Are you ready to storm the streets? Bastille Days, Milwaukee’s French-themed festival, starts Thursday July 14 and runs through Sunday July 17. It takes place in and around downtown's Cathedral Square Park.
The festival will include: A Mardi Gras parade, wine tasting, Kid’s Day activities, live entertainment and a variety of food with a French twist. Here are five things we’re looking forward to:
BMO Harris Bank’s Storm the Bastille, the infamous 5k run and 2 mile walk, will take place on opening day at 9:00 p.m. in memory of the 18th century attack in Paris.
It begins on Jefferson and Wells and will take participants through downtown and the Historic Third Ward. Registration on the day of the race is $25. Online registration is now closed.
Mardi Gras Friday is returning. The parade will be Friday at 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Stock up on your beads!
The 7th annual wine tasting will be held in a tent located at the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park on Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase on grounds for $35 or in advance online for $25. Each tasting is limited to 75 people.
Kids Day is on Saturday from 10 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. A French-themed breakfast will be offered for $5, as well as ballet lessons and soccer drills, face painting and live music across the festival.
Live entertainment will be held at four different stages throughout the festival. There will be music, and performances to look forward to. Even Mayor Tom Barrett will be there on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for the ceremonial tapping of the brew’s firkin keg!
Access to the festival is free for everyone. Bastille Days will be open 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.
If you would like to receive updates on Bastille Days information and have an interactive map, you can download the new Bastille Days mobile app through the iTunes App Store or Google Play.
