American and French flags. Vector illustration.
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The celebration of French Bastille Day—one of the most ambitious and successful celebrations of French culture outside of France—will take place in New York City this year on July 12, 2026, from Noon to 5 PM.
With a turnout of over 50,000 people in 2025, this family-oriented festival remains a summer highlight for both tourists and locals.
The afternoon festivities will take place on Madison Avenue from 59th to 63rd Street and on 60th Street between Fifth and Park Avenues. The theme of this year’s festival is “Montmartre to Manhattan.”
“More than a celebration of France, Bastille Day brings New Yorkers together in a living dialogue between two cultures that have shaped one another for 250 years,” said Tatyana Franck, President of L’Alliance New York (formerly the French Institute Alliance Française), announcing the event.
L’Alliance New York, sponsor of the annual event, is a non-profit center dedicated to fostering the exchange of language, culture and ideas between the United States and France.
Bastille Day: Something For Everyone
Some of the highlights of this year’s program include:
Monumental Jeu de l’Oie (Goose Game)
A life-size interactive street installation inspired by the board game Chutes and Ladders with oversized dice that allow players to land on one of 63 iconic Parisian or New York landmarks or street scenes.
Canaval des Animaux Pet Parade and Costume Contest
New this year, pets and their proud owners will have the opportunity to show off their creative attire reflecting French culture and style.
Visual Arts & Dance Workshops
Visitors of all ages will be invited to participate in hands-on workshops celebrating arts and dance on a pop-up lawn on Madison Avenue.
Film Screenings
Two award-winning films, the comedy Mon Oncle and the musical Leave One Day, will be shown at the Florence Gould Theater.
Citroen Car Rally
Visitors will have a chance to see classic models of the iconic French cars as part of The Greater New York Citroen & Velosolex Bastille Day Rally and Rendezvous.
The French Market
Food lovers will be tempted by the French specialty foods showcased at booths on Madison Avenue, with most vendors representing local businesses.
Other activities include a Bastille Day raffle, a tasting party with live music, a World Cup-themed treasure hunt and a French garden.
The Bastille Day Music Festival in Central Park
The day’s festivities will culminate in a lively Bastille Day concert.
The Consulate General of France, in partnership with CAFUSA and Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, is hosting the free concert in Central Park (entrance at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue) on July 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
“In this year 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of Franco-American friendship, and in the midst of the FIFA World Cup, we wanted a dance-filled program featuring some of the biggest names in French music, across all its dimensions. Our Bastille Day will therefore be more than ever a festive moment and a journey through the eras of French song,” said Cédrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France to New York, in a press release.
Headlining the concert will be French rapper Black M, chanteur Laurent Voulzy, French pop group Legends of the 80s, and a rare appearance by French chanteur Michel Polnareff.
About Bastille Day in France and Abroad
The national holiday is celebrated in France on July 14th each year, marking the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution. (If the holiday doesn’t fall on a Sunday, New York celebrates the day on the Sunday before or after.)
Not only are festivities held throughout France—including fireworks, concerts, parties, and a military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris—but Bastille Day celebrations also take place in major cities and small towns around the world.
L’Alliance New York is also hosting a two-day Bastille Day celebration at its Montclair, New Jersey campus on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11.
Video of Bastille Day 2025 on YouTube Bastille Day Events: Before You Go
The main stage at the Bastille Day Festival on 59th Street and Madison will feature free live music and entertainment throughout the day. However, some events are ticketed, so be sure to check the complete schedule and activity locations on the L’Alliance Bastille Day website.
Admission to the evening Bastille Day concert in Central Park is free, subject to capacity, but early arrival is strongly recommended.