Bastille Day in NYC 2025 guide

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. 

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.

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. 

Films on the Green, a free outdoor French film festival, is back with a sports-themed lineup in honor of the Olympics in Paris this summer. The festival is hosted by Villa Albertine, and this year’s edition features 11 French films with English subtitles across Manhattan and Brooklyn parks. Expect a mix of classic and contemporary movies, all on the theme of “Sports on Film.”

For Bastille Day weekend, the movie is on July 12 in Seward Park. See Air of Paris by Marcel Carné. The screening will be subtitled in English, free and open to the public.

Here's more about each film and exact show locations.