ON-STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Bastille Days is known for its diverse mix of performers, demonstrations and live music. Each year there is an eclectic mix of Zydeco, Cajun, Rock, Blues and more presented on four stages. 2009 Highlights included The Duhks on Friday evening, Paul Cebar and Tab Benoit on Saturday evening, and a "Special Sunday Edition of Jazz in the Park" with Swing Nouveau and Nabori on the festival's last day.
STREET LEVEL PERFORMANCES
Entertainment surrounds the festival grounds at Bastille Days with roaming minstrels, stilt walkers, gypsies, posers, fire throwers, dare devils, painters and others who invite fest-goers to participate in their acts.
KISS-A-THON - New in 2009
The first Kiss-A-Thon at Bastille Days lasted 24 hours! Congratulations to the winning couple, Jessica Handrich and Daniel Ottman. Jessica is from Racine and Daniel is from Port Washington and they have been dating for 4 months. The couple will enjoy a 7-day all inclusive stay at Couples Resorts in Jamaica!
FRENCH MASS
Join in celebration at an authentic French mass held each year in St. John the Evangelist Cathedral on the Saturday of the Festival. The Catholic mass is led by a French-speaking priest and features French hymns.
CHEF, WINE & CHEESE DEMONSTRATIONS
Experts from around the Milwaukee area bring their culinary expertise in food, wine and cheese to the festival daily. Enjoy samples, pick up tips, and learn the best pairings while meeting local chefs and foodies. A festival favorite!
ALLIANCE FRACAISE CULTURE TENT
The Alliance Française de Milwaukee showcases a variety of merchandise from France including art, apparel and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Simple French lessons are available several times daily to fest-goers. The Alliance de Française Milwaukee provides bilingual greeters, as well as information about French culture and customs and an opportunity to get your picture taken in front of a French back drop.
POOCH PARADE - New in 2009
The first ever Pooch Parade was a big hit with 27 canine participants. Congratulations to Gypsy who came in 1st place, Burlington in 2nd place and Missy in 3rd place. There was a lot of competition, but these three pooches impressed the judges with their creative costumes, personality and talent.
WAITER/WAITRESS RACE
The exciting Waiter/Waitress Race is an annual favorite on the Sunday of the Bastille Days Festival in Cathedral Square Park. This event brings teams from area restaurants to compete against one another through a challenging obstacle course carrying wine filled glasses and more. 2009 winning teams were Whisky Bar in 1st place, Louise's in 2nd place and The Knick in 3rd place. Thank you to all the teams that participated.
For a complete list of 2009 entertainment at all four stages and throughout the grounds, download the link below or at the top of this page.
