Bastille Day at the Shipyards

Bastille Day is a French national holiday on July 14th. It’s celebrated on or around that date in Vancouver with French food, music and entertainment.

Bastille Day in Vancouver in 2026

Vancouver hosts a Bastille Day celebration on or around July 14th each year. The festival features a selection of live entertainment and vendor stalls to celebrate French cuisine and music.

The event is presented by the Bastille Day Festival Society. The non-profit organization aims to promote French culture around Vancouver.

In previous years, the event has happened at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown, the Shipyards in North Vancouver, and the Alliance Française Vancouver. In 2026 the celebrations take place at Performance Works on Granville Island. As many as 10,000 people have attended the event in the past.

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day is a French national holiday. It takes place each year on July 14th, which is the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.

The storming of the Bastille is an important holiday in France because it marks the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. Originally built as a medieval fortress, the Bastille was later converted into a state prison. It became a symbol of royal authority and repression.

Festival Details

The 2026 version of the Vancouver Bastille Day Festival takes place on Saturday, July 18th. This year’s celebration happens at Granville Island’s Performance Works.

The free portion of the event runs from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and features French market vendors, live music and other family-friendly activities. Then, from 6:00 pm until midnight, there’s a ticketed event at the same location inspired by France’s traditional firemen balls. The night time festivities include DJ music and live performances. General admission costs about $20 per person.