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.

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

What is Bastille Day? | 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.

The Vancouver event used to happen at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. But that was years ago. Since 2023 it has taken place at the Shipyards in North Vancouver. As many as 10,000 people have attended the event in the past. Admission to the festival is free and everyone is welcome.

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

The 2024 version of the Vancouver Bastille Day Festival took place on July 14th. In 2025 it will likely happen on Sunday, July 13th. Exact details, however, are to be confirmed.

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 typically 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.

Bastille Day Food Vendors — Food Vendors at the Shipyards

Festival Entertainment

To accompany the food, drinks and activities, the festival also has a series of live performances. The 2024 entertainment schedule was as follows. The 2025 lineup will likely be comparable.

11:00 am – Royal Westminster Regiment Marching Band
1:15 pm – Francois Laberge & Réjan Bussières
2:30 pm – Sylvain Richard “Wango”
4:30 pm – Charlotte Leguy