Milwaukee’s Bastille Days kicks off Thursday, lasts through Sunday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee’s annual French festival, Bastille Days, kicks off in Cathedral Square Park Thursday at 11 a.m.

The free four-day festival lasts through Sunday.

The festival features live music, an international marketplace with French and Cajun cuisine. There is also a 43-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.

On Thursday at 5:30 p.m., Mayor Tom Barrett will unveil Milwaukee Brewing Company’s newest brew made exclusively for the festival. The annual “Storming the Bastille” 5K run/walk will also be held Thursday at 9 p.m.

Organizers say some attendees might notice something different this year, the placement of the 43-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.

"With the addition of the streetcar we don't have the Eiffel Tower on Kilbourn anymore," East Side Association executive director Kim Morris said. "It's in the park which is a great addition to the park and you can kind of get a little more up close and personal with the tower."

More information on the festival including a schedule of events can be found on the Bastille Days website.