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Where French Culture Meets the Twin Cities

Bastille Day 2025

 

Bastille Day is coming! Each year French people celebrate Bastille Day or le 14 juillet, on July 14th. This National Holiday celebrates the moment when the French people stormed the Bastille prison in 1789 in order to get gun powder. This revolt is considered a major step towards the following events leading to the French Revolution. In France, la fête nationale is celebrated everywhere through numerous balls, live music, games, fireworks and a big parade on the Champs Elysées in Paris.

Join us at the Alliance Française for our annual celebration on Monday, July 14th from 5 to 9 pm.  We invite the community to enjoy live music, traditional French food, entertainment for the whole family and some birthday surprises as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a non-profit!

Demandez le programme!

LIVE MUSIC

 

the francine roche trio

The Francine Roche Trio will kick-off the live entertainment for our Bastille Day Celebration with traditional guinguette music! This trio includes vocals by Francine Roche, Mark Stillman on accordion, and Jim Price on violin. Venez danser et profiter de notre guinguette !

siengkane lao mn

Siengkane Lao MN emerged from a collective of Lao refugees and immigrants residing in the USA. Their mission transcends mere connection to roots and heritage; it aspires to envision a grander future, one that extends beyond preservation. They celebrate the richness of Lao culture, and nurture the youth to blossom into the next generation of community leaders.

YEYE POW

Ye Ye Pow is a tribute to the super-fantastique pop music of 1960s France.  While the Beatles conquered the world, a pantheon of French pop stars like Francoise Hardy, Jacques Dutronc and Serge Gainsbourg reigned in France. It was called "Ye-Ye" music, as in Yeah Yeah! Stephanie Winter (Mere Kats, The Autumn Leaves) leads talented band mates, Terry Isaacsen (Flamin Ohs, Johnny Rey), Paul McFarland (Run Westy Run, Lolos Ghost), Steve Kent (Kinda Kinky, Conquerers) on a sizzling tour de pop and rock like no other. Ye Ye? Oui!

 

ENTERTAINMENT

La course des garçons de café - 6:10pm

For the first time in Minneapolis, participate in a famous French tradition, the Course de Garçons de Café! This relay race has simple rules - complete the obstacle course while carrying your platter loaded with items with just one hand - be careful and don’t let the contents fall! Do you want to learn more and register your team? Click here! Costumes, team spirit and bonne humeur encouraged!

Too clumsy to pose as a Parisian waiter? You can still attend the race and cheer for your favorite team!

 

Crêpes demo

Join the dynamic duo, Joe & Dotty Zahner, in the AFMSP teaching kitchen during Bastille Day for a delicious crêpe demo!

You'll learn tips and tricks to making the perfect crêpe for a summer brunch or dessert!

 

vintage Citroën cars parade

Step back in time and admire these iconic French vehicles. Experience the charm of a vintage Citroën car parade! All Bastille Day Patrons have a ticket to ride in the parade, learn more!

meet marie-antoinette

Did you hear? Marie Antoinette herself will be joining us at the event. Come and say hi to her!

 
 
 

KIDS ACTIVITIES

 

face painting

Flags, baguettes, tour eiffel, and more! Our celebration of French Independence Day will include an expert in face painting or maquillage artistique. Kids, don’t miss it!

BOUNCY CASTLE

Storm La Bastille aka our traditional Bouncy Castle!

games & CRAFTS

Fun games and crafts for kids! 

 

FOOD

 

OH CRÊPE!

If you missed them at Breizh Fest, Oh Crêpe! will be there serving their Authentic French Crêpes & Galettes, bringing a taste of French cuisine to our event.

NIKKOLETTE’s MACAROnS

We are thrilled to have Nikkolette's Macarons once again this year! Each macaron is handmade by Nikkolette. Treat yourself to the best with Nikkolette's Macarons, offering an authentic taste of French pastry perfection!

b’BERI DESSERTS

B’beri Desserts is a French patisserie which focuses on making European style pastries. Customers can enjoy delicious croissants, pain au chocolat, Kouign Amann and more in their Minneapolis coffee shop. You can find their complete information directly on their website at www.bberidesserts.com.

the BRICK OVEn bus

Want to eat a good pizza? The Brick Oven Bus will be here with us! In addition of their menu, try their special Pizza made for the occasion! Detailed menu to come.

 

DRINKS

Wine Selection

Signature Pinot Noir $9
Signature Pinot Grigio $9
Signature Rosé $9

Beer Selection

Coors Light $7
Fulton Lonely Blonde $8
Summit EPA $8
Leinenkugals Summer Shandy $8
High Noon $8

 

Non-Alcoholic

Coke $2
Diet Coke $2
Sprite $2
La Croix $2
Fiji Water $2


VENDORS MARKET

Shop handmade goods from local artists, learn about francophone organizations in MN, and of course… La Boutique!

 
 
 
 

SUPPORT A PARTY FOR THE COMMUNITY!

To keep Bastille Day a celebration for all, AFMSP aims to host our event free of admission each year. Becoming a Patron of Bastille Day is a great way to support the festival and enjoy all the best elements of the event. Your gift will make it possible for AFMSP to provide authentic French and Francophone entertainment throughout the evening.

Help us make this year a special Bastille Day celebration - become a patron today!

Named after the famous café in “Amélie,” this patron pack includes 1 VIP parking space, 2 drink tickets, 2 meal vouchers, and a ride for 2 in the Citroen car parade, (a $200 tax-deductible donation).

$250

The longtime Parisian favorite and artist hangout is the namesake of this patron pack, which includes 2 VIP parking spaces, 4 drink tickets, 4 meal vouchers, rides of 2 pairs in the car parade, and a reserved high-top at the Joly Center to enjoy an evening full of music and entertainment, (a $400 tax-deductible donation).

$500

 

A left bank mainstay, where Paris’ most influential authors enjoyed a book, a cigarette, and an espresso, this patron pack includes 3 VIP parking spaces, 6 drink tickets, 6 meal vouchers, rides of 3 pairs in the car parade, and a reserved high-top at the Joly Center to enjoy an evening full of music and entertainment, (an $850 tax-deductible donation).

$1000

Corporate Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event, see our Bastille Day Sponsorship Deck (PDF) for more.

Merci à nos sponsors et partenaires

sponsors annuels

Bastille Day sponsors

 
 

Neighborhood Sponsors

Support these local businesses - shop small this summer !