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Practice the words to La Marseillaise because you might need to know them to join in on the fun this July 14. Here’s where to raise a glass to France in Boston.
Bastille Day Fête in Back Bay
Boston’s most well known (and well attended) Bastille Day celebration occurs on the streets of Back Bay two days early on Friday, July 12, from 6pm to 11pm. The French Cultural Center Alliance Française of Boston‘s annual bash will bring New Orleans jazz and brass band tunes to the streets to set the ambiance for dancing and tasting delicious French food and drinks. Five of Boston’s best French eateries will be serving French and French-inspired food at booths. There are even activities for children offered between 6 to 8:30 p.m. so parents can enjoy a glass of beer or wine. Around 2,000 people attend, so it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance, though they are available at the door for a slightly higher cost. Children under 10 are free. (Buy tickets here.) — Back Bay – At Marlborough Street (between Berkeley and Clarendon)
Bastille Day Dance Party
On Saturday, July 13, Boston’s “Frenchest” nigthclub, Icon, is hosting a Bastille day dance party in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Boston. DJ Jean-Michel Carlone will set the mood during the party, which runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Only those ages 21 and older may attend. Pre-registration has closed; tickets are $15 at the door. —Icon – 100 Warrenton Street, Boston, MA 02116
Bar Boulud’s Bastille Day Specials
To celebrate their culinary heritage, on Saturday July 14, Daniel Boulud’s famous French restaurant Bar Boulud will offer a selection of specials during lunch and dinner. There will be pâte en croute, confit duck leg à l’orange, and an ice cream profiterole trio. Reservations should be made in advance here. — Bar Boulud – 776 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199
Bastille Day at Bow Market
From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 14, Bow Market will be honoring French independence with a giant French picnic. Guests can pre-order a picnic for two of baguette, cheese, wine glasses, and a bottle of rosé, all curated by curated by Alexandra Whisnant of gâté comme des filles and Lauren Friel of Rebel Rebel, or bring their own. A mime and pétanque will be present, as well as outdoor bars for ordering rosé, beer, and French food favorites. The event is not BYOB but it is BYOD (bring your own dog). — Bow Market – 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville, MA 02143
Bondir’s Bastille Day Dinner
On the day of La Fête Nationale, Bondir will keep the blue-white-red coming. The French restaurant in Cambridge will offer a special five-course menu, served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for $72 a head (reservations required). The courses, which will be served with wine pairings, include gratiné oysters and scallops, ocean perch and crawfish, poulet fermier en meurette, sorbet aux fraises rouge, and comté du fort des Rousses Jean-Charles Arnaud, served with a wine-poached pear. — Bondir – 279A Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
A Cabaret Performance by Annie Royer and Les Garçons
Native Frenchwoman Annie Royer will delight and charm you this Bastille day. On July 13 at the Regatta Bar, Royer will be singing classic French tunes starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets (available here) are $28, and or $23 for students.
Bastille Day Euro Party
The Young Europeans in Boston will be hosting their Bastille day party at 730 Tavern. On Saturday, July 13, a French DJ will be spinning a mix of popular and French music from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Reserve your entry here. — 730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio – 730 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
