5 Places to Celebrate Bastille Day in New Orleans

The independence celebration in New Orleans doesn’t stop once the 4th of July is over — it’s actually just getting started! Bastille Day, a celebration of French Independence, is held on July 14, and it’s not surprising that New Orleans has several fun celebrations to attend. Check out one of the following events this year!

1. Bastille Day Fête
New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Cr

This festival has been named the third best Bastille Day festival worldwide, which is pretty impressive considering it's not even in France. The Bastille Day Fête takes place throughout the city, but the central "hub" is the New Orleans Museum of Art. In and around the museum, you can indulge in French food, do some arts and crafts and even watch a puppet show.

2017's Bastille Day Fête also features cooking demonstrations by Cafe NOMA and live music performed by local artists. Admission is $5 per person, and the festival lasts from 4 to 10 p.m.

2. Bastille Day Celebration at Faubourg St. John
3100 Ponce De Leon St

This block party-type celebration is free for all ages. There will be local merchants selling crafts and artwork, live music, and even a costume contest in which participants dress up like Napoleon or Marie Antoinette. Food vendors include Fairgrounds Cafe House, 1000 Figs and Cafe Degas. The celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. and should stretch well into the evening with dancing, singing and more.

3. Arnaud's Bastille Day Wine Dinner
813 Bienville St

If you love wine and French cuisine, this is the perfect way to celebrate Bastille Day. Arnaud's is a renowned French restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter. On Friday, July 14 at 7 p.m., they will serve a special four-course meal with wine pairings in honor of the 228th anniversary of Bastille Day. You can make your reservation by calling 504.523.5433. The cost is $125 per person, which includes all taxes and gratuity.

4. French Cultural Fête
Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St

This event takes place on Saturday, July 15 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. It's the perfect way to celebrate with kids and family. The museum docents will teach you how to speak a little French, lead you in creating some unique crafts and demonstrate how the French culture has shaped the world today. The celebration is free with the cost of museum admission, which is $8.50 per person.

5. Wreath Laying Ceremony
Joan of Arc Statue, Place De France, Decatur St

This is a formal ceremony in which a wreath will be placed over the statue in honor of Bastille Day. The 10 a.m. ceremony is overseen by the New Orleans City Council with the French National Anthem being sung by Givonna Joseph.

What are your plans for celebrating Bastille Day? Let us know in the comments!