Get us in your inbox

Search
Photograph: Phyllis B. Dooney

Bastille Day in NYC 2022 guide

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

Shaye Weaver
Written by
Shaye Weaver
Advertising

Francophiles can celebrate Bastille Day—NYC’s annual celebration that usually includes street fairs, dance events and performances (the cancan!)—through a number fun events, including French Institute Alliance Française's Bastille Day Celebration, which is happening on Madison Avenue this year!

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

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC

When is Bastille Day?

The holiday is always held on July 14 to celebrate French National Day (July 14, 1789). When the French holiday does not fall on a Sunday, NYC celebrations are held either the Sunday before or after.

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?

While the most popular Bastille Day celebration usually takes place on 60th Street between Lexington Avenue and Fifth Avenue on Sunday, when there are multiple fetes that happen all over the city during (a normal) summer.

Best things to do for Bastille Day

Take a journey through French culture with live theater and dance performances as well as live music spanning classical to electronic and from jazz to electro-pop on July 14. After opening speeches from the Consul General of France in New York Jérémie Robert and from the President of French-speaking Societies of New York Gérard Epelbaum, you'll hear from Marie Viapiano (La Marseillaise and The Star-Spangled Banner), Virgil Boutellis, Adam Leites and Daniel Rafimayeri (classical French music), China Moses (jazz), DeLaurentis (electro-pop) and DJ Joachim Garraud. New York-based FlexN dancer Cal Hunt and hip hop dancer Jai’Quin Coleman will perform and there will be a showing of The Imaginary Cuckold by Molière in the Park. See the full line-up here. It all begins at 6pm and is free to attend!

Bastille Day: Summer Disco with Hampton Water
Photograph: Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge

2. Bastille Day: Summer Disco with Hampton Water

Celebrate Bastille Day with Brooklyn-based Frenchman, DJ Max Pask and of rosé from Hampton Water. Dance the night away with a finely crafted, synth-led noir sound on our vibrant rooftop overlooking the Manhattan skyline at Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (6-10pm on July 14.)

Advertising
La Brooklynaise Pétanque Tournament
Photograph: Courtesy Carreau Club

3. La Brooklynaise Pétanque Tournament

Carreau Club is taking over the entire Courtyard at Industry City for the second annual “La Brooklynaise” open pétanque tournament and fête on Sunday, July 17There will be two tournament brackets, one for beginners, and one for more experienced players. The best teams in each bracket will play under the lights in front of the crowd with trophies and prizes guaranteed for the top finishers including wine, a crafted charcuterie box from D’Artagnan and more. Those who are interested in participating can register online on Carreau Club’s website. There will be food and drink available—a raw bar by Mothershuckers, Binchotan Grilling, and the classic Jambon Beurre from D’Artagnan. A Pastis Patio pop-up by Ricard will be had with DJs playing the latest in French music all afternoon. 

Le Bal Français
Photograph: Chris Lavado

4. Le Bal Français

The biggest French party in the U.S. is headed to Avant Gardner on Friday. About 600 guests will celebrate France and its music (Aya Nakamura, Angèle, Daft Punk, Mylène Farmer, Stromae, Johnny Hallyday, Céline Dion, David Guetta, Édith Piaf) with a night of dance from the Consulate General of France in New York. There will be giveaways, including Le Bal Français t-shirts, two round-trip tickets Paris-New York to win during the night courtesy of French Bee, a French airline company that operates connections between Paris and the U.S. Tickets are $32.

Where to eat for Bastille Day

Archive coverage of Bastille Day

Advertising
Advertising
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising