July 14th falls on a Saturday this year, so there’s no way we’re missing it! Bring out the berets, the streamers, the baguette and cheese, and the party music. Here is our annual overview of the Bastille Day festivities in Texas.
HOUSTON
This year, for its traditional July 14th party, the Consulate, in partnership with the city’s Francophone associations, is organizing a “Ball Populaire” at the Houston Polo Club (8552 Memorial Drive) on Saturday, July 14th from 7pm to 11pm. After the Consul General’s traditional speech, the evening will continue with food trucks, a polo demonstration, and dancing. Admission ($15 pre-sale, $20 same day, free for children under 11) includes access to the evening and a complimentary drink. Details and reservations here.
Three French restaurants in the city put a blue-white-red varnish on their menu for July 14th. In addition to the usual menu, the Bistro Provence (13616 Memorial Dr.) offers a special Bastille Day menu for lunch and dinner. La Brasserie du Parc (1440 Lamar St.) offers a tasting menu for $52 starting at 6pm. Le Bistro (7070 Allensby St.) offers a $70 gourmet entrée-plat-dessert menu that starts at 6:30pm. Reservations here.
AUSTIN
July 14th will be celebrated in French restaurants all over the city. Hosted by the Alliance Française, the event includes special menus, cocktails created for the occasion, concerts, and dancing. It will be held at Chez Nous, Justine, Le Politique, Blue Dahlia, Sala and Betty, Hopfields, and Toulouse Café. Special crêpes will also be available at Crêpe Crazy and Saperlipopette. To end on a musical note, singer Julie Slim and her group Rendez-Vous will perform a repertoire of French songs at the Parker Jazz Club. More information here.
DALLAS
The ninth edition of the annual Bastille on Bishop party, organized by the Go Oak Cliff Association, will take place on Saturday, July 14th starting at 6pm. Booths, wine tasting, crêpe stands, pétanque parties, French music, dancing, and more await you in the historic Bishop Arts area of Oak Cliff (408 N. Bishop Ave. Dallas, TX 75208). The entertainment is free, but tickets must be purchased to consume alcohol. For $25, you’ll receive a souvenir glass and two tokens exchangeable for wine, beer, or cocktails. Additional chips can be purchased at each bar for $6. Tickets and information here.
Like last year, the Dallas/Fort Worth Franco-American Chamber of Commerce will host its traditional gourmet dinner at the Lavandou Bistro Provençal (19009 Preston Road, Suite 200, at Lloyd Road) on Friday the 13th starting at 7pm. $85 per person for members, $95 for non-members. Details and menu here and registration here.
SAN ANTONIO
In San Antonio, the celebration of July 14th will begin on July 12. The Alliance Française of San Antonio, in partnership with the brand new French School of San Antonio, is organizing an evening reception at The Veranda (1746 Lockhill Selma Road, in Castle Hills) in the presence of the Consul General of France Alexis Andres. The program includes concerts, a buffet, and wine from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Admission: $40 for members, $50 for non-members, and $25 for student members. Details and registration here.
