Bastille Festival Reveals 2025 Dates and Expands Its Footprint Across Circular Quay

Sydney’s iconic French festival returns from 17–20 July 2025 with four days of food, wine, art and revolution – and it’s free to attend.

For 12 years, Bastille Festival has been bringing joie de vivre to Sydney each July, drawing hundreds of thousands of Francophiles, food and wine lovers, music enthusiasts, and seekers of good vibes. This much-loved winter event returns once again, warming the heart of the city with all the things we adore about France. Whether you come for the raclette, the rosé, the cinema, or the cabaret – it’s all about embracing joie de vivre!

“Each year, we aim to recreate what we love about France right here in the heart of Sydney,” says Vincent Hernandez, Founder and Festival Director. “This 12th edition is all about going bigger, bolder, and more immersive – offering Sydneysiders and visitors a true ‘Tour de France’ of flavours, sights, and sounds.”

Whether you’re a devoted Francophile or simply curious about France’s culinary treasures, Bastille Festival promises four indulgent days filled with gourmet food, fine wines, lively entertainment, and the unmistakable French spirit we all love.

Fall in Love with French Food All Over Again

Bastille Festival has long been Sydney’s winter culinary escape -and 2025 is set to be its most delicious yet. With more than 120 exhibitors and over 80 dishes on offer, festival-goers can explore a curated selection of timeless regional dishes, sweet treats, and inventive fusions.

Expect crowd favourites like raclette, escargots, crêpes, and macarons, but also discover exclusive chef collaborations and international flavours reimagined with a French twist.

“Food is at the heart of French culture, and it’s at the heart of Bastille Festival too,” says Hernandez. “We want every bite to transport you – whether it’s through a traditional regional speciality or a creative new fusion you’ve never tried before.”

It’s an invitation to taste your way across France – without needing a passport.

Wine Not? Discover France by the Glass

No celebration of France would be complete without wine – and Bastille Festival’s wine program promises to be its most extensive yet.

This year, the Festival will present eight iconic wine regions, each offering a curated selection of four wines. From Bordeaux to Burgundy, Beaujolais to Provence, Languedoc to the Rhône Valley, and Alsace to the Loire Valley, it’s a true Tour de France for wine lovers. Wines have been carefully selected from boutique French wineries to prestigious châteaux, reflecting not only the diversity but also the unique character of each region.

“Our wine experiences aren’t just about tasting – they’re about storytelling,” explains Hernandez. “Each glass is a journey through a region, its traditions, and its people.”

This year, Champagne will also take centre stage, with pop-up stations throughout the Festival and two distinctive wine bars offering champagne paired with oysters and seafood – because life’s best pleasures rarely come alone.

For those seeking something heartier, mulled wine, spiced hot cider, beer bars, and cocktail stations will keep the winter chill at bay. With over 18 bars dotted around Circular Quay and The Rocks, there’ll be no shortage of perfect pairings to match your feast.

Art, Music, and the French Spirit

Bastille Festival isn’t just a feast for the palate – it’s a feast for the senses. Across four jam-packed days, visitors can enjoy over 100 free shows, including live concerts, street theatre, dance lessons, fire performances, acrobatic displays, and more.

Two main stages and a dozen busking spots will ensure the harbour comes alive from morning till late into the night.

Festival favourites are also back, with the French Cabaret Night lighting up First Fleet Park on Friday and the much-loved French DJ Party turning up the heat on Saturday.

“At its core, Bastille Festival is about connection -to food, to culture, and to each other,” says Hernandez. “We’re creating moments where Sydney can come together, celebrate, dance, and rediscover a little bit of magic in the middle of winter.”

And this year, organisers are promising even more surprises, with new interactive experiences set to be unveiled in the lead-up to the event.

Bastille Festival Expands to Adelaide for the First Time

In the lead-up to its flagship Sydney event, Bastille Festival is proud to announce the launch of a new edition in the heart of Adelaide, taking place from 30 May to 1 June 2025.

Bringing the same joie de vivre that has made it one of Australia’s most beloved festivals, Bastille Festival Adelaide will celebrate the best of French food, wine, art, and entertainment. This exciting expansion marks a new chapter in the Festival’s growing national footprint, offering South Australians the opportunity to experience the magic of France right in the heart of Festival Plaza.
Celebrate the French Way, Sydney!

Save the dates: Thursday 17 July to Sunday 20 July 2025.
Eat. Drink. Dance. Repeat.
Bastille Festival is back to light up Sydney’s harbour with the best of France – from gourmet food to lively street performances and spectacular wines.

Find your beret, grab your friends, and get ready to celebrate winter the French way!