Bastille Festival

Overview

Need a little more joie de vivre in your life? Bastille Festival is just around the corner, bringing a wealth of French food, wine and entertainment to Circular Quay and The Rocks across four jam-packed days. Running from Thursday, July 16–Sunday, July 19, more than 130 exhibitors will present 80-plus dishes, while there's a huge program of live performers taking over various streets and stages.

Now in its 13th year, the 2026 instalment will feature an array of exciting chef collaborations alongside diverse international flavours reimagined with a French twist. Meanwhile, stallholders will serve authentic flavours, from raclette and escargots to crêpes and macarons, satisfying both sweet and savoury tooths. If good food is your raison d'être, the Bastille Festival promises inspired cuisine at every stall.

There's also an exceptional wine offering, with multiple French wine regions celebrated through tastings, masterclasses and sensory moments. Featuring both acclaimed and little-known vintages served across 18 bars, Bastille Festival founder and director Vincent Hernandez says: "Wine at Bastille Festival is never just about tasting, it's about storytelling...Every glass reflects a place, its heritage and its people."

Once you've satisfied your French food and wine cravings, a bold entertainment program is expanding beyond its traditional footprint for the first time. In collaboration with Sydney's busking program, nearby quays and precincts will be linked through music and performance, with 110 free shows in total. Meanwhile, a French-inspired flea market will appear at Gateway Plaza, showcasing vintage finds, artisanal goods and curated stalls that celebrate the local community.

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Images: Supplied.