60th St. between Fifth & Lexington Aves.
Sunday, July 15, 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 festivities will actually take place on Sunday, July 15, 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 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, Richart, Gastronomie 491, Bistro 61, Macaron Café, Financier, Opia, Ponty Bistro, Rouge Tomate, Tiny Treats, Bel Ami, Mille-feuille, and more; a macaron demonstration by master chef François Payard; French language workshops; live performances by the Hungry March Band and Can-Can Dancers; and a Kids’ Corner with such family activities as face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more.