A French wind is coming through the windy city this week for Bastille Day. Here are a couple of spots you won’t want to miss for your July 14th festivities.
Bastille Day Chicago
The annual Bastille Day Chicago celebration takes place this year on July 13 at the Navy Pier in the Polk Bros Park. Guests are invited to either bring their own food or buy crêpes, beer, or wine from vendors (no outside drinks) at this massive picnic that will run from 6 to 10 p.m. Highlights include pétanque, a Course de Garçons de Café when contestants run as fast as they can while carrying a tray of full champagne glasses, Mwelwa Musambacine on music, and The Irving Sisters jazz group. A kid’s corner will keep the little ones busy with a bubble show, face and nail painting, and cotton candy until the fireworks at 10:15 p.m. — Navy Pier, Lake Stage area at Polk Bros Park, Chicago, IL 60640. Public transportation encouraged as there is limited parking.
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Bastille Day at Alliance Française de Chicago
For a party on the day of the Fête Nationale, head to the Bastille Day party at the Alliance Française de Chicago. Starting the festivities early at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12, this cultural center will have games, snacks, and music. Make sure to put on your best French outfit! Tickets are $10 for members and current students and $15 for non-members. (Reserve tickets here.) — Alliance Française de Chicago, 810 N Dearborn St, Chicago Illinois 60610.
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Mon Ami Gabi
The French Bistro is hosting an almost week-long celebration for Bastille Day. From July 11 to July 17 guests can enjoy Bastille Day-inspired specials like chilled gazpacho, crispy frog legs, or delicious tri-color profiteroles. If these dishes don’t speak to you, you can always order off the regular menu which features a wide array of salads, steak cuts, pasta, tartare, and crême brulée. The restaurant also has an extensive gluten-free menu. (Make a reservation here.) — Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614.
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Bistronomic
Enjoy Bastille Day with Bistronomic‘s special brunch/lunch menu from July 11 to July 14 and special dinner menu starting the 12th at this chic, modern French restaurant that utilizes midwestern products in their cuisine. Order their award-winning Le French burger, baked Alaska, and bottomless mimosas for just $35, or a three-course dinner menu for a bit more. (Make reservations here.) — Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60611.
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Margeaux Brasserie
For the second year in a row, Margeaux Brasserie will host a Parisian Bastille Day Party in the 6,000-square-foot cobblestone courtyard of the Waldorf Astoria hotel where the French brasserie is located. On July 14, from 3 to 6 p.m., enjoy live music, interactive tasting stations curated by the celebrated Chef Michael Mina and Executive Chef Greg Biggers, and more for Francophiles to enjoy. There will also be a wine bike, a Kegway with exclusive Bastille Day brewed beer, and saber Olympics. A balloon artist, face painter, and cotton candy machine will keep kids busy in the children’s section. Unlike most street fair-style events, this one is not free; the cost of your ticket covers one “coin” which can be spent at the food and drink stations. Additional “coins” will be available for purchase at the event. The tasting stations will offer delicacies like boudin blanc baguettes, ham and gruyere croissants, bouillabaisse brochettes, and more. (Buy tickets here.) — Margeaux Brasserie (in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel), 11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611.
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