Bastille Days, Milwaukee’s popular French festival and one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations, returns to downtown Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park, July 12 – 15. The free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors annually who enjoy live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.

With more than 90 merchant booths and over 25 restaurants, Bastille Days offers an international marché of French and Cajun food, memorabilia and gifts. Popular French items include delicacies such as crêpes, beignets, wine, champagne, and coveted gifts like Provençal fabrics, soaps, cards and art.

There is a ton of things happening at Bastille Days that you won't want to miss, but here are some of the highlights!

 

Thursday, July 12

BMO Harris Bank Storm the Bastille Run/Walk is Milwaukee downtown’s favorite 5K fun run is back on opening night, Thursday, July 12, as over 5,000 runners and walkers flood the streets, reenacting the revolutionary storming of the Bastille prison for the BMO Harris Bank Storm the Bastille 5k run. Starting at 9 p.m., the 5K-run/2-mile walk leads participants through downtown’s East Town and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods.

You can register online until midnight on Sunday, July 8.  Run packet pick up will be from 10am-6pm, July 9-11 at East Town Asscociation's offices.  We are located at 825 N. Jefferson.  Also, you are able to register on July 12 at Bastille Days. 

Headlining the Cathedral Square Stage on Thursday (5:30 & 9:15pm) will be The Revelations featuring Tre Williams! The Revelations featuring Tre Williams represent the raw essence of classic southern soul, with a sharp modern edge... Also returning to the Cathedral Square Stage on Thursday (11:45am & 7:15pm) will be Bastille Days favorite, Davina & the Vagabonds.  "...Her voice evokes Adele’s — with more depth, sass and humor. Davina and the Vagabonds’ sensational new “Black Cloud” is the best local album of 2011, and one of the best in years. -JON BREAM, Star Tribune

Friday, July 13

New for 2012, Bastille Days presents Mardi Gras Friday featuring a discounted happy hour from 5–7 p.m. with specially themed drinks and entertainment. In addition, impromptu parades throughout the night and thousands of beads will make all Francophiles in attendance think they’re in Nawlin’s! 

There will be parades starting at 7, 8, 9 & 10pm on Friday.  They will start and end on Kilbourn Ave and will feature costumed French inspired characters, a brass band, floats, buskers, thousands of beads as well as tokens good for complimentary beverages.  Join us for the festivities and head down to Mardi Gras Friday dressed in your favorite Mardi Gras garb!

Headlining the Cathedral Square Stage on Friday (5:30 & 9:30pm) will be NOLA's own Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys.  Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys features the accordion mastery and soulful vocals of front man Jeffery Broussard, from the legendary band, Zydeco Force. Milwaukee's native son, Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound will making a return to Bastille Day as well with sets at 11:45am and 7:15pm. 

Saturday, July 14

Proving to be a great success in 2011, Bastille Days will again offer special ticketed Wine Tasting events on Friday and Saturday at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Each guest will get 8 - 2oz pours!  Advance tickets are $25 or $35 day-of.  Make sure to register early as seating is limited to 100 per tasting.

Join us for Kids Day on Saturday as we entertain the little ones with everything French.  Start the day with a kids breakfast from 10am-noon.  Then, enjoy interactive station from The Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Wave, Milwaukee Admirals, Milwaukee Ballet and Milwaukee Art Museum beginning at noon. 

At 11:30 costumed pooches will show their talents at our 4th annual Pooch Parade, hosted by WKLH's Marilynn Mee.  Now is your time to prove that you have the best dog on the block!  Registration is open to the first 25 dogs. 

Learn & sample at the Madison Medical Beaux Arts Stage.  The regions top chefs take the stage every afternoon followed by wine and beer seminars.  New this year, Bastille Days will be offering beer seminars with some great local breweries!

Sunday, July 15

Sunday at Bastille Days will be a local showcase with music for everyone!  I'm not a Pilot (7:15pm), Herman Astro (5:30pm) and The Florentine Opera (2:00pm) offer something for everyone!  This marks the first time that the Florentine Opera and we're excited for you to see what they have in store!

Sunday also marks the return of the famed Waiter/Waitress Race (click for more info) on Sunday, July 15 as area restaurants compete for a prestigious first place title while completing a complicated and hilarious obstacle course.  Make sure to be at Cathedral Square at 3:30pm to witness the spectacle!

Win a Weekend in Quebec!

Visit the Tourisme Quebec information booth adjacent to he Madison Medical Beaux Arts Stage and enter to win a 4 day/3 night stay in Montreal!  The trip includes round trip airfare for two from Milwaukee.  Drawing will be held Sunday, July 15.  You need not be present to win.