Bastille Day 2019

At Marlborough Street (between Berkeley and Clarendon)

Bastille Day is back! Our annual street party is Boston’s biggest French fête with live music, dancing, and delicious food and drinks. All are invited to celebrate la Fête nationale and the historic friendship between la République Française and the United States.

Each year, our block party attracts 2,000 guests who enjoy the flavors, sounds, and joie de vivre of France! This event offers fun for everyone, families included, with face painting and a kid's table offered between 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

This year our block party takes you to New Orleans via our music line-up, featuring brass bands and New Orleans soul.

Tickets Now on Sale!

General Admission

$34*

Garden Party All-Access Pass

$150

*Food and drink available for purchase at event. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $34, or at the event for $40, if available. FREE admittance for children under 10 to Street Party! On July 12, the day of the event, tickets can be purchased online until noon, at the Center from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, and at the event gate from 5:30 PM until sold out.

All tickets will be mailed or available for pickup at the Center starting June 17.

This event is rain-or-shine. Tickets are non-refundable; strollers and backpacks are strictly prohibited.

Music

One of the biggest highlights of Bastille Day in Boston is our live music concert. This year, we are thrilled to welcome:

Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Galatic, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few. He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world. In addition to displaying his skills on the front-line as a lead performer, Allen is also a music composer, writer, and producer. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience!

Check out Shamarr Allen

Bon Bon Vivant is an Indie-Gypsy/New Orleans band playing original bawdy gypsy swing, dark ballads and uptempo indie rock/dance music. Front-woman Abigail Cosio's songwriting is as fierce as it is heartbreaking, often compared to Amy Winehouse, Melody Gardot and Florence and the Machine. BBV pays homage to the New Orleans music tradition while infusing an indie/punk edge, attracting both swing dancers and indie-rock concert goers alike. Bon Bon Vivant can now be seen playing regularly at clubs all over New Orleans, and were featured at the French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Film Fest and the Creole Tomato Fest this year. BBV currently tours from Louisiana to the West Coast, playing storied venues like Clifton's and the Hotel Cafe (Los Angeles), as well as the Gatsby and The Rattle Inn during the Pecan Street Festival (Austin).

Check out Bon Bon Vivant

Food & Drink

Some of Boston’s most popular restaurants and vendors for French and French-inspired food will be at our street festival! From crêpes and waffles to delicious treats and tasty croque monsieurs, there is something for everyone. (Beer and wine will also be available for sale.)

LA VOILE BOSTON | LA VOILE BROOKLINE | MR. CRÊPE | WAFFLE CABIN | WILSON FARM

Sponsor

Show your support and get brand visibility! Sponsorship packages available.

Become a Sponsor
Contact Joyce Grippen, Director of Development
617.912.0400 ext. 428
jgrippen@frenchlibrary.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get here? Is there parking? Can I bring my backpack?

Read all the FAQs

Volunteer

Interested in being an insider at Bastille Day?

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Press Inquiries

If you are interested in covering the event, please send all inquiries to press@frenchlibrary.org.

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Upcoming Events

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Social & Community

Le club des lecteurs : Jean Rouaud

In-person, Indoor Event in French

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Join us at the French Library for a conversation about Les champs d'honneur by Jean Rouaud. We invite you to read the book in its entirety and meet us on April 29th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Performing Arts & Screenings

Soie: Behind the Curtain

In partnership with the French Theater Project

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Join us at the French Library for an exclusive preview of Soie, the stage adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s celebrated novel, to be performed May 1–3, 2026 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.