For all the Francophones and Francophiles, here is your guide to properly celebrate France’s national holiday in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For the whole family
A pétanque tournament, Tahitian dance demonstrations, a café servers’ race, old Citroën and French product stands… As of 11 a.m., France’s colors will adorn Embarcadero Plaza. The festival, organized by the Comité Officiel des Associations françaises de la Baie de San Francisco, will end with music from several local groups, and an after-party, organized by L’Apéro, at SOMA with a DJ, charcuterie, and French cheese. Wear a marinière de rigueur! — Saturday, July 13, 11am-7pm. Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco. More information. After party from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., 111 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. More information.
For history buffs
Do you know what the link is between San Jose and the Eiffel Tower? Why San Francisco is known as the Paris of the Pacific? To find out, put on your walking shoes and discover the French heritage of San Jose and San Francisco on foot, accompanied by professional guides. Long live the 14th of July! — Bastille Day Downtown San Jose Walking Tour, Sunday, July 14, 4-5:30 p.m.; more info. 1850s Paris du Pacifique, Saturday 13 July at 11 am (in French), 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (in English); more info.
For music lovers
Far from the hassle of popular dances, Bastille Day will delight music fans, whether they love the club atmosphere, set by French DJs Proper Brother and Oury, at the Fluxus bar near Union Square, or the gypsy jazz group Le Jazz Hot, which will perform at the Mechanics’ Institute in San Francisco. — Bastille Day 2019 at Bar Fluxus, Sunday, July 14 from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., 18 Harlan Place, San Francisco, CA 94108; more info. Bastille Day Celebration featuring Le Jazz Hot, Sunday, July 14, 3 p.m., Mechanics’ Institute – 4th Floor Meeting Room, 57 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94104; more info.
For the nostalgic
Fans of Piaf, Brel and Charles Trenet will meet in Berkeley to revel in the music of SonoMusette’s accordion, which will cover the classic French songs. — Sunday, July 14, 6 p.m., Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704. More information.
For 21 years, the Bardot a Go Go Go has been celebrating July 14 with an evening of music from prominent 60s French pop stars: Dutronc, Hardy, Gainsbourg, Polnareff and of course BB! If you show up in a Yéyé costume they will even give you a discounted entrance fee. — Saturday, July 13, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco. More information.
For gourmets and gourmands
Winemaker Studios, a cooperative of wineries located on Treasure Island, offers a tasting of its wines made from French grape varieties, with a breathtaking view of San Francisco. — Sunday, July 14, 12-5 p.m. 448 Clipper Cove Way, San Francisco, CA 94130. More information.
On Belden Lane, the most French street in Downtown San Francisco, don’t miss the two festivities organized by Café Bastille: a special menu on Saturday evening and a brunch on Sunday, accompanied by a DJ to set the mood. — Saturday, July 13 from 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 14 from 11 a.m. 22 Belden Place, San Francisco 94104. More information.
