Bastille Day, the National Day of France, is July 14. Minneapolis and St. Paul aren't noted for having a large French ex-pat population, but French restraurants, French cultural organizations and francophiles in Minneapolis and St. Paul put on popular Bastille Day celebrations worthy of an Ooh la la!
Alliance Francaise Bastille Day Celebration: Storming of the Opera, July 11
The Alliance Francaise of Minneapolis/St. Paul presents their annual Bastille Day Celebration at the Minnesota Opera Center in downtown Minneapolis. Music from Opera News' "Young Soprano to Watch" Karin Wolverton, Tango Colombel, and Cafe Accordion, French food and wine, a vintage French car show, and children's activities are all covered by the ticket price of $35/$45.Bastille Day Block Party at Barbette, July 12
French restaurant Barbette in Uptown Minneapolis hosts an annual Bastille Day block party. This year the free event runs from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and features local music like veteran Irish rockers Romantica, this year's most hyped indie bands Halloween Alaska and the Idle Hands, Sims from critically acclaimed hip-hop collective Doomtree, entertainment from rollergirls and skaters, a flea market, and organic food and beverages.Brit's Pub Bastille Day Celebration, July 12
Neighbors divided by a narrow channel, the British and the French have been enemies for much of the last millenium, but in recent times the rivalry has taken on a much more friendly nature, mostly due to being on the same side in WW1 and WW2, and the greatly reduced cost of wine and beer on the French side of the channel compared with the British side, combined with very cheap ferry tickets. Brit's Pub celebrates the Anglo-French relationship with their annual Bastille Day celebration on their rooftop, with a British rocker, Shakespeare, a French movie, and food and drink specials.Brit's Bastille Day celebration starts at 1.30 p.m. and entertainment lasts all day. Free.
