Crowds enjoying Bastille Day festival on the French Legation grounds Credit: courtesy French Legation

Austinites naturally gravitate towards any good reason to party and the beginning of the French Revolution will certainly suffice. While it’s entirely too hot for storming any buildings this weekend, the Alliance Francaise d’Austin and several area restaurants are offering delightful celebration options. Vive La France!

Crowds enjoying Bastille Day festival on the French Legation grounds Credit: courtesy French Legation

Saturday, July 13 6-10pm

Bastille Day Festival: The Alliance Francaise d’Austin hosts this annual festival on the grounds of the historic French Legation Museum (802 San Marcos), once home to the French ambassador to the Republic of Texas. The event is a fundraiser for the cultural exchange nonprofit and supports their various programs. The festivities will include food, drinks, music, dancing, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Adults: $10; kids 12 and under are free.

Sunday, July 14

Henri’s Cheese, Charcuterie & Wine (2026 S. Lamar): Enjoy pairings of French wines and cheeses with 20% discounts on selected French wines. 1- 4pm

Mulberry (360 Nueces #20): French Canadian chef Kristine Kittrell will have a special happy hour with a raw bar, ratatouille, and éclairs for $25. 4-7pm

Peche’ (208 W. Fourth): All Absinthe drinks will be $5 from 5pm-close

Artisan Bistro (900 RR 620 North, C-108): Bring the family to this fun event where the chef sets up tables in the parking lot and offers carnival games, music, and a casual $15 buffet with additional dishes at a nominal price. 5-10pm

Artisan Bistro in Lakeway Credit: John Anderson

Chez Nous (510 Neches): Austin’s oldest French restaurant will feature a special la carte menu in honor of the holiday. 6-10pm

Austin’s oldest French bistro Credit: Courtesy Chez Nous

Central Market North (4001 N. Lamar): Rumbuillon will be playing Parisian café music on the deck starting at 6:30pm.

This article appears in July 12 • 2013.

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