THE 24th ANNUAL BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL and French Market

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!

French Food and Drinks

Enjoy delicious food and treats from Saint Honoré Bakery and Belle Délices Patisserie; wine from Clos Griotte and French cider and Perrier at the Alliance bar. 

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.

Live Baking Demo

Join us for a dynamic, chef-led demonstration celebrating one of pastry’s most versatile building blocks: pâte à choux. Hosted by Dominique Geulin, MOF, of St. Honoré Bakery, this demonstration showcases how a single dough can be transformed into an array of both sweet and savory creations, highlighting the range and elegance of this classic French technique.

Throughout the presentation, Chef Geulin will prepare and present a lineup of choux-based favorites, including delicate chouquettes, indulgent profiteroles, choux à la crème filled with crème diplomat, crisp éclairs, and savory gougères. Each variation reveals how subtle changes in piping, baking, and finishing create distinctly different results from the same base.

As the pastries take shape, Chef Geulin will share professional insights into technique, timing, and visual cues—offering a behind-the-scenes look at what brings pâte à choux to life at the highest level of craftsmanship.

Whether you're a baking enthusiast or simply a lover of French pastry, this demonstration provides a delicious perspective on the creativity and precision behind this timeless dough.

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.

Vendor Booths

This section features vendors showcasing arts, crafts, and French educational organizations.
Food vendors and activities are listed in dedicated sections.

French Education: 

• French International School of Oregon
• Canoe Island French Camp
• International Leadership Academy
• L'Étoile French Immersion School
• Atlas Immersion Academy

Clothing, Accessories and French Goods:

• La Frenchie Shop
• June Blout
• Louisa Baubles

Art:

• Nuage Blanc Art Studio
• Eric John Kaiser
• Bridgett Spicer

Fun with the Portland Timbers Street Team

Have fun with games, giveaways, and prizes at the Portland Timbers booth.

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.

Pétanque

Try your hand at this traditional French game. If you've played  horseshoes, you have a good start on pétanque.

Caption Contest – The Talking Canvas

Put your creativity to the test with a fun caption contest featuring Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s The Girl with the Marmotfrom the collections of the Portland Art Museum. Visitors are invited to imagine what the character might be saying and submit their captions. The winning caption will be announced on our website after the event, and the winner will receive two tickets to the Portland Art Museum and a one-year individual membership to the Alliance Française. Winner revealed July 14 on our website. 

Face Painting

A face painting artist will be at the event to entertain kids with fun designs.

Poster Exhibition

A poster exhibition will feature work created by students from the French International School of Oregon, showcasing their creativity and engagement with French language and culture.

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.

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

DIY Comic Book Workshop

Local cartoonist Bridgett Spicer will be leading a mini-comics activity. Participants will learn how to fold a sheet of paper into an 8 page mini book and then draw cartoons, comics, and fun stuff inside, en francais ou pas.