Bastille Days Milwaukee
Many people dream of summering on the French Riviera, or Provence, or an exciting trip to the “city of light” - Paris. If your purse strings are tight, or the calendar doesn’t allow, you might get your “French fix” this weekend at Bastille Days in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee is known as the “city of festivals” and two of the things that make this one different than most is the location and cost-FREE. Bastille Days is held at Cathedral Square in the heart of the East Town area, and not on the Summerfest grounds like most others. This gives it the cosmopolitan feel and even features a 43’ Eiffel Tower built for the occasion by neighboring MSOE students.
Evenings are perfect for strolling the lamp lit streets, or picnicking on the grass and listing to music. According to the website, musical guests include: Paul Cebar (July 8), The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (July 9), Lisa Haley and the Zydecats (July 10) and Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons (July 11). Food vendors feature typical fest fare and most popular Beignets, Champagne,crepes, croissants and Boueff Bourgnine to mention just a few. Demonstrations are given by chefs, vintners and cheese makers.
Some other highlights include the opening of the fest with the “Storm the Bastille” 5K run that starts at 9pm, no sunburn worries there! For pet lovers, the 2nd annual La Parade des Caniches, or translated: Pooch Parade Sunday you can cheer waiters and waitresses in an obstacle course race. Old St Marys has a French Mass for a unique experience, no matter your religion.
Bastille Days is sponsored by the East Town Neighborhood which also organizes the very popular Jazz in the Park and a fabulous Farmers Market every Saturday.
The downtown location is an easy commute for those living in the city or the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee. Whether you are a die hard Franco-file or looking for a new festival experience, you will LOVE Bastille Days! C’est Magnifique!
(Photo credits: french pooch-JSOnline; Tour Eiffel- East Town Association)
Posted by: 
Pat Tasker
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