Bastille Day - Free Public Festival
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The Alliance Française de Portland presents the 24th Annual Bastille Day Festival on July 12, 2026, in celebration of the French National Holiday. Like the U.S. Fourth of July, the French National Holiday celebrates a revolution that changed a nation. In 1789 the French stormed the Bastille prison, marking the birth of the modern French nation. The storming of the Bastille symbolizes the values of Liberté, Fraternité, and Egalité which endure in the hearts of the French people and resonate worldwide.
Schedule of Featured Activities
While many activities, vendor booths, the French book sale, children's activities, pétanque, fencing demonstrations, soccer, face painting, poster exhibition, raffle, and the caption contest will be available throughout the festival, don't miss these scheduled highlights:
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
Live Music with Eric John Kaiser
Parisian-born singer-songwriter Eric John Kaiser welcomes festival-goers with a lively set of French songs, blending chanson, folk, and rock influences.
1:40 PM
La Marseillaise & Welcome Remarks
Join us as we play the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, followed by welcome remarks from the Honorary Consul of France in Oregon.
1:45 PM
Community Sing-Along: Les Champs-Élysées
Sing along with Eric John Kaiser as we celebrate one of the most beloved songs in French popular music, made famous by Joe Dassin.
2:00 PM – 2:40 PM
French-Themed Dance Performance & Movement Experience with BodyVox
Enjoy a playful French-inspired performance by Portland's renowned dance company, followed by an interactive movement experience open to all ages and abilities.
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Live Baking Demonstration with Dominique Geulin, MOF (Kitchen Area-limited attendance. Sign up sheet available at the Alliance stand starting 1pm)
Discover the art of pâte à choux as master baker Dominique Geulin of St. Honoré Bakery demonstrates how this classic French dough becomes éclairs, profiteroles, gougères, chouquettes, and more.
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
DIY Comic Book Workshop with Bridgett Spicer (Children's Area, limited attendance. Sign up sheet available at the Alliance stand starting 1pm)
Learn how to create your own mini comic book with local cartoonist Bridgett Spicer. Participants will fold, draw, and create their own stories—en français ou pas!
Where & When
📍 The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
📅 Sunday, July 12, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Details here: https://www.afportland.org/cultural-center/bastille-day/
Schedule of Featured Activities
While many activities, vendor booths, the French book sale, children's activities, pétanque, fencing demonstrations, soccer, face painting, poster exhibition, raffle, and the caption contest will be available throughout the festival, don't miss these scheduled highlights:
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
Live Music with Eric John Kaiser
Parisian-born singer-songwriter Eric John Kaiser welcomes festival-goers with a lively set of French songs, blending chanson, folk, and rock influences.
1:40 PM
La Marseillaise & Welcome Remarks
Join us as we play the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, followed by welcome remarks from the Honorary Consul of France in Oregon.
1:45 PM
Community Sing-Along: Les Champs-Élysées
Sing along with Eric John Kaiser as we celebrate one of the most beloved songs in French popular music, made famous by Joe Dassin.
2:00 PM – 2:40 PM
French-Themed Dance Performance & Movement Experience with BodyVox
Enjoy a playful French-inspired performance by Portland's renowned dance company, followed by an interactive movement experience open to all ages and abilities.
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Live Baking Demonstration with Dominique Geulin, MOF (Kitchen Area-limited attendance. Sign up sheet available at the Alliance stand starting 1pm)
Discover the art of pâte à choux as master baker Dominique Geulin of St. Honoré Bakery demonstrates how this classic French dough becomes éclairs, profiteroles, gougères, chouquettes, and more.
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
DIY Comic Book Workshop with Bridgett Spicer (Children's Area, limited attendance. Sign up sheet available at the Alliance stand starting 1pm)
Learn how to create your own mini comic book with local cartoonist Bridgett Spicer. Participants will fold, draw, and create their own stories—en français ou pas!
Where & When
📍 The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
📅 Sunday, July 12, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Details here: https://www.afportland.org/cultural-center/bastille-day/
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Where is it happening?
Redd on Salmon Street, 730 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherAlliance Française de Portland
