NYC Bastille Day Celebration Guide: Streets Closed, Programs

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — For more than 20 years the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), a nonprofit promoting French language and culture in New York City, has hosted an annual party on East 60th Street to mark the celebration of Bastille Day.

For those who don't know what Bastille Day is: Think of it like the French July 4. It's a celebration of the July 14, 1789 storming of the Bastille — a Medieval fortress in Paris — that marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

The FIAF party will take place the day after Bastille Day on Sunday, July 15. Whether you're interested in attending or avoiding the event — here's what you need to know.

When it starts:

The FIAF Bastille Day celebration will get off to an early start Sunday at 11 a.m., according to event organizers.

The reason for the early start: France's game in the World Cup final against Croatia. The soccer (or football if you're French) match is starting at 11 a.m. because it's being played in Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, which is seven hours ahead of New York City.

Where it's located/how to get there:

The Bastille Day party is held annual on East 60th Street on the Upper East Side. This year's programs take place along the block between Fifth and Lexington Avenues.

The area is east to get to by subway. Take the 4/5/6 or N/R/W lines to Lexington Avenue and 59th Street and it's just one block away.

Street closures:

The stretch of East 60th Street from Fifth Avenue to Lexington Avenue will be closed to cars from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Police may decide to close some other roads in the area.

Programs:

The Bastille Day party begins with the World Cup game, but will continue into the night.

Here's a schedule of events provided by FIAF:

• 11 a.m.: LIVE Screening of World Cup Final — Outdoor on 60th Street & Inside FIAF Florence Gould Hall
• 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.: Champagne & Jazz Party
• 124:30 p.m.: Summer in the South of France Tasting
• 12–5 p.m.: The French Garden — Showcase of Premium Brands
• 12–5 p.m.: French-Themed Market
• 12–5 p.m.: Street Art for Mankind with Kinmx & Iljin
• 12–5 p.m.: Kids’ Corner
• 12:45–5 p.m.: Live Performances
• 5 p.m.: Prize Drawing: Win Trips to Paris and Martinique!
• 5:30 p.m.: Sneak Peek Screening: Le Brio

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images News/Getty Images