Best Ways To Celebrate Bastille Day

Celebrate Bastille Day, July 14, in traditional Parisian flair and fashion, no matter where you are.

If you are, in fact, lucky enough to be in Paris for the holiday, you’ll have your pick of the best celebrations. The parade along the Champs-Elysées runs from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The French national orchestra performs at 9:30 p.m., at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, along with a magnificent fireworks display. Right after, Parisian fire stations invite locals and tourists alike to dance, drink and have a roaring good time well into the night.

However, if you’re stuck in the states, New York City is celebrating Bastille Day the Sunday before, July 10, with a fair on 60^th Street. The annual celebration features traditional French foods, drinks and performances from the cast of An American in Paris. Away from Manhattan, Brooklyn residents celebrate the day with a block party and large traditional French pétanque tournament.

Chicago hosts a similar celebration, though the city’s is actually held July 14. From 5:30–9 p.m. Thursday, guests are invited to picnic at Montrose Beach, partake in some pétanque, enjoy live DJs, an outdoor movie screening and the annual French waiters race.

The Santa Barbara French Festival is in its 28^th year and offers everything from a poodle parade to can-can dancers. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated as the festival is run by two local non-profit organizations.

Why not celebrate Bastille Day in one of the most French destinations in the United States, New Orleans? The Bastille Day Fête includes music, museum tours, cooking demonstrations, French lessons and a light show, all surrounding the New Orleans Museum of Art. More activities are at City Park, including dancing and French food trucks. Don’t be surprised to see a few folks dressed in their French finest — there’s a costume contest for the best Marie Antoinette and Napoleon.