Every July 14, France celebrates Bastille Day to commemorate the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
Naturally, New York embraces any opportunity to drink French wine, eat French food, and embrace French culture.
On July 14, celebrate Bastille Day in New York City with some fun events for both grown-ups and kids.
1. Jacques and 1534 Bastille Day Festival
This Bastille Day celebration has it all -- roasted pig, absinthe cocktails and treats, French music and movie, and burlesque performances.
Start the evening uptairs at Nolita bistro Jacques with a French countryside feast (whole roasted pig and all of the trimmings) for just $17.89 per person (marking the year of the French rebellion). Dinner will be served from 6pm until 11pm.
At 10pm, venture downstairs to 1534 for an evening of absinthe-themed fun including cocktails served in absinthe fountains, absinthe candy and ice cream, burlesque dancers, and more. Wear a moustache and/or red lipstick to enter.
2. Bastille Day Street Festival
Start celebrating Bastille Day early on Sunday, July 10 at this street festival on 60th Street between Fifth and Lexington Avenues.
Presented by the French Institute Alliance Française, this annual street fair brings the best of France to New York for an afternoon -- including food, music, art, and some lively pétanque. Admission is free and one lucky Francophile will win a trip for two to Paris.
3. Bastille Day Ball
Dance to French music and big band tunes at this gala event at Club 404 (33rd Street and 10th Avenue). One lucky person will win a trip to Paris.
This party is New York's official Bastille Day Ball and has been a tradition since 1924. Admission is $30 per person ($120 for VIP admission) and tickets are available online.
4. Bastille Day at Bouchon Bakery
Foodies will love the opportunity to celebrate Bastille Day at Bouchon Bakery with Chef Thomas Keller's tasting menu of French boulangerie classics and some live French music by Kathleen Landis and her quartet.
Tickets are $95 per person and the event begins at 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 14.
5. Bastille Day Can-Can at Gaby
Head to Gaby in the Theater District for a special happy hour celebration featuring can-can dancers and live French music. from 5-9 pm. Gaby will be serving French wines, French-themed cocktails, and French-inspired amuse bouches.
6. Bastille Festival 2011
This 2-day French festival will take place on the Sky Deck Terrace at Novotel Hotel Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17.
Bastille Festival 2011 will feature French art exhibitions, musical performances, wine education classes, culinary demonstrations, activities for kids, and more.
Admission is free if you make reservations online, $10 at the door.
7. Bastille Day Wine and Cheese at Fig and Olive
Fig & Olive in the Meatpacking District is hosting a complimentary wine and cheese tasting and special prix-fixe menu for Bastille Day.
From 4:30-7:30 on July 14, a live DJ will accompany your sampling of French cheeses and seven different French wines.You must RSVP to attend.
Stick around for a two-course dinner of French cuisine with wine pairings for $50 per person. Reservations are highly recommended.
8. Dine Out During French Restaurant Week
French Restaurant Week runs from Sunday, July 10 through Sunday, July 17. Dine at any of the 30+ participating French restaurants, wine bars, and pastry shops and enjoy a special prix fixe menu offering for $17.89 in honor of Bastille Day.
Participating restaurants include Artisanal, L'Absinthe, Bubble Lounge, Le Singe Vert, and many more.
