France comes alive on July 14 every year when Bastille Day rolls around and calls for celebration. In France, the streets are filled with all-night parties, fireworks, parades, concerts and more to commemorate the storming of the Bastille in 1789.
Experience Chicago’s Bastille Day celebrations with bakeries, brunches, and brews. Enjoy cultural activities and lively parties throughout the city. Perfect for visitors of all ages, these events will delight everyone.
French Culinary Delights
Chicago French Market
Chicago’s oldest and largest European-inspired indoor food market is located in West Loop. Find fresh produce, creative confections, ample seating and more from numerous vendors. While not all vendors serve French cuisine, enjoy an atmosphere reminiscent of Europe no matter what vendor you choose.
Sofitel Magnificent Mile
Celebrate Bastille Day at the Sofitel on Sunday, July 14th, with a Chandon Garden Spritz cocktail and French-inspired eats. Attendees will enjoy canapés like mini lobster rolls, tuna tartare, and ratatouille, along with a chef-attended station for Flambee Crêpes. Tickets are $109 per person, including an open bar, and can be purchased on Tock.
Mon Ami Gabi
From Friday July 12 through Friday July 26, Lincoln Park’s Mon Ami Gabi will be serving up a special Bastille Day Menu to toast France’s National Holiday. The menu features a chilled mussels marmande with roasted tomato pot de creme, tomato vinaigrette and a toasted baguette, wild Atlantic Cod with roasted summer squash, sunflower, and sauce Americaine, and last, but certainly not least, a sweet blueberry chausson with lemon sherbet and candied poppyseed. This menu is perfect for those looking for classic French fare with stunningly fresh seafood.
Maison Parisienne
On Armitage Ave the taste of Paris is brought to life at Maison Parisienne with their sacred recipes that originated in Paris. Enjoy authentic French food from croissants and baguettes to quiche lorraine or croque-monsieur. Fluffy and flaky delights have been perfected using European bitter and french chocolate.
La Grande Boucherie
La Grande Boucherie in River North blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with refined Parisian charm. Their delightful French fare is the perfect choice for a Bastille Day Brunch. Enjoy prime steak frites, Foie Gras, Le Croque Madame and more in this stunning two story restaurant feeding custom stained-glass windows, custom mosaics and newly constructed dog-friendly patio.
Bar La Rue
One of Fulton Market’s hottest spots is bringing a unique blend of French-American cuisine and inventive cocktails to the table for Bastille Day and the Paris Olympics. On the 14th, Bar La Rue will be hosting an all-day “shuck off” featuring their happy hour menu with chilled oysters and a spectacular shellfish tower. Pair your happy hour delights with sparkling French wines priced at just $9 a glass.
Bistronomic
On Sunday July 14, celebrate Bastille Day at Bistronomic for live Gypsy Jazz music, a Great Bastille Day 3 Course Menu with Choices and many Bastille Day Dinner Specials! The regular dinner menu will be available as well.
Maison Marcel
Located in Chicago’s bustling Lakeview neighborhood, Maison Marcel brings the essence of France to Chicago through a combination of sweet and savory food items, signature lattes, artisanal pastries and, on the weekends, bottomless mimosas. Taste all the flavors of France in this cozy, boho-inspired cafe.
Bistro Campagne
Since 2002, Bistro Campagne has been Lincoln Square’s friendly, neighborhood restaurant crafted in the tradition of a true French Bistro. Bistro Champagne is dishing up French classics from Moules (mussels) Meuniere to Steak Frites and Escargots. Pair your meal with craft cocktails or sparkling French wines to enhance your experience.
La Creperie
Lakeview’s La Creperie has perfected the crepe with their perfectly smooth and buttery batter which is cooked to perfection in order to become the perfect vessel for both savory and sweet combinations. Enjoy classics such as nutella banana or fromage or enjoy La Creperie combinations like poulet au curry or boeuf bourguignon.
Le Bouchon
Bucktown’s Le Bouchon’s dining room will transport you straight to Paris with classics like their decadent onion tart, succulent steak frites or even a full duck for two all alongside an extensive French wine list.
Cultural Activities & Parties
Bastille Day Celebration at Navy Pier
Join the Committee of French Speaking Societies for a Bastille Day celebration on Saturday, July 13, from 6PM to 9PM at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. Enjoy an evening of free, family-friendly entertainment with live music from Real Binz and Dromeo the Lover Boy, followed by Navy Pier fireworks at 10PM. Bring a picnic basket and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Real Binz combines American swagger with French flair, while Dromeo the Lover Boy offers indie rock for star-crossed lovers. Celebrate the French national holiday with the French community and friends in Chicago.
Opening Passages: Chicago & Paris
Until August 25, explore Villa Albertine’s multi-site exhibition featuring installations in non-traditional venues and community spaces across Chicago. “Opening Passages” is a photographic exhibition curated by Carl Fuldner, with associate curators Pascal Beausse (Cnap) and Clément Postec (Ateliers Médicis), showcasing at the Chicago Cultural Center, 6018|North, BUILD Chicago, and Experimental Station. The exhibition explores themes like urban divisions, cultural identity, and immigrant experiences, featuring artists from both the U.S. and France. Supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art and Institut français, it invites visitors to reflect on the dynamic social landscapes of Chicago and Paris.
Bastille Day at the Alliance Française
Celebrate Bastille Day with the Alliance Française de Chicago on July 13. The afternoon features family-friendly activities like bubbles, cookie decorating, and arts and crafts. In the evening, enjoy entertainment, delicious fare, and dancing to French music by a live DJ. After dancing, learn some French words and phrases.
