San Francisco Celebrates Its French Roots With Downtown Bastille Day Event

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Franciscans and others in the Bay Area can locally celebrate France’s national holiday, Bastille Day, with “Bastille on Belden,” happening in downtown San Francisco.

The free, family-friendly event will take place at Belden Place Friday, July 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Now in its fourth year, it's a celebration of the holiday, held annually on July 14, and San Francisco’s French roots.

“‘Bastille on Belden’ is a beloved tradition that reflects the unique character and cultural richness of our downtown,” said Robbie Silver, President and CEO of the Downtown SF Partnership, which has hosted the event for the past three years.

Belden Place, a San Francisco landmark, is a block-long alley in the city’s Financial District. Once home to the city’s first French settlers, who lived in the surrounding neighborhood, it’s now a hotspot for locals and visitors, who flock to the area for its history and eateries, such as Café Tiramisu, Leleka and Toy Soldier.

Olivier Azancot, the former owner of Belden Place’s Café Bastille, is credited for the phrase “Bastille on Belden” and for getting an annual celebratory event underway in San Francisco in the mid-1990s, according to event organizers.

Café Bastille closed in October 2024 and Azancot has retired, but the legacy of what he established remains.

“We’re proud to carry forward the celebration that Olivier Azancot started and to see it evolve into a cornerstone of San Francisco’s summer programming. Events like this are what make Downtown San Francisco more than just a place to work, but a place to gather, celebrate, and feel connected to the city’s past, present, and future,” said Silver.

On Friday, “Bastille on Belden” attendees will receive a complimentary beret while supplies last, with the celebration featuring festive decor, a live band playing French music, mime performances, a Maison Nico pop-up with French desserts and “Belden Eiffel Tower” photo opportunities.

To R.S.V.P. to the event, go here.