MILWAUKEE — One of Milwaukee’s largest festivals returns this weekend with some new entertainment in store.

Bastille Days, one of the world’s largest French festivals, is back for its 40th anniversary from July 13-16. The four-day festival will return after a successful 2022 reboot with vendors, entertainment and the Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk. The Eiffel Tower replica returns this year.

Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk

Festivities kick off with Milwaukee’s only downtown, nighttime run/walk, the Storm the Bastille 5K. Participants will run or walk the route through downtown and the Historic Third Ward to commemorate the storming of the Bastille, the 18th-century French prison that sparked the French Revolution. Storm the Bastille will open the 2023 festival thanks to presenting sponsor Madison Medical and support from Gruber Law Offices. The run closes out with entertainment by DJ Shawna.

Those interested can register here, and also choose to donate to the ongoing restoration and operation of the Eiffel Tower replica.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle parking

The festival is partnering with Harley-Davidson as part of their Homecoming Festival to offer free, onsite motorcycle parking July 14-16.

Experiences, music and food

Festivalgoers can go through the marketplace and see various performers, visit the French Bulldog Kissing Booth, tour the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, visit the Love Lock sculpture, attend the Kohl’s Art Studio and more.

Educators Credit Union Main Stage and Gruber Law Offices’ “One Call...That’s All” stage, along with three other stages, will offer a diverse entertainment line-up of over 50 musical acts. Highlights include groups Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound, the Extra Crispy Brass Band and the popular Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French Can-Can Dancers. The 2023 festival will feature the second annual This Is It! Drag Show as well.

Door Peninsula Winery will provide wine tastings throughout the event alongside a new Paint & Sip experience on Saturday and Sunday. Returning fan food favorites include Beignets Français, Lake Park Bistro, Lagniappe Brasserie, Cream & Crepe Cafe and more.

Click here for more info on the festival.