Where to Celebrate Bastille Day in Chicago
Bastille day is celebrated in Paris officially on July 14 with the pomp and circumstance of a military ceremony, military parade down the Avenue des Champs Élysées, fireworks, fighter jet flyovers and raucous parties which can’t be replicated here in Chicago but you can still celebrate La Fête Nationale the Chicago way. The day is in celebration the anniversary of the storming of the infamous Bastille prison in 1789 – a turning point for the success of the French Revolution, and now a national holiday throughout France. Here’s a guide to some of the best Bastille Day celebrations taking place in the Chicagoland area, even if you are not of French descent, assume the role of a Francophile for the day and take in the celebration.
Bastille Day Chicago Celebration at Navy Pier
(BASTILLE DAY EDITION 2022 : VENEZ CELEBRER LA FETE NATIONALE FRANCAISE)
The Committee of French Societies in the Midwest and the Consulate General of France in Chicago invite the French community and all the friends of France to celebrate the French National Holiday, Bastille Day at Bastille Day in Chicago. This holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris, on July 14, 1789. Takings place at Navy Pier, Lake Stage area on Wednesday, July 13, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Come with your picnic.
Join us for an evening of family friendly entertainment: Pétanque (Bocci ball), photo booth, and live music with DJ Raphaël Olivier. The children will be very busy drawing, coloring, nail and face painting etc. Taste great wines and champagne at very low prices. You can also enjoy a delicious cocktail combining iconic French brands Grey Goose Vodka and St Germain elderflower liqueur. The event will culminate with the spectacular Navy Pier Fireworks, at 9:15 pm.
**Please note that your bags will be subject to search at the entrance. Outside alcoholic drinks are PROHIBITED at Navy Pier.**
Eiffle Film Screening at Alliance Française de Chicago
Alliance Française de Chicago hosted an Afternoon Bastille Day Celebration over the weekend and they will also be hosting an official event on the actual Bastille day. Guests are invited to the chic-est film series in Chic-ago with a flute of bubbles included. It is the Quatorze Juillet, the day France celebrates Bastille Day with a military parade on the Champs Elysees, fireworks over la Seine and bals populaires in each arrondissements fire station. So tonight we thought we’d show you how the most iconic symbol for Paris, la tour Eiffel, was built, via film. Eiffel (2022) will be showing On-site at Alliance Française de Chicago (54 W. Chicago Avenue) starting at 6:30pm. Members and students are free; $15 Non-Members. Click here to register.
The Eiffel Tower has been visited by more than 300 million tourists and is as indispensable an element in the establishing shot of any Parisian story as someone carrying a baguette home for dinner or bal-musette music on the soundtrack.
Check out artwork at the Art Institute of Chicago
Lucky you, the Art Institute of Chicago will be open on Thursday July 14 for Bastille Day. Though there isn’t an official French Art Tour anymore, you can still take in a tour of great French Art. The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the largest and finest collections of late 19th-century French art in the world from some of the most recognized artists like Renoir, Degas, Manet, Seurat to name a few. Better still also check out the Cezanne exhibit currently at the Art Institute which runs through September 5.
Dining Specials for Bastille Day
Chicago is home to several French and French inspired dining destinations.
Robert et Fils
In the heart of Chicago’s North Center neighborhood sits the intimate restaurant, Robert et Fils, now offering “Patio Hour” on Wednesday through Saturdays from 3:00pm-5:00pm. What better way to celebrate than with Parisian drinking snacks and BOGO (buy-one-get-one) glasses of select wines? Diners can indulge in a selection of homemade breads, pastries, small plates, and more! Want to keep the fun going all night long? The full a la carte dinner menu is available from 5:00pm to close. Diners can make a reservation here and walk-ins are also welcome.
Le Bouchon
One of Chicago’s best restaurant has been operating at ist Bucktown location since 1993. You’ll be spoiled for choices of classic French cuisine Garlic-y Escargot, Pâté en Croute, Salade Lyonnaise, Steak Frites, Poulet Roti and Full Duck for two.
Pomeroy
Located on Chicago’s North Shore, Pomeroy offers approachable French fare in the charming town of Winnetka. In honor of Bastille Day, diners can indulge in half-off oysters happy hour from 4:30pm-6:00pm while sipping on a glass of champagne to celebrate. Additionally, specialty desserts and signature dishes will also be available for purchase. Diners can choose between the expansive sidewalk patio or dine indoors overlooking the courtyard patio,
Joyeux 14 Juillet à tous!
