Bastille Day Festival Returns To UES With Pet Parade, French Food

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Madison Avenue will transform into a slice of Paris this weekend as New York City's annual Bastille Day celebration returns with French food, live entertainment, shopping and family-friendly activities.

The free festival, hosted by New York L'Alliance, takes over Madison Avenue from East 59th to East 63rd streets, along with East 60th Street between Fifth and Park avenues, from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 12.

This year's theme, "Montmartre to Manhattan – Celebrating 250 Years of French American Creativity," highlights the cultural ties between France and the United States through performances, workshops, cuisine and interactive experiences.

More than 60 vendors will line the streets offering French pastries, regional specialties, artisan goods and other French-inspired products.

Visitors can also enjoy complimentary arts and crafts, dance workshops, film screenings and tasting events throughout the afternoon.

Families will find plenty to do, with activity stations hosted by organizations including the NY/NJ FIFA Host Committee, La Boule New Yorkaise, Sheridan Fencing and Asphalt Green.

A festival scavenger hunt encourages attendees to visit at least six participating locations, collect stamps and redeem a completed passport for a prize at one of L'Alliance New York's information booths.

One of this year's new attractions is the Carnaval des Animaux, which includes a pet parade beginning at 12:30 p.m. followed by a pet costume contest at 1:30 p.m.

Other highlights include three mask-making workshops, two dance workshops and official opening remarks shortly after the festival begins.

The street fair wraps up at 5 p.m., followed by a 5:30 p.m. screening of "Partir un jour" at the Florence Gould Theater.

Admission to the outdoor festival is free.

Road closures (at the discretion of NYPD):

• Madison Avenue between 59th Street and 63rd Street
• 60th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.