Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite: Where to Celebrate Bastille Day 2017 in Portland
Vive la France! The Fourth of July has passed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the National Day of our closest allies. The main party is at Jamison Square, hosted as usual by the Alliance Française of Portland, but there are a few other events around town as well. Let us know where you’ll be drinking champagne and eating baguette on our Facebook or Twitter.
Bastille Day at Cider Riot
Portland may be famous for its beer, but its cider scene is continually growing. Cider Riot will be releasing its first French-inspired cider to commemorate the holiday with a keg-tapping party on the 14th. Wear a costume of your favorite French Revolution historical figure, and your first pint is free. (Friday, July 14, 4 PM to 11 PM; 807 NE Couch St.; 503-662-8275)
The Alliance Française returns with its annual Bastille Day celebration, this time held at Jamison Square in the Pearl District. The highlight of the event is the 11th Annual Waiter’s Race, where servers from across town run around the square while hoisting heavy trays laden with spillable drinks for $2000 worth of prizes. Entertainment includes live French music, Bastille Day inspired costume contests, raffles, games of pétanque (similar to bocce ball), fencing demonstrations, and even the opportunity to train with the masters at the Northwest Fencing Center. Of course, it wouldn’t be Bastille Day without plenty of French food and drink. Entry to the event is free and open to all. (Saturday, July 15, 12 PM to 6 PM; 810 NW 11th Ave.; 503-223-8388)
The boulangerie St. Honoré celebrates La Fête Nationale this year with live music and pastry specials at each of its locations. “Portland’s French Troubadour” Eric John Kaiser will be wooing audiences from 10 AM to 12 PM at St. Honoré’s newest location on SW Broadway, before moving on to the NW Thurman spot to play from 12:45 to 2:30 PM. Meanwhile, at the Lake Oswego location, join jazz artist Dick Saunders from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The SE Division branch’s performing artist is still to be decided. While you’re taking in the tunes, try one of the bakery’s Bleu Blanc Rouge flag tarts, topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, and filled with a blueberry, raspberry and vanilla créme mousseline. Don’t forget some wine to toast la liberté l'égalité, et la fraternité.
Photo via Flickr user irene.
