Entertainment for All Ages

In addition to roaming buskers, mimes and other Parisian performers, fest-goers will find an eclectic mix of music across four stages throughout the celebration. Stay tuned for our stage lineups!

French Food, Wine & Gifts

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.

Chef Demos, Beer & Wine Samplings

Daily chef demonstrations heat up the celebration as top local chefs, sommeliers, brewers, and fromageophiles tantalize taste buds and dish out the latest tips, tricks and recipes for attendees to bring back to their own table. Each demo includes free tastings and recipe cards. Stay tuned for our lineup of local chefs!

French Mass, Coffee in the Garden, & Cathedral Tours

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, located on historic Cathedral Square, hosts a French mass service annually led by a French-speaking
priest leading groups in French hymns and verses.

Enjoy iced and hot coffees Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Cathedral Garden. Proceeds benefit the Open Door Café’s meal program.

Tour the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist all weekend during the Festival from 11am – 5pm. Visit www.stjohncathedral.org for more information

Thursday

Firkin Tapping
The official Firkin tapping of a MKE Brewing Company’s Bastille Days Ale kicks off the festival on Thursday afternoon. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has the honor of tapping the commemorative keg while brewers offer samples to attendees and provide a detailed explanation of the brew’s creation.

Storm the Bastille Run/Walk
Milwaukee downtown’s favorite 5K fun run is back on opening night, Thursday, July 9, 2020 as over 5,000 runners and walkers flood the streets, reenacting the revolutionary storming of the Bastille prison for the Storm the Bastille 5k run and walk. Starting at 9 p.m., the 5K-run/2-mile walk leads participants through downtown’s East Town and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods.

Sunday

Waiter / Waitress Race

Waiter/Waitress Race on Sunday, July 12 as area restaurants and service industry employees compete for a prestigious first place title while completing a complicated and hilarious obstacle course. First place prize is $250 and Second place prize is $100!

Champagne & Sparkling Wine Tasting
New in 2019, Bastille Days will again offer a special ticketed Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting event on Sunday afternoon! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our Wine Tasting Page