NEW YORK CITY — Every Bastille Day brings along a certain joie de vivre to the city's streets from can-can dancing to live music, French food and wine, and even pétanque tournaments for those who want to test their throwing arm.
There are a ton of ways to celebrate French Independence Day this year, the day is officially on July 14, whether you're in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Here's a look at where you can celebrate:
When: July 10, from noon to 5 p.m.
This year's French Institute Alliance Française fete, on East 60th Street, from Fifth to Lexington avenues, has a number of performances, including a number by cast members of the Broadway show "An American in Paris," the Myriam Phiro's Accordion Trio, the Hungry March Ban, and as always can-can dancers.
Kids can enjoy a French puppet show of "The Three Little Pigs" and interact with a mime, while parents can take part in French workshops, like beginner to intermediate French language lessons, speak with French author Marc Lévy, ogle over classic Citroën cars or watch the 2016 UEFA European Championship live on a giant screen in FIAF’s Florence Gould Hall.
Bastille Day wouldn't be complete though without food. There will be a champagne and chocolate tasting, a French wine, cheese, cocktails and beer tasting and delicacies from Dominique Ansel Bakery, Restaurant Benoît – Alain Ducasse, François Payard Bakery, Épicerie Boulud, Maman Bakery, Financier Pâtisserie, and other restaurants.
Some of the tastings and workshops require an RSVP.
► Carroll Gardens Bastille Day Celebration & Pétanque Tournament
When: July 10, noon to 6 p.m.
Each year, Smith Street puts becomes the scene of one of the largest pétanque events in North America, typically drawing 20,000 spectators, according to Bar Tabac, which hosts the event with a number of companies and the French expatriate community in Brooklyn.
This year, 72 teams of three people will compete on 10 sand-packed courts as partygoers flood the streets to enjoy music and food.
The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn will perform live music during the afternoon and Francois Wiss will be on stage from 7 to 10 p.m. in Bar Tabac.
Festival-goers can also enter for a chance to win a trip to Marseille at Bar Tabac.
► Bastille Day Celebration at MetroTech's La Defense Bakery & Bistro
When: July 10, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Downtown Brooklyn's MetroTech Commons will have its own pétanque tournament, food, live music and fun.
► Bastille Day Ball 2016 at Club 404
When: July 13, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
If you're looking for a party, the Committee of French Speaking Societies is hosting its annual Bastille Day Ball, featuring the Brick City Gospel Chorale and DJ Super Jaimie at the Club 404 at 404 10th Ave. Tickets start at $30 online and $35 at the door.
