Don’t put away your reds, whites and blues just yet because Bastille Day is right around the corner! Celebrate French National Day all weekend long with events and activities around New York City in anticipation of the holiday on Monday, July 14th. Vive La France!
1. Maille Mustard Truck
Just in time for Bastille Day, luxury mustard makers Maille will be bringing a mustard bar to Manhattan in the form of a food truck from July 11th to 13th. Originally, La Maison Maille held the unique responsibility of supplying King Louis XV of France with his official stash of vinegar and mustard. A visit to the food truck comes with complimentary tastings of five different varieties and a chance to compose an individual palette of Dijon flavors. Click here for more information on Maille and for a complete list of when and where Maille Mustard Mobile with be available.
2. See Vintage Citroen Cars and Velosolex Motorized Bicycles
Yes there’s such thing as the Greater New York Citroen & Velosolex Club, and they’re hosting their 15th Annual Bastille Day Rally and Rendez Vous around New York City on Saturday featuring vintage Citroen cars and Velosolex motorized bicycles from France.
The starting point for the Rally will be on 122nd Street and Riverside Drive South (Grant’s Tomb) at 10:00 AM. The vehicles will drive around Manhattan and conclude as part of the French Institute – Alliance Française’s street fair (see below) where the vehicles will be on public display. More info at: greaternycitroenvelosolexclub.com.
3. Bastille Day Ball
Make your way to Club 404 on 10th Avenue on Friday, July 11th and enjoy an evening at the Bal du 14 Juiilet, New York’s only official Bastille Day Ball since 1924. Dance the night away from 6:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. with a live orchestra and DJ set. Click here for more information about ticket purchases for the event or for the raffle with two round trip tickets to Paris up for grabs.
4. Third Annual French Bulldog Party and Fundraiser
On Saturday, July 12th make your way to Cobble Hill, Brooklyn for the Third Annual French Bulldog Party and Fundraiser brought to you by By Brooklyn! Enjoy an afternoon filled with pups, cocktails and refreshments while also supporting a local animal shelter at the same time. This event runs from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and entry is $5 if you bring your pup or $10 if you come solo. All refreshments are provided by Stinky Bklyn, Smith & Vine, Dassara and Morris Kitchen. Net proceeds will be donated to Brooklyn Animal Action.
5. Bastille Day Party Petanque Tournament
Spend the afternoon in Brooklyn at the Bastille Day Party Petanque Tournament on Smith Street on Monday, July 13th as the entire street is transformed into a sand covered pentanque court. Pentanque is a popular European game similar to horseshoes and bocci ball that originated in the South of France in the early 1900’s. Foods and drinks for this event are all provided by local restaurants and eateries.
6. FIAF Bastille Day Street Fair
On Sunday July 13th from noon to 5:00 p.m., celebrate Bastille Day and enjoy the best of French culture at the French Institute Alliance Française’s annual street fair on 60th Street. This street fair has it all with crepes, wine, beer, activities for children and even a gigantic prize drawing that includes luxury trips to France. New to the fair this year is the Grands Vins Tour de France! Sample 25 French wines and champagnes while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cheese pairings from Président Specialty Cheeses. For more information and a complete list of partners and sponsors click here.