Bastille Days marks 40th anniversary with French cultural celebration in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- If you're heading past Cathedral Square Park in downtown Milwaukee, you might notice the miniature Eiffel Tower is already in place for the 40th annual Bastille Days festival.
Organizers say they're hoping the 40th Bastille Days -- taking place July 13-16 -- will be a big return to form from years past.
"Very excited, this is probably our 35th year, out of the 40 years they've been putting it on," said Donna Taylor, owner of Cream and Crepe Cafe in Cederburg.
She says every year people come back for her crepes, and some even make a trip out to Cederburg to visit the cafe later on.
Eddie Sturkey, East Town Association Executive Director, says Bastille Days is one of the longest running cultural festivals in Milwaukee, and they're hoping for a grand return to form after issues caused by COVID-19 over the past couple of years.
"We're really rebuilding the footprint of the festival back to its glory in 2019," said Sturkey. "So we're going to be back with five stages of music, various street performers, Alliance Française with the beignets which is everyone's favorite, the return of the Eiffel Tower, and a lot of other little surprises as well."
He says while initially there was concerns about the Harley-Davidson Homecoming happening at the same time, now, he's optimistic it'll mean even more visitors.
"My first thoughts were, 'Oh man there's going to be challenges with lodging, or maybe some suppliers or food vendors that we would love to participate won't be available, but it's really worked out to be a great partnership," said Sturkey.
He says part of that partnership is Harley-Davidson bringing motorcycle parking to the festival on Jefferson Street.
Taylor says for her and many others it's a great opportunity for their businesses.
"We're excited to sling some crepes out there," said Taylor.
They're hoping the festival is a big success.
"It's wonderful to see how [Bastille Days has] grown, it's started on a little corner, and now it's gotten massive," said Taylor.
The festival will be kicking off with the Storm The Bastille 5k Run on July 13. Storm the Bastille is a downtown nighttime run/walk, simulates the storming of the Bastille, the 18th-century French prison. It will take place on Thursday at 9 p.m. Participants can register and choose to donate towards the ongoing restoration and operation of the Eiffel Tower.
On Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16, festivalgoers will have access to free onsite motorcycle parking, courtesy of a partnership with Harley-Davidson. The offer is part of the motorcycle giant's Homecoming and Anniversary Celebration.
Saturday, July 15, the festival offers its Kids Day, with activities including a Beignet Breakfast, the Kohl’s Art Studio, a performance from the Milwaukee Ballet and other kid-centered vendors. Attendees will get a chance to enjoy more than 50 musical acts spread across various stages.
In addition to the returning favorite food stalls like Beignets Français, Lake Park Bistro, Lagniappe Brasserie, Cream & Crepe Cafe, festivalgoers can look forward to a Paint & Sip experience on Saturday and Sunday, offered by Door Peninsula Winery.
More information can be obtained on the Bastille Days website.