Join us at the Bastille Day festival July 16, 2022!

The free admission event organized under the patronage of the Consul General of France in San Francisco, Frédéric Jung, is open to all French and American residents and visitors of the Bay Area. Come enjoy a multitude of Bay Area French establishments, food, wine and beer booths, a Citroen vintage car show, Pétanque tournaments, "Course de Garçons de Café” (waiters’ race), a kid’s garden and playground, tours of the San Francisco French Quarter, French musicians and much more! We offer all kinds of fun for the entire family! 

COVID-19 Update

We could not hold the festival in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID-19, but we hope 2022 will be different! See our page Bastille Week SF to learn more about how we did celebrate Bastille Day this year. We will keep you informed of the City’s decisions regarding the festival next year. Learn more about Bastille Day below!

Check out the 2019 festival video below. 

What is Bastille Day?

The very first San Francisco Bastille Day celebration took place in 1880, and in 2021 - 141 years later - the Official Committee of French American Organizations of Northern California is again planning a grand Bastille Day festival a la Française. San Francisco and Paris have been official sister cities since November 1996.

Why do we celebrate Bastille Day?

French-American friendship spans 243 years, starting with the 1778 treaty and military support in the American Revolutionary War when France became the first ally of the new United States. The French were on the ground early in California. The first French immigrant recorded is Jean-Louis Vignes, who came from Bordeaux and started a vineyard near Los Angeles in 1831. As early as the Spring of 1850, the French were operating stores, restaurants, and hotels on Clay street, in the old business section. In July of the same year, Mr. Dilion arrived as the first French consul in San Francisco. There was a French newspaper, "L'Echo du Pacifique," as early as 1852. They even built the first railroad in San Francisco, a steam line, which ran from the bay to the Mission Dolores! As mentioned, the first San Francisco Bastille Day celebration took place in 1880. San Francisco was often referred to as "The Paris of America." Some may remember the “City of Paris” store where now stands Neiman Marcus. The first HMO was the French Hospital which opened in 1851 and aided all San Franciscans regardless of citizenship; it is now known as Kaiser’s French campus on Geary. The French have certainly left a noticeable and enduring impression upon San Francisco’s first century of history.

As San Francisco celebrated yet another grand Bastille Day in 1897, Mayor James D. Phelan spoke as follows: “Ladies and gentlemen: San Francisco is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and from the very beginning its French population has been conspicuous in its development. Their love of the Republic, their enthusiasm for freedom, their artistic tastes and accomplishments have contributed to the up-building of the City and the strength of the State. The character of California's soil and climate, resembling-France, makes them feel at home, and has wedded them with ties of love and affection to the Golden State.

​This is the French national holiday, and its significance is in full accord with the principles that underlie the structure of the American Government. America celebrates the 4th of July; France, a few days later, the 14th. The one following the other is more than a coincidence— it is a consequence […]” –  Pronounced 124 years ago, these words still resonate today.

​The San Francisco Bay Area French population is still a significant part of the Bay Area life and economy. The Bastille day SF festival, held each year on the 3rd Saturday of July, serves to illustrate the solidarity of the French community in San Francisco, and, it is a great opportunity to celebrate the great values France and America share: Liberty, Fraternity, Equality! ​

Location & Transportation

• Bastille Day Festival, located at Embarcadero Plaza, is easy to get to from anywhere in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge or Peninsula. For detailed driving directions, visit Google Maps. There are a number of affordable parking options within a couple blocks of Embarcadero Plaza.
• Public Transit is highly recommended while visiting San Francisco, as parking is often limited and traffic can be troublesome. Muni and BART trains both stop at Embarcadero Station. Several Muni bus lines also stop nearby Embarcadero Station at Ferry Plaza. Muni's F line historic streetcars run along the Embarcadero and stop close by Pier 1. Plan your trip in advance via Muni or BART. 
• Ferry service is available for people visiting from across the Bay. Golden Gate Ferry and SF Bay Ferry offer regular service throughout the day from Oakland, Alameda, Vallejo, Mare Island, Larkspur, Sausalito and Tiburon. All ferries disembark at the Ferry Building, which is just across the boulevard. Plan your ferry ride in advance with Golden Gate Ferry and SF Bay Ferry. 
• Bicycles easily access the Embarcadero. There is a large, wide bike lane and bike racks are located in front of and behind the Ferry building. We recommend that you use a sturdy U-lock, as there have been incidents of cable-clipping. For bike lane maps and cycling information, go to www.sfbike.org.​

Contact Us

Donate Here

 Due to COVID-19, several of our community and business partners have been immensely struggling. In order to keep this event alive we are looking for donations. Any amount helps and your contribution is very much appreciated.

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