2025 Family Guide to Bastille Days in Milwaukee
Cathedral Square Park will once again turn downtown Milwaukee into “Paris-on-the-Lake” when Bastille Days returns for its 42nd season this July. The four-day, French-themed street festival is free, easy to reach from the North Shore, and packed with kid-friendly fun. Below is everything you need to plan a smooth, memory-making outing.
Dates, Location and Times
Dates: Bastille Days runs from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Hours: Festival hours are Thursday from 3 pm to 11 pm (with an opening ceremony at 5 pm), Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Location: The event takes place at Cathedral Square Park, located at 520 E Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee.
Admission: Good news—Bastille Days is completely free to attend, with no tickets required.
5 Festival Highlights
Storm the Bastille 5K Night Run/Walk – Thursday, 9 pm
A high-energy kickoff that winds through downtown’s lit streets. Strollers are welcome, and kids under 12 often walk portions with parents. Register early if you plan to participate.
Kids Day – Saturday, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Hands-on art projects with the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Kohl’s Art Studio, beginner French lessons, live music from School of Rock Shorewood, and roaming street performers keep little ones busy (and learning).
43-Foot Eiffel Tower Light Shows
Every hour after dusk the replica tower sparkles, making a perfect family photo backdrop.
International Marketplace
Browse more than 90 vendors offering crepes, macarons, crêpes-on-a-stick, beignets, and artisan gifts. Look for the French Bulldog “kissing booth” for a laugh.
Live Music on Four Stages
From Cajun zydeco to indie rock, sets start at noon and roll into the night. Pro tip: lawn chairs are handy during busier evening headliners.
Getting There from the North Shore
Drive & Park: Leave around lunchtime to snag $10–$15 flat-rate parking at O’Donnell Park Garage or the Historic Third Ward structures, then hop on The Hop streetcar (free) for the last few blocks.
Bublr Bikes: Park near the lakefront and ride the dedicated bike lane on Prospect Avenue straight to Cathedral Square.
MCTS Bus: Route 30/GoldLine runs every 15 minutes from Shorewood, Glendale, and Whitefish Bay to downtown.
More Free Festival Fun
Looking for other ideas of how to get into festivals for free? We have you covered:
Milwaukee bursts with energy each summer as music, food, and cultural festivals fill the calendar. Whether you’re a lifelong local or discovering the city for the first time, here are the can’t-miss events that make Milwaukee shine.