Storm the Bastille 5K 2026: A Guide to Milwaukee's Night Run
Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 9:00 PM | Cathedral Square Park
The Storm the Bastille 5K returns in 2026 for a milestone celebration—the 40th anniversary of this beloved Milwaukee tradition. As downtown's only nighttime run, this 9 PM start sends over 5,000 runners and walkers charging through the illuminated streets of East Town and the Historic Third Ward, kicking off four days of French-themed festivities at Bastille Days.
The 2025 edition drew a record 5,252 registered participants, and the 40th anniversary promises to be even bigger.
Related: Guide to 2026 Fun Runs and Races in Greater Milwaukee
The Basics
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Start Time: 9:00 PM
Location: North Jefferson Street, adjacent to Cathedral Square Park
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles) run or 1.5-mile walk option
Presented By: Madison Medical Affiliates
Produced By: East Town Association & SWARMM Events
Timing: Chip-timed by Primetime Timing
Registration
Registration opens in early 2026 at runsignup.com/stormthebastille5k
Expected Pricing (Based on 2025):
Early Bird: $35 (typically through June 1)
Extended Early Bird: Available for East Town Association members
Regular Registration: Price increases after June 1
T-Shirt Deadline: Register by approximately July 1 to guarantee your shirt
Registration Includes:
Special edition Storm the Bastille t-shirt (long sleeve options typically available)
Chip-timed bib from Primetime Timing
Post-race drink coupon (Michelob Ultra beer or bottled water)
Free entry to Bastille Days festival
Registrants can also donate additional funds to support restoration of the festival's 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica.
The Course
The route begins on North Jefferson Street, heading south through downtown Milwaukee's East Town neighborhood and into the Historic Third Ward before looping back to the start/finish area.
Key Course Details:
Start/Finish: Jefferson Street at Cathedral Square Park
Terrain: Flat, paved city streets
Certification: Route is not officially certified but approximates 5K distance
Walking Option: Walkers may complete the course at the halfway point in front of the Milwaukee Athletic Club (1.5 miles)
Water Stations:
Broadway, in front of Milwaukee Athletic Club (approximately halfway)
Finish line area on Wells Street (Kroger water truck)
Pre-Race Festivities
The party starts well before the gun goes off. Arrive early to take advantage of:
Pre-Race Warm-Up: Led by the Milwaukee Athletic Club
DJ Shawna: Sets the energy with an inspiring pre-race soundtrack
Bastille Days Festival: Already underway in Cathedral Square Park with food, drinks, and entertainment
Costume Spotting: Many runners embrace the French theme with berets, tricolor attire, and creative costumes
Race Day Logistics
Packet Pickup
Details typically announced in late June. In past years, packet pickup has been offered:
Day before the race at a downtown location
Race day at Cathedral Square Park (limited hours before start)
Check easttown.com closer to the event for 2026 specifics.
Parking
The Hop (FREE): Milwaukee's streetcar runs until 9 PM. Park anywhere along the route and ride directly to Cathedral Square—the stop is literally in the middle of the festival grounds.
Power Parking: Use code "PARIS" for 25% off at Power Parking locations throughout downtown. Reserve your spot at mypowerparking.com.
Street Parking: Metered spots available throughout East Town and adjacent neighborhoods. Arrive early for best selection.
Runner Positioning at Start
Fast Runners: Position yourself toward the front of the start line on Jefferson Street
Average/Slower Runners: Stay toward the back near Cathedral Square Park
Walkers: Remain at the back near Cathedral Square and let runners go first
Your chip time starts when you cross the start line, so there's no need to rush for position.
Post-Race Celebration
Redeem Your Free Drink
Your bib includes a drink coupon. After finishing:
Proceed to the Kroger water truck on Wells Street
Tear off your coupon from your bib
Redeem at any Bastille Days bar location
Choose either a Michelob Ultra beer or bottled water
Bastille Days Festival
After your run, you're already at one of Milwaukee's best summer festivals. Stick around for:
Live Music: 60+ acts across multiple stages
French & Cajun Cuisine: Beignets, crepes, and more from 25+ vendors
Madame Gigi's Can-Can Dancers: Multiple daily performances
43-Foot Eiffel Tower: Lights up hourly after dusk
International Marketplace: 60+ vendor booths
Fire Performances & Aerial Shows: After dark
Festival runs through Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Tips for First-Timers
Training: This is a fun run atmosphere, not a competitive race. That said, the 9 PM start means running in warmer evening conditions. Train for a few evening runs to acclimate.
Arrive Early: Give yourself at least an hour before race time to park, pick up your packet (if doing same-day), use restrooms, and soak in the pre-race energy.
Dress for the Night: July evenings in Milwaukee typically range from mid-60s to mid-70s. Light, breathable running clothes work well. Consider reflective elements even though the course is well-lit.
Embrace the Theme: You'll see berets, French flags, striped shirts, and all manner of creative costumes. It's encouraged but not required.
Stay for the Festival: You just ran through downtown at night—reward yourself with beignets, music, and celebration.
Why This Race is Special
Storm the Bastille isn't your typical 5K. The nighttime start transforms downtown Milwaukee into a glowing urban playground. The energy of 5,000+ runners charging through East Town and the Third Ward—many in costume, all feeding off the Bastille Days excitement—creates an atmosphere unlike any other local race.
It's also deeply connected to Milwaukee history. The festival honors the city's French-Canadian heritage, founded by Solomon Juneau, a fur trader from Quebec who became Milwaukee's first mayor. When you're running through these streets, you're literally covering ground where that heritage took root.
The 40th anniversary in 2026 adds extra significance. This race has been a Milwaukee summer tradition since the mid-1980s, and many runners who participated as kids now bring their own children.
Key Links & Contacts
Registration: runsignup.com/stormthebastille5k
Event Information: easttown.com
Event Producer: swarmmevents.com
Parking Discount: mypowerparking.com (Code: PARIS)
Questions: info@easttown.com
Mark Your Calendar
Milestone Approximate Date Registration Opens Early 2026 Early Bird Deadline June 1, 2026 T-Shirt Guarantee Deadline July 1, 2026 Race Day Thursday, July 9, 2026 Start Time 9:00 PM Bastille Days Festival July 9–12, 2026
Vive la France—and vive Milwaukee's greatest summer night run.
The Storm the Bastille 5K returns in 2026 for a milestone celebration—the 40th anniversary of this beloved Milwaukee tradition. As downtown's only nighttime run, this 9 PM start sends over 5,000 runners and walkers charging through the illuminated streets of East Town and the Historic Third Ward, kicking off four days of French-themed festivities at Bastille Days.