holiday celebrating the beginning of the French Revolution and the Storming of the Bastille.

Where is Bastille Day?

There are two major Bastille Day celebrations to bookmark this year, one on Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side and the other in Central Park. Keep scrolling for the full details. 

Best things to do for Bastille Day

  • Music

Several famous French and French-speaking artists are coming together for a music festival in Central Park in honor of Bastille Day. Hear from Bob Sinclar, Big Flo & Oli, Patrick Bruel and ESTL on Sunday, July 13 from 5pm to 10pm during this free celebration at Rumsey Playfield. 

Last year, over 12,000 New Yorkers gathered to enjoy the free al fresco performances of such talented artists, so you can definitely expect a fun-loving crowd at this seasonal soiree. No registration's needed; just show up!

The event's hosted by the Consulate General of France in New York, in association with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage and the Committee of French Speaking Societies. 

  • Things to do

We hope that you are prepared to loudly sing La Marseillaise while raising a glass of champagne—Bastille Day is coming soon! On Sunday, July 13, L'Alliance New York is hosting its is annual fête along Madison Avenue. 

Expect cultural programming, live performances, film screenings, a Citroën Car Show, more than 50 French and local vendor booths, and free activities for all ages. This year's theme is outdoor living in the Côte d’Azur, so get ready for a beachy twist to the festivities. 

The celebration typically welcomes more than 25,000 people, so expect a packed party once again this year! Activities run from 12-5pm on Madison Avenue, from 59th to 63rd Street on the Upper East Side.

See the full line-up right here.

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Calling all Francophiles! Matthew Rosenstein, a.k.a. "a bagel who dreamed of being a croissant, will be performing a one-man cabaret show about his descent into the world of France. His story chronicles seeing Le Mis for the first time on Broadway, learning the language, making fake phone calls to Air France as a teenager, and eventually making the move to Paris.

Rosenstein will be joined with a four-piece band and backup singers as he shares the lessons and hard truths he learned on his journey to becoming authentically French. Don't miss out on seeing his show, "Make Me French," at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Bastille Day, Monday July 14. Doors open at 5:30pm. 

Where to eat for Bastille Day

Archive coverage of Bastille Day

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