Celebrate independence all over again — July 14 is Bastille Day.
By Anne Kim-Dannibale
Celebrate French independence (Photo by Joanna Kyoné via Flickr )
French Festival
Saturday, July 13
10 a.m.-5 p.m., museum open until 7 p.m.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
4155 Linnean Ave. NW
202-686-5807
$5-$18, children under 6 years free, online tickets here
Celebrate all things French against the chic and historic backdrop of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s famed residence. Dancing, period costumes, music, vintage cars — and yes, mimes — make it all Instagram-ready for the whole family.
Bastille Day at La Maison Francaise
Friday, July 12
7 p.m.-midnight
La Maison Francaise at the French Embassy
4101 Reservoir Rd. NW
202-944-6228, for tickets
$110 general, $150 benefactor (includes parking), online tickets here
Arguably one of Washington’s biggest Bastille Day bashes puts the focus on what really counts — the food, bien sur. French culinary talent is front and center with much of Washington’s French restaurants represented. And though it’s coming to a close, you might be able to snag a vacation to France through the event’s online auction.
Art Soiree Bastille Day
Saturday, July 13
5 p.m.-midnight
Beacon Sky Bar
1615 Rhode Island Ave. NW
202-841-6441
$20, $15 L’Alliance Francaise members, online tickets here
Francophiles looking for a more modern way to note France’s independence can look no further than Art Soiree’s Sunset Rooftop Performance Series, co-sponsored by L’Alliance Francaise. Sway to French Gypsy swing band Hot Club of D.C. over city views and mingle with fellow art lovers.
L’Enfant Cafe Bastille Day Street Bash
Saturday, July 13
3 p.m.-11 p.m.
L’Enfant Cafe
2000 18th St. NW
202-319-1800
$6 entry
In true revolutionary fashion, take to the streets at this wacky annual celebration that features can-can dancers, burlesque and even a French maid relay race — a highlight that has revelers dressing up in short skirts and frilly aprons racing back and forth to fill a Champagne glass with water using soup spoons.
