60th St. between Fifth & Lexington Aves.
Sunday, July 14, free, 12 noon – 5:00 pm
www.bastilledaynyc.com
www.fiaf.org
On July 14, 1789, a Parisian mob stormed the Bastille prison, a symbolic victory that kicked off the French Revolution and the establishment of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Ever since, July 14 has been a national holiday celebrating liberté, égalité, and fraternité. In New York City, the Bastille Day festivities are set for Sunday, July 14, along Sixtieth St., where the French Institute Alliance Française hosts its annual daylong party of food, music, dance, and other special activities. There will be tastings ($20) inside FIAF, including wine and cheese, cocktails, and beer; a raffle ($5) drawing with such prizes as trips to France, St. Barts, and New Orleans; a Twitter challenge with yet more prizes; food and drink from Le Souk, Ricard, Epicerie Boulud, the Crepe Escape, Macaron Parlour, Financier, Ponty Bistro, Augustin’s Waffles, Tiny Treats, François Payard Patisserie, Mille-feuille, Le Cirque, and others; complimentary French language workshops; live performances by the Hungry March Band and Can-Can Dancers; roaming mime Catherine Gasta; accordion player Harlan Muir; a Citroën Car Show; and a Kids’ Corner with such family activities as face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. In addition, the inaugural Bastille Day Banquet features $30 box lunches with fine rillettes & cornichons, coq-au-vin, a mini baguette, bottled water, crème caramel, and a Phrygian liberty cap. Viva la France!