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.

The Vancouver event used to be at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. In 2023, however, it moved to a different location – the Shipyards in North Vancouver. In 2024, the festival happened at the Shipyards once again on July 14th (which was just a few days after Flamenco, Tango & Wine which is a fun Spanish and Latin event at the Shipyards).

Other exceptional events that also happen around this time of year include the TD Uptown Live street party and music festival, Surrey Latin Festival and the Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Beach. Another awesome event in the second half of July is the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival which in 2024 happened on July 25th to 28th.

This article contains the following information about the Bastille Day Festival:

What is Bastille Day? | Festival Details | Festival Details | Festival Entertainment | Other Information

Bastille Day in North Vancouver

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.

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 back 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

Until this past year, the festival used to take place at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver’s Yaletown District. Now, however, it happens at a new venue: the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.

As many as 10,000 people have attended the event in the past. Admission to the festival is free and everyone is welcome.

The Bastille Day Festival in 2024

The 2024 version of the Vancouver Bastille Day Festival took place on Sunday, July 14th.

Vancouver’s French community celebrates Bastille Day with a festival at the Pipe Shop. Vendors sell French products and food at the event. There are also family-friendly activities as well as live music and entertainment. For adults, there is a beer garden with French wine. The day’s events begin at around 10:00 am, but the beer garden only opens at noon.

Another fun part of the festival is the Giant Game Room. It’s an area with games and activities for all ages. Expect to see face painting and colouring stations, as well as Jenga, Hopscotch and more.

In 2024 there was also a screening party for the European Championships Final. Football (or soccer) fans gathered at noon to watch the game.