Bastille Day is a French national holiday celebrated on July 14th commemorating the storming of Bastille Prison in 1789 and the launch of the French Revolution. The Alliance Française de Washington and French restaurants in the Washington DC area offer special events and menus in celebration of Bastille Day. This is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and cuisine of France.

Bastille Day French Festival - July 11, 2015, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington DC. This annual DC festival celebrates France both past and present, with festivities for visitors of all ages, including dance performances, live music, French games, and hands-on art projects. Events take place among Hillwood-founder, Marjorie Post’s first collecting passion for the decorative arts of 18th century France, as well as the magnificent gardens on the estate. The event is sponsored by The Alliance Française de Washington, the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world.

Central’s Vive La France Bastille Day Celebration - July 14, 2015, 5-10:30 p.m. 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Celebrate liberté, égalité, and fraternité! The fête menu will be focused on classic French appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and served in addition to Central’s award-winning regular menu. Complimentary Gougeres for the dinner table.

Bastille's Celebration -  Dinner with Susan Herrmann Loomis, Author of In a French Kitchen - July 13, 2015, 7 p.m.

606 N Fayette St. Alexandria, VA. The book is a collection of tales from the kitchens of home cooks throughout France capturing the delightful celebration of French life and the cooks who turn even the simplest meals into an occasion.

Le Diplomate Bastille Day - July 11, 12 and 14, 2015. Surrounded by festive Bastille Day décor, guests will be entertained by a mime, as is commonly found on the streets of Paris. In addition to Le Diplomate's regular menu of classic French cuisine, the restaurant will be serving Quenelles de Brochet with Nantua Sauce as a Bastille Day special, giving guests an opportunity to taste a French delicacy that is rarely served in the U.S. In between courses, guests can step outside to play a round of Pétanque, a classic French game similar to bocce where two teams compete tothrow hollow metal balls (boules) closest to the target wooden ball (jack).

Wunder Garden Bastille Day Party - July 11, 3-10 p.m. 150 M St NE. Washington DC. After celebrating the 10^th anniversary on Vernon St last year, the folks at L’Enfant Cafe have decided to re-locate the fête to sister venue, Wunder Garten, the all new beer garden space in NoMa. Entry to this year’s event and DC’s biggest masquerade ball is $7. Advance ticket purchase is required and capacity is limited. Performances include can-can dancers, a New Orleans style brass marching band, burlesque dancers and the royal guests of honor, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. 

Read about more Cultural Events and Festivals in Washington DC