Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of France as Bastille Festival Sydney returns to Circular Quay from Thursday, July 11 to Sunday, July 14, 2024. This highly anticipated 4-day extravaganza, now the largest French cultural event held outside of France, draws over 650,000 enthusiasts annually. This year, it promises an unparalleled celebration of French culture, igniting the Paris Olympic spirit in the heart of Sydney with the Bastille Olympic Village.
Paris Olympics Circular Quay Edition
As the world anticipates the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sydney will embrace the Olympic fervour with the centrepiece of this year’s festival—the Bastille Olympic Village. Nestled within the festivities, the Village will transport visitors straight to Paris. At its heart, the Bastille Olympic Village features awe-inspiring oversized 3D sculptures capturing the essence of iconic Paris landmarks, including a breathtaking 6-meter-high replica of the Eiffel Tower. This stunning installation promises to transport visitors to the City of Light.
For the young and young at heart, the Village will host engaging sports workshops where you can try fencing, basketball, badminton, and archery guided by seasoned coaches and sporting personalities. These workshops are designed to inspire and energise, echoing the excitement and competitive spirit of the upcoming Olympics.
Martin Juillard, the Consulate-General of France, exclaimed, “Paris Olympics will be a landmark in the history of the Games – as much as Sydney Olympics once were. We’re happy to celebrate everything that unites the two cities, the two people, and beyond them, the values and friendship we all share, through the Olympic spirit. Come and get a scent of Paris here in Sydney.”
No Olympic celebration would be complete without a parade. On Saturday 13 July, a vibrant procession will unite athletes, performers, and community groups for the Bastille Olympic Parade from Circular Quay to The Rocks. Together, they will celebrate the Olympic spirit and the profound cultural ties between France and Australia.
Entertainment over three stages
Celebrate Bastille Day in Sydney with a magnifique lineup that will transport you straight to the heart of France! Spanning 22,000+ square meters across 7 sites, the festival will offer 124 FREE shows featuring 344 artists, live concerts, DJs, dance classes, and more, ensuring there’s something to delight every taste and interest!
Join us as the festivities commence with an enchanting medley of French jazz. Featuring the soulful Paris to Rio Jazz, the captivating Anna Weaving Collective, and the whimsical Coucou Zazous. Jazz lovers, meet in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art to enjoy the delightful violin notes of Daniele Montarulo or the shining saxophone of Bruno Gerhard, as they bring the spirit of a Parisian jazz cafe to our shores.
Feel the rhythm pulse through every performance, embodying the essence of joie de vivre. From the electrifying energy of La Faya to the retro charm of Swing dancing, the Brazilian twist of Sydney Samba, and the passionate flair of Los Carmonas Flamenco, each act promises to ignite your senses. Experience the acrobatic grace of Capoeira, the elegance of French cancan with Les Femmes Diamant, and the vibrant beats of Kiltir Tropical.
For those who crave rock and pop, don’t miss Fireglow and the Soulganic band’s electrifying concerts on Thursday and Saturday nights. Their high-energy hits and infectious rhythms will keep you dancing well into the night.
As the sun sets, dance under the stars at our DJ nights on Friday and Saturday, where the pulsating beats create an atmosphere reminiscent of a lively Parisian soirée. Don your beret, savour a baguette, and immerse yourself in a weekend filled with music, dance, and the vibrant celebration of French culture in the heart of Sydney.
Program Highlights
Thursday 11 July
CUSTOMS HOUSE STAGE | 8pm to 10pm, Anna Weaving Collective
Friday 12 July
FIRST FLEET PARK STAGE | 8pm to 10:30pm, DJ Night
Saturday 13 July
FIRST FLEET PARK STAGE |12:30pm to 1:30pm, FREE Swing Dancing class
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART STAGE | 7pm to 9pm, Bruno Gerhard
FIRST FLEET PARK STAGE | 7:30pm to 8:30pm, CABARET SHOW – Les Femmes Diamant
FIRST FLEET PARK STAGE | 9pm to 11pm, Soulganic Concert
Sunday 14 July
CUSTOMS HOUSE STAGE | 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Soulganic Duo
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART STAGE | 6pm to 8pm, Matt Boylan-Smith
FIRST FLEET PARK STAGE | 6:30pm to 8:30pm, La Faya
Grab your Bastille Wine Passport and go tasting
Bastille favourite Wine Tasting tour is back! Wine enthusiasts can embark on a tasting adventure with the Bastille Wine Walk, spanning 1.4km through The Rocks and Circular Quay. Armed with your Bastille French Passport and branded tasting glass, you’ll embark on a self-guided wine tour. Along this journey, indulge in wines from 8 prestigious French regions: Loire Valley, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Alsace, Rhône Valley, Provence, and Languedoc. This trip to France will guide you through eight bars throughout the festival, where each bar will stamp your passport to ensure you don’t miss a sip of these exquisite wines.
New addition this year, the exquisite wines of the Loire Valley! This esteemed French vineyard region is celebrated for its diverse offerings, and crafts wines that are fresh, fruity, floral, and elegant. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours and heritage of the Loire Region on your own personal Tour de France of wines.
Le Mulled Wine Cinema
Le Mulled Wine Cinema returns to Cadmans cottage in The Rocks, offering a cinematic experience featuring famous French movies under the stars, set against breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Complete your cinematic journey with the warmth of mulled wine, all from the comfort of your own deck chair and cozy blankets to keep you warm.
Immerse yourself in the most romantic love stories! From “Eiffel” to the iconics “La Vie en Rose” and “Moulin Rouge”. Step into the world of Honoré de Balzac and uncover the journey of a young poet, brimming with dreams, as he explores 19th-century Paris and its vibrant arts and literature scene, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Amélie Poulain or explore the secrets of French gastronomy through the thrilling story of the gastronome Dodin.
For kids and families, dive into culinary adventures with the famous rat who cooks “Ratatouille” explore the heartwarming family tale of “The Aristocrats” and follow the legendary adventures of the last “Gaulois.”
Les 4 Diners Extraordinaires
Le Diner extraordinaire is Bastille’s festive dining experience at Sydney’s trendiest culinary destination.
For 4 nights, Bastille will host a series of one-of-a-kind dinners in collaboration with the talented chefs from the Quay Quarter Lanes. Expect an endless long table in the intimate precinct, surprising live entertainment and a 4- courses French-inspired menu paired with 3 French wines.
Only 4 sessions will be hosted this year and you can select your vibes to accompany the dinner; From a classical symphony, to cabaret night, a piano bar show or a DJ and sax combo live set.
The mouthwatering menu is the result of the collaboration between Sydney’s favourite tapas bar Deux Freres, the Italian-inspired restaurant Bar Mamonni and the deliciously creative gelato bar, Zini Contemporary Gelateria. The Dinner will start at 6pm Thursday to Friday and 12pm for a lunch special on the Sunday.
SESSION TIMES
Thursday 11th of July | 6pm
Friday 12th of July | 6pm
Saturday 13th of July | 6pm
Sunday 14th of July | 12pm
Bastille Festival
11–14 July 2024
Circular Quay, The Rocks, Customs House, Quay Quarter Lanes, Overseas Passenger.
Free to attend
Ticketed experiences start from $20 per person
