Why Attend our Bastille Day Festival?
We're proud that our free Bastille Day celebration is the largest French cultural event in Oregon. It's a joyful community gathering of francophones, francophiles, culture enthusiasts, and lifelong learners of all ages. Folks come to the festival to connect over a shared love of French food, language, sport, music, art, and literature (yes, we offer Oregon's biggest French book sale!)
Our festival showcases the best of French culture, but it also highlights the riches that Portland and surrounding areas have to offer, including our world-class wine producers, acclaimed culinary scene, and top-notch local artists and artisan creators. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, bookworm, globetrotter, or foodie, we have something for you.
What You'll Find at the Bastille Day Festival
Enjoy a French-themed market, used French book sale, representatives from French immersion schools, and children’s activities, and more (see below)—all set to a curated French playlist that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for conversation and connection.
We look forward to many fantastic vendors, partners, and sponsors this year! They include:
- Local artist and designer June Blout
- BodyVox Dance Center
- Mother Foucault’s Bookshop
- French International School of Oregon
- St. Honoré Boulangerie
- NW Fencing Center
- Local artist Louisa Lague
- and more!
Fabulous Used Book Sale
All nature of books in French, from classics to manga and thrillers. Plus books about France in English. All are deals you won't want to miss. The choices are many, so start browsing!
Vendors
Meet the vendors representing various aspects of French culture, arts and crafts, and education, providing a vibrant and engaging experience for all attendees.
Children's Activities
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.
Pétanque
Try your hand at this traditional French game. If you've played horseshoes, you have a good start on pétanque.
Face Painting
A face painting artist will be at the event to entertain kids with fun designs.
Fencing Demos and Showcase
Every kid's happy to suit up and take an epée in hand. Kids of all ages -- and skill levels -- can experience the thrill of this classic sport under the guidance of the master fencers from the NW Fencing School.
Live Cooking Demos
Foodies rejoice! We're excited to host live French cooking demos by local culinary professionals. See how your favorite French foods come to life and learn a few tricks you can take back to your own kitchen.
Food From Local French And Francophone Vendors
Enjoy delicious food and treats from local French and Francophone vendors, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of our community. We are also currently seeking additional vendors — if you offer French-inspired or Francophone cuisine and would like to be part of this festive event, we’d love to hear from you! Contact info@afportland.org.
Raffle
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event, giving you a chance to win exciting prizes!
You don’t need to be present to win; the winning numbers will be posted online the next day.
French Immersion Schools
Curious about French education in Portland? Bastille Day is the perfect opportunity to meet representatives from French immersion schools operating in the metro area. Whether you're a parent exploring bilingual options for your child, an educator interested in language programs, or simply someone passionate about French culture, you’ll be able to learn more about the unique opportunities these schools offer.
French-Themed Dance Performance and Movement Experience
Join Portland's iconic dance company BodyVox for a fun and feel good movement experience, accessible to all ages and abilities!
See the pros perform French-inspired choreo. Stick around to participate in short, free, and inclusive movement experience.
📷 Michael Shay Polara Studio
Opening Remarks & Sing-Along
Just after 1:30 pm, join us for a welcome address in celebration of Bastille Day. Help us kick things off in true francophone style by lending your voice to the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise."
Live French Music & Community Sing-Along
Kick off the festival with live music from Eric John Kaiser, the Parisian-born singer-songwriter known for blending French chanson with folk and rock influences. Eric will also lead a festive community sing-along of Les Champs-Élysées by Joe Dassin — a joyful moment celebrating one of the most beloved songs in French popular music.
During the second half of the festival, enjoy strolling accordion performances by local musician Doug Stickler. A master of his instrument, Doug specializes in vintage French jazz and 1930s musette repertoire, bringing the atmosphere of Parisian streets and cafés to the festival.
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