Bastille Day French Festivals, Events

If states were countries, California would be France. We share   many similarities in terms of GDP, labor and other factors. One of our best known passions and prides gives credit to French accomplishments in wine production.  Do you know that California has the largest number of Franco-Americans of any state in the U.S. Last estimate was around 1.5 million.  Here are some French festivals and celebrations held right here in California. Bonjour!

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Bastille Day Kermesse & Bal Populaire  July 13, 2019, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Free, bastilledaysf.org
Bastille Day celebration with a Kermesse (outdoor festival) followed by a Bal Populaire (firemen's ball) a la Française.
Justin Herman Plaza, on the Embarcadero
1 Market St.
San Francisco, CA
A Waiters' Race, or "Course De Serveuses Et Garçons De Café", is a race that tests the speed at which a waiter can carry a loaded tray without tipping any of its contents. This Race has become a popular tradition in France since the 1930's.
Free admission event, organized under the patronage of the Consul General of France in San Francisco, Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens, and with San Francisco's Mayor Edwin M. Lee as Honorary Chair, is open to all French and American residents and visitors of the Bay Area.
Enjoy over 40 French establishments, food and wine booths, a Citroen vintage car show, games of Pétanque and all kinds of fun for the family! The day's activities will culminate at 6 pm with the excitement of a Bal Populaire featuring local French-American bands. Past performers have included: SonoMusette, mid-20th century Paris music, Rue'66, San Francisco's only authentic 60s French yé yé band, and The FaspTones, a French Rock & Roll band.   comite-officiel.org

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Bastille Day - Waiters' Race & Street Festival 
Inspired by the famous footrace in Paris, the Sacramento Bastille Day Waiters' Race in midtown invites you to experience authentic French culture. The goal: Make it to the finish line without spilling water or without dropping the tray altogether.

The course is TWO laps around the block bounded by 18th & 19th streets, and L St. & Capitol Ave. Attire (Mandatory) Attire is a long-sleeved or short-sleeved white shirt. No tank tops. Wear black pants and comfortable shoes. You will be given an apron, a napkin to drape over your arm, a bow-tie, tags with your number, a tray with a bottle of water and table glasses that will be 3/4 full of water.
Rules: No touching items on the tray once you have started. | Use only one hand to support the tray, balancing is from underneath | No changing hands once the race has started | NO RUNNING, this is a speed-walking race | Racers must walk on the street only | No interfering with the other racers.
Check-in starts at 3:30-4 p.m. at 1801 L Apartments. The race starts promptly at 4:30 p.m. Location: The Handle District, 1801 L Street, Sacramento, CA. There will be food, drinks and entertainment. Waiters' Race and Kids Waiters' Race included. Registration: Free-$25,  facebook.com/handledistrict/

SAN DIEGO: San Diego French Club Lawn Party July 12, 2026,  2-4 p.m.
Open House July 13-14, 2019, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Public invited free, houseoffrance.org
Monique Caron singing a variety of French favorites, the Performing Folk Dancers of Balboa Park showcasing a variety of French Regional Dances, and Accordionist Gordon Kohl playing a variety of French music. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy the show! Visit the Cottage for free cookies and coffee!
The House of France is located in the International Cottages Center in Balboa Park. It is a non-profit organization providing a flavor of France with an opportunity to interact with French people or Francophiles in sunny San Diego.

July 12, 2026  BEVERLY HILLS Bastille Day
Azur Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills CA 90028
 

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Petanque Club Bastile Day Tournament 
2551 Motor Avenue Inside Rancho Park at End of the Road Cir Los Angeles, California
$fee for participation, losangelespetanque.com
A game of pétanque in Rancho Park For the sports minded, enjoy a special petanque tournament for "Bastille Day." The event is open to all without obligation to join the club. Participants come in teams of two (If notified ahead of time the club can find you a partner if you're alone). 4 games are organized during the day. Coffee and croissants are available in the morning. 

LARKSPUR, MENLO PARK, SANTANA ROW - SAN JOSE: Bastille Day,  Left Bank Brasserie offers a la carte menu specials for lunch and dinner, staff dressed up in festive attire, celebratory decorations, live music and a caricature artist. The regular menus will also be served. Vive la revolution! The staff will be dressed in Moulin Rouge garb and the restaurant will be decorated in this theme. LeftBank.com

LARKSPUR: Left Bank 
507 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
leftbank.com
Celebrate Bastille Day, the traditional French holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the beginning of the French Revolution.  Vive la Révolution!  All Weekend Long! featuring Live Music Face Painting French Revolutionary Costumes Balloon Artists Festive French Menu Features LIVE MUSIC, and food and drinks.

MENLO PARK: Left Bank
635 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
leftbank.com
VIVE LA FRANCE! Join us as we celebrate Bastille Day, the traditional French holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the beginning of the French Revolution. Vive la Révolution! Live Music, Blue, Blanc, and Rouge Décor and Staff Ensembles Revolution Inspired Menu Features Festive French Cocktail Offerings

SAN JOSE: Left Bank Santana Row
VIVE LA FRANCE! Join us as we celebrate Bastille Day, the traditional French holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the beginning of the French Revolution. Vive la Révolution!  featuring Live Music Face Painting French Revolutionary Costumes Balloon Artists Festive French Menu  leftbank.com

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.