L’ALLIANCE NEW YORK BASTILLE DAY 2026
Jul 12 12:00 pm - Jul 12 5:00 pm
Detailed Program:
Sunday, July 12 — Manhattan Bastille Day Events
Montmartre to Manhattan:
Celebrating 250 Years of French American Creativity
A lively mix of performances, hands-on art, and pop-up experiences will bring 250 years of French American creativity to life, celebrating the rule-breakers, risk-takers, and the avant-garde spirit that connects both cultures. Bold and interactive moments will invite everyone to experiment, create, and come together in a shared spirit of creativity and fraternité.
Monumental Jeu de l’Oie (Goose Game)
Artist Gwendoline Finaz de Villaine and illustrator Pauline Lévêque invite the public to become the players themselves using oversized dice specially created for the event in this human size art installation covering 1,225 square feet. Monumental Jeu de l’Oie (Goose Game) features 63 illustrated spaces inspired by the Chutes and Ladders-style game, each depicting an iconic Parisian or New York landmark or street scene.
“From the start, we wanted to celebrate two cities we both love,” explain Finaz de Villaine and Lévêque. “It feels like serendipity to install the Monumental Jeu de l’Oie (Goose Game) the year America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence and New York the 140th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. The public will be able to roll the dice to perhaps jump from a drawing of Versailles, representing French support for the American Revolution, all the way to the Statue of Liberty, an enduring symbol of friendship.”
More information: Check Monumental Jeu de l’Oie
Free | Location: Madison Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets.
Carnaval des Animaux: A Pet Parade and Costume Contest
Step into the whimsical world of the Carnaval des Animaux, a playful celebration of pets and their owners.
This lively event, presented in partnership with New York Dog Parade, will feature a pet costume contest and a glamorous animal parade along the red carpet, where pets and their owners can show off their most creative looks in true French festival style.
From chic pups to fabulous felines, the Carnaval des Animaux promises an afternoon filled with charm, laughter, and unforgettable photo moments. Registration is required for contestants and participation is limited to animals with fur or feathers only.
Free | Location: Madison Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets
Visual Arts & Dance Workshops
Throughout the day, visitors of all ages are invited to participate in a series of hands-on workshops that will take place on the pop-up lawn at Madison Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets.
Citroën Car Rally
L’Alliance New York Bastille Day will once again be an official stop for The Greater New York Citroën & Velosolex Club’s Annual Bastille Day Rally & Rendez-vous.
Visitors can admire classic models of the iconic French car maker up close on 60th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues.
Free | Location: 60th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues
The French Garden
Premium shopping returns to The French Garden, located between 61st and 62nd Streets on Madison Avenue, featuring Printemps New York, Président, Angelina Paris, Brooklyn French Bakers, Café d’Avignon, Cartolina Nantucket, La Maison du Chocolat, Mille-Feuille Bakery, Mustela, and more.
This year, visitors will also view a special classic car presented by Retromobile, the world-renowned exhibition that will come to New York for the first time in November.
French Garden booths will be open from 12pm to 5pm.
Free | Location: Between 61st and 62nd Streets on Madison Avenue
The French Market
The French Market brings together 50+ food and lifestyle vendors offering French food, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities along Madison Avenue.
Participating vendors include 92 NY, Bear Maple Farms, Crepe Suzette, Frenchy Coffee, GT’s Living Foods, Kennedy International School, La Méchante, La Maison Tachon, Maman, Marbré, Mumu Bath, Prince Peacock, Raclette Street, Le Silo Bleu, Simply Gourmand, L’Union Alsacienne, Vermont Maple Lemonade, Wafels & Dinges, and many others, with a majority of local businesses.
Family Activity partners including the NY/NJ FIFA Host Committee, La Boule New Yorkaise, Sheridan Fencing and Asphalt Green will offer interactive activities for players of all ages.
Market booths will be open from 12pm to 5pm.
Free | Location: Madison Avenue and 60th Street
Montmartre to Manhattan Tasting Party
Curated by Maison Tara NYC in the L’Alliance New York an afternoon tasting party celebrating the rich artistic dialogue between France and the United States through food, wine, and conversation. Guests will enjoy a curated selection of French and American wines, spirits, and culinary specialties and enjoy French singer Margot Sergent and her band.
Tickets: $75 non-members, $65 members Location: Skyroom, L’Alliance New York, 22 East 60th Street
Le Petit Marché
Le Petit Marché is a new addition to L’Alliance New York’s Bastille Day Celebration, created by Maison Tara NYC. Inspired by the charm of a traditional French village market, this vibrant space will feature fresh fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, and a few delightful surprises, inviting visitors to experience the sights, scents, and spirit of France in the heart of New York City.
Location: 60th Street between Madison and Park
L’Alliance New York Booths: 10% Discount on French Classes and Memberships
L’Alliance New York is the city’s premier center for French language and francophone culture. Stop by an L’Alliance New York information booth to learn more about French classes for kids and adults, memberships, upcoming film screenings, performances, the library, and more.
Visitors can take advantage of a 10% discount on French classes and memberships, available exclusively at L’Alliance New York’s Bastille Day booths.
Visit La Petite Boutique for exclusive L’Alliance New York branded merch and enjoy time at the Reading Corner with activities and books for children.
Location: Madison Avenue and 60th Street
ABOUT L’ALLIANCE NEW YORK
L’Alliance New York is the leading French American cultural and language center in the United States, dedicated to fostering the exchange of language, culture, and ideas between France and America. For more than 125 years, it has been home to Francophone culture and the French language in New York. Under the leadership of President Tatyana Franck, L’Alliance New York champions French art de vivre in all its forms — from language and literature to gastronomy and the arts.
To learn more and view the programming schedule, visit https://lallianceny.org/event/bastille-day/