Stock up on joie de vivre this July
Grab your beret and celebrate all things French with four fantastique days of food, wine and art at the iconic Bastille Festival from 17 to 20 July at Circular Quay and The Rocks.
For 12 years, the Bastille Festival has been bringing joie de vivre to Sydney each July, drawing hundreds of thousands of Francophiles, food and wine lovers, music enthusiasts, and seekers of good vibes. Whether you come for the raclette, the rosé, the cinema, or the cabaret – it’s all about embracing and enjoying life!
“Each year, we aim to recreate what we love about France right here in the heart of Sydney,” says Vincent Hernandez, founder and festival director. “This 12th edition is all about going bigger, bolder and more immersive – offering Sydneysiders and visitors a true ‘Tour de France’ of flavours, sights and sounds.”
With more than 120 exhibitors and over 80 dishes on offer, festival-goers can explore a curated selection of timeless regional dishes and sweet treats.
Expect crowd favourites like raclette, escargots, crêpes, and macarons; but also discover exclusive chef collaborations and international flavours reimagined with a French twist.
“Food is at the heart of French culture, and it’s at the heart of Bastille Festival too,” says Vincent. “We want every bite to transport you – whether it’s through a traditional regional speciality or a creative new fusion you’ve never tried before.”
No celebration of France would be complete without wine, and the Bastille Festival’s wine program promises to be its most extensive yet.
This year, France’s eight iconic wine regions will be represented, each offering a curated selection of four wines. Each drop has been carefully selected from boutique French wineries to prestigious châteaux, reflecting the diversity and unique character of each region.
“Our wine experiences aren’t just about tasting, they’re about storytelling,” explains Vincent. “Each glass is a journey through a region, its traditions, and its people.”
Champagne will also take centre stage, with pop-up stations throughout the festival and two distinctive wine bars offering champagne paired with oysters and seafood.
For those seeking something heartier, mulled wine, spiced hot cider, beer bars and cocktail stations will keep the winter chill at bay. With over 18 bars dotted around Circular Quay and The Rocks, there’ll be no shortage of perfect pairings to match your feast.
Bastille Festival isn’t just a feast for the palate – It’s a feast for the senses. Across four jam-packed days, visitors can enjoy over 100 free shows, including live concerts, street theatre, dance lessons, fire performances, acrobatic displays and more.
Two main stages and a dozen busking spots will ensure the harbour comes alive from morning until late into the night.
Festival favourites are also back, with the French Cabaret Night lighting up First Fleet Park on Friday and the much-loved French DJ Party turning up the heat on Saturday.
“At its core, Bastille Festival is about connection – to food, to culture, and to each other,” says Vincent. “We’re creating moments where Sydney can come together, celebrate, dance and rediscover a little bit of magic in the middle of winter.”
And this year, organisers are promising even more surprises, with new interactive experiences set to be unveiled in the lead-up to the event.
Find your beret, grab your friends and get ready to celebrate winter the French way!
BASTILLE FESTIVAL
17 to 20 July
Circular Quay and The Rocks
Cost: Free entry. Food and wine experiences available for booking
bastillefestival.com.au/sydney
