French Bastille Days Milwaukee, WI
National Holiday of France is Commorated at Cathedral Square
Bastille Days is a French themed festival in downtown Milwaukee in Cathedral Square Park in the East Town area. Bastille Days fills Cathedral Square with festival fun July 10-13, 2008.
Bastille Days is an important national holiday in France. The French holiday is celebrated on July 14. Bastille Days commemorates the 1790 storming of the Bastille. The Bastille was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern French nation.
The streets surrounding Cathedral Square are blocked off for Bastille Days in Milwaukee. the French themed street festival is a pleasure to spend a day or evening.
Stroll the city streets and park around the 43 foot Eiffel Tower replica and enjoy encounters with impromptu street performers, minstrels and a variety of entertainment. The French celebration features the M&I Bank Storm the Bastille Race, French Mass on Saturday nights, Chef demonstrations, wine demonstrations, Alliance Francaise Culture Tent and the Waiter/Waitress Race.
Delight in the entertainment Over 70 live performances over the weekend event include bands playing a variety of jazz, swing, rock, cydeco, Cajun,. folk, blues and world music.
M&I Bank Storm the Bastille! July 10, 9 pm.
Bastille Days is kicked off by the 5K run and 2 mile walk. The "Storming of the Bastille" honors the 18th century attack on the Paris Bastille prison. Participants walk and run through the Historic Third Ward and the streets of downtown Milwaukee. Storm the Bastille starts and finishes at Jefferson and Wells Streets. The race route winds through downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. Registration for Storm the Bastille is $20.
French Mass at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral on Saturday, July 12
French Mass is held at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral on Saturday night. The French mass is spoken by a French speaking priest and features French hymns. St. John the Evangelist,is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The cathedral has been the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee for 150 years. The cathedral, which is the anchor of Cathedral Square, is at 812 N. Jackson, Milwaukee.
Chef Demonstrations
Milwaukee area chefs demonstrate their culinary expertise with cooking demonstrations. Chef demonstrations take place daily.
Wine Demonstrations
Daily Wine demonstrations with experts sharing their knowledge. The wine experts answer questions and offers samples of a variety of vintages.
Alliance Francaise Culture Tent
Merchandise from France, including art, apparel and souvenirs are available at the market. Simple French lessons are offered several times a day to festival goers.
Waiter/Waitress Race Sunday
Popular event is an annual Bastille Day favorite. Teams from area restaurants compete as they carry wine filled glasses through an obstacle course.
Entertainment on Two Stages
The Kilborn East Stage and Madison Medical Beaux Arts Stage feature entertainment from noon to midnight. Following are the entertainers at Bastille Days.
- Thursday, July 10: Chef Demos, Winemasters, Twang Dragons, Cajun Strangers, Something To Do, Michelet Innocent, Bourbon St. Stampers and Elegant Gypsies.
- Friday, July 11: Chef Demos, Winemasters, Cajun Strangers, Robin Pluer, Liam Ford & The Band in Black, Bourbon St. Stampers, Elegant Gypsies, Michelet Innocent and Denny Breau.
- Saturday, July 12: Chef Demos, Winemasters, Stealin' Strings, Repertoire, Uptown Savages, Ryan McIntyre, Michelet Innocent, Elegant Gypsies and Denny Breau.
- Sunday, July 13: Chef Demos, Winemasters, King Comets, Robin Pluer, Denny Breau, Elegant Gypsies and Michelet Innocent.
Enjoy the food and drink offered by the sidewalk cafes and food vendors at Bastille Days. Bastille Days used to operate on a ticket system for purchases, but they have reverted to cash for direct purchases from vendors.
For some historical perspective about Bastille Days, read Historic France Fest MIlwaukee
For Milwaukee restaurant and hotel information, see Ethnic Restaurants Milwaukee Wisconsin and Top Hotels Downtown Milwaukee, WI
Information is subject to change.
