Bastille Festival 2024

Bastille Festival 2024
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Residents and travellers can immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of France as Bastille Festival Sydney returns with a jam-packed program to ignite the Paris Olympic spirit.

    The annual four-day celebration brings the spirit of France to the heart of Sydney in honour of French Bastille Day. It commemorates two significant events in French history: the Storming of the Bastille and the Fête de la Fédération, fostering a sense of national pride and unity.

    Bastille Festival Sydney Stage

    Bastille Festival Sydney stage.

    Circular Quay | non-stop entertainment over three stages

    The festival offers 124 free shows with 344 artists, live concerts, DJs, dance classes, and much more. Festivities commence with a medley of French Jazz featuring the soulful Paris to Rio Jazz, Anna Weaving Collective, and Coucou Zazous. It also features the electrifying energy of La Faya to the retro charm of Swing dancing, Sydney Samaba, and Los Carmonas Flamenco.

    Program highlights:

    Thursday, 11 July
    Customs house stage | 8pm-10pm, Anna Weaving Collective

    Friday, 12 July
    First fleet park stage | 8pm-10.30pm, DJ Night

    Saturday, 13 July
    First fleet park stage |12.30pm-1.30pm, FREE Swing Dancing class

    Museum of Contemporary Art stage | 7pm-9pm, Bruno Gerhard

    First fleet park stage | 7.30pm-8.30pm, CABARET SHOW – Les Femmes Diamant

    First fleet park stage | 9pm-11pm, Soulganic Concert

    Sunday, 14 July
    Customs house stage | 3.30pm-5.30pm, Soulganic Duo

    Museum of Contemporary Art stage | 6pm-8pm, Matt Boylan-Smith

    First fleet park stage | 6.30pm-8.30pm, La Faya

    Bastille Festival Sydney Culinary Experience

    Bastille Festival Sydney Culinary Experience.

    Series of unique ticketed masterclasses with a French touch

    Participants embark on a culinary journey led by gourmet chefs and expert sommeliers. Pastry chef Yves Scherrer will guide guests through crafting a passionfruit soufflé and a decadent chocolate fondant. They will also delve into the secrets of perfecting a cheese soufflé and lemon curd madeleines with Fabio Salvato, renowned for his expertise from Michelin-starred restaurants.

    A world of creativity

    Jan Scherpenhuizen unveils the captivating realms of French and Australian comic art to provide guests insights, receive portfolio reviews, and participate in hands-on storyboarding sessions to enhance their skills.

    An exclusive cellar, Dr. Peter Slezak and James Franklin delve into a lively debate on Pascal’s Wager, complemented by fine wines. Alternatively, embrace the allure of the Moulin Rouge with workshops that teach burlesque moves and choreography.

    Photography enthusiasts can take on a photo masterclass, participate in a Bastille wine walk tour, and enter a camera contest to win fantastic prizes.

    Bastille Festival Sydney Art

    Bastille Festival Sydney Art.

    Bastille wine tasting

    Wine enthusiasts can embark on a Bastille favourite, the Bastille wine walk, through The Rocks and Circular Quay. The self-guided wine tour takes guests to indulge in wines from eight prestigious French regions. A new addition this year is the exquisite wines of the Loire Valley, an esteemed French vineyard region celebrated for its diverse offerings and craft wines.

    French cinema at ‘Le Mulled Wine Cinema’

    Le Mulled Wine Cinema returns to Cadman’s Cottage in The Rocks with a cinematic experience featuring famous French movies under the stars. Guests can immerse themselves in the most romantic love stories with Eiffel, La Vie en Rose, and Moulin Rouge.

    Le Mulled Wine Cinema

    Le Mulled Wine Cinema.

    Experience Les 4 Diners Extraordinaires in Quay Quarter Lane

    The festival hosts a series of one-of-a-kind dinners in collaborations with the talented chefs from the Quay Quarter Lanes. Only 4 sessions will be hosted this year, and guests can select their vibes to accompany the dinner. From a classical symphony to cabaret night, a piano bar show, or a DJ and sax combo live set.

    Session times:
    Thursday 11 July | 6pm
    Friday 12 July | 6pm
    Saturday 13 July | 6pm
    Sunday 14 July | 12pm

    Pet-friendly Bastille Festival Sydney

    Pet-friendly Bastille Festival Sydney.

    Shop along Getaway Plaza

    Bastille Festival Sydney presents a second-hand market and art fair, curated by local artisans. It offers a guilt-free shopping experience with pre-loved items ranging from clothing and books to furniture and art, all inspired by Parisian elegance.

    A pet-friendly celebration

    Ample outdoor space and a lively, friendly environment provides the perfect grounds for pet owners to bring their beloved companions to join in on the fun.

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