Bastille Days

July 11-14, 2024 │ Storm 5k: Thursday July 11

Photo by Melissa Miller Photography

Milwaukee Bastille Days

Bastille Days, Milwaukee’s popular French festival and one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations, is held in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park. The free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors annually who enjoy live music, an international marketplace, French and Cajun cuisine, and roaming busker entertainment.

Our festival was named one of the best Bastille Days celebrations in the world by National Geographic. Read more HERE!

Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk

Run through the streets of Downtown Milwaukee with 5,000 of your closest friends! Runners and walkers kick off Bastille Days with the annual Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk, in honor of the 18th century attack on the Bastille prison in Paris. The 5-K run and 2-mile walk will take place on opening night of the festival, July 14th at 9pm. This year’s 5K run/walk will begin on North Jefferson Street, adjacent to Cathedral Square Park. The course will lead participants through the scenic streets of downtown Milwaukee & the Historic Third Ward.

Bastille Days Parking

Looking for secure parking close to the festival grounds?

BMO Tower provides eight levels of state-of-the-art parking and great connectivity to downtown. The structure is fully enclosed with high-speed doors and 24/7 onsite security. Entrance to the parking structure is located at 771 N. Broadway, one block from Bastille Days!

Purchase your parking in advance using Honk Mobile to receive a $5 discount!

Purchase parking HERE and follow these instructions:

– Select your parking duration by clicking the red text and adjusting your time

– You will be prompted to login or set up an account with Honk Mobile

– Enter the license plate of the vehicle

– Click the red text that says “Add Promo” and enter code “FRANCE“- Parking will be discounted $5

– Click “Pay” to enter your details and finalize your transaction

– The system will send you a QR code to use when entering/leaving the structure

– The QR can be used at BMO Tower’s main entrance on Water Street for reentry to parking

Ride Le Hop to Bastille Days!

The M-Line stops in the middle of the festival grounds!

For more info regarding The Hop’s route CLICK HERE!

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors