The Alliance Française de Portland presents the 24th Annual Bastille Day Festival on July 12, 2026, in celebration of the French National Holiday. Like the U.S. Fourth of July, the French National Holiday celebrates a revolution that changed a nation. In 1789 the French stormed the Bastille prison, marking the birth of the modern French nation. The storming of the Bastille symbolizes the values of Liberté, Fraternité, and Egalité which endure in the hearts of the French people and resonate worldwide.
Families are welcome! A dedicated outdoor children’s area will be available during the event, featuring fun arts and crafts activities, games, and face painting — the perfect space for kids to play, create, and enjoy the celebration.
Where & When
📍 The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
📅 Sunday, July 12, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
While many activities, vendor booths, the French book sale, children’s activities, pétanque, fencing demonstrations, face painting, poster exhibition, raffle, and the caption contest will be available throughout the festival, don’t miss these scheduled highlights:
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM 1:40 PM 1:45 PM 2:00 PM – 2:40 PM 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Live Music with Eric John Kaiser
Parisian-born singer-songwriter Eric John Kaiser welcomes festival-goers with a lively set of French songs, blending chanson, folk, and rock influences.
La Marseillaise & Welcome Remarks
Join us as we play the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, followed by welcome remarks from festival organizers and community partners.
Community Sing-Along: Les Champs-Élysées
Sing along with Eric John Kaiser as we celebrate one of the most beloved songs in French popular music, made famous by Joe Dassin.
French-Themed Dance Performance & Movement Experience with BodyVox
Enjoy a playful French-inspired performance by Portland’s renowned dance company, followed by an interactive movement experience open to all ages and abilities.
Live Baking Demonstration with Dominique Geulin, MOF (Kitchen Area)
Discover the art of pâte à choux as master baker Dominique Geulin of St. Honoré Bakery demonstrates how this classic French dough becomes éclairs, profiteroles, gougères, chouquettes, and more.
DIY Comic Book Workshop with Bridgett Spicer (Children’s Area)
Learn how to create your own mini comic book with local cartoonist Bridgett Spicer. Participants will fold, draw, and create their own stories—en français ou pas!
