Immerse yourself in the heart of the celebration of July 14th (known as Bastille Day in the United States) in the San Francisco Bay Area, where French National Day is enthusiastically honored. While the traditional kermesse organized at Embarcadero by the Official Committee of Associations sadly won’t be taking place this year, several events await you to commemorate this special occasion.
Lively festivities, culinary delights, and community gatherings will allow you to celebrate this emblematic day. Whether you’re a confirmed Francophile or simply curious to discover new traditions, July 14th in the San Francisco Bay Area is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a festive and memorable atmosphere… and it also takes place on different dates, here they are in chronological order:
A Dinner Dance: The Official Committee of Franco-American Organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area is organizing their annual Bastille Day dinner dance on at the Basque Cultural Center, featuring a dinner followed by a dance party with the Ron Borelli orchestra! It’s a traditional evening in the presence of the Consul General of France, Frédéric Jung. A raffle will allow you to win numerous prizes, including an all-inclusive trip with Club Med.
Date: July 8th, from 6pm to 9pm
Address: Basque Cultural Center – 599 Railroad Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Reservation required
Bastille sur Belden: A picturesque European getaway in downtown San Francisco! For this 2nd edition of Bastille on Belden, the restaurants of the alley have partnered with Downtown SF for a musical and festive evening with Vintage Jukebox. They will offer specially crafted menus for the occasion. Berets will be given away during the evening!
Date: July 14th, from 4pm to 8pm
Address: Belden Place
Free admission, more info here
Alliance Française de San Francisco: A French-themed evening that will also celebrate the reopening of the Alliance’s theater. An evening of gastronomy and music: French wine, cheese and charcuterie platters, live music, performances, and a French DJ to close the night. Limited seating available.
Date: July 14th, from 6pm to 11pm
Address: AFSF – 1345 Bush Street – San Francisco
Free with reservation
Rickshaw Stop Bardot A Go-Go 25th Birthday Bash: Bardot à Gogo celebrates its 25th anniversary: this annual party at the Rickshaw Stop is the place to spend a wild evening with the best of decadent French pop from the 60s, featuring Brigitte Bardot, Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Dutronc, Françoise Hardy, and many others! Plus, enjoy other international garage/soul/bubblegum sounds with the founder DJ of Bardot à Gogo, Brother Grimm! For early birds: free 60s hairdos by Les Bouffants Dangereux!
Date: July 14th, starting at 9pm – All ages!
Address: Rickshaw Stop – 155 Fell Street, San Francisco
Get your tickets here for $10 in advance or $15 at the door
Alliance Française de Napa: Cocktail apéritif, hors-d’œuvres, music, dance, and a fundraiser for this family event that will also support the Alliance Française de Napa. Take the opportunity to speak French and sing along with Madeline and Chere in a Riverpark residence.
Date: Sunday, July 16th, from 4pm to 8pm
Address: Napa Valley Yacht Club
Get your tickets here
Happy Bastille Day to everyone!
