Community Corner
Bastille Day Event In Montclair Will Celebrate French Culture, Food, Film
A two-day celebration of French-inspired food, music, film and community will return to Montclair in 2026.
MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of L'Alliance New York. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
L’Alliance New York’s Bastille Day Garden Party, a beloved Montclair tradition since 2008, returns on Friday, July 10, with an evening garden party at the historic Kip’s Castle, kicking off two days of French-inspired food, music, film, and community celebration across Montclair.
The festivities continue on Saturday, July 11, with the second edition of Montclair French Shopping Day and a special French film screening.
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Celebrated every year on July 14 in France and around the world, Bastille Day is France’s national holiday and a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and joie de vivre.
Montclair Bastille Day Weekend Events
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Friday, July 10 | 6:00–10:00 PM
Bastille Day Garden Party
Kip’s Castle Park - Registration needed
Saturday, July 11 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Montclair French Shopping Day
Various Location Across Town - Free access
Saturday, July 11 | 5:30 PM
French Film Screening: Leave One Day (Partir un jour)
The Clairidge Theater - Registration needed
LINK to get tickets and register: CLICK HERE
Since 2008, L’Alliance New York’s Bastille Day Garden Party in Montclair has brought together francophones, francophiles, and friends from across New Jersey to celebrate French culture, friendship, and community. For the second year, the Montclair Campus of L’Alliance New York presents Montclair French Shopping Day, in partnership with Montclair Center BID, and a special French film screening in partnership with Montclair Film and The Clairidge.
“Together, these community partnerships extend the celebration throughout Montclair and invite residents and visitors alike to discover the unique blend of culture, creativity, and community spirit that makes our town so special while supporting local businesses,” explained Marie-Catherine Glaser, executive director of the Montclair Campus of L’Alliance New York.
Bastille Day Garden Party
The festivities begin Friday evening, July 10, with the annual Bastille Day Garden Party, held for the first time at the beautiful Kip’s Castle.
In front of breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, a French country buffet by Cuisine Boulud, chef Daniel Boulud’s catering arm, desserts created by Montclair-based pastry chef Janelle Manning, wine, cheese, live jazzy music. Highlights include French-themed raffle prizes and a chance to win two Air France tickets from New York to Paris.
Montclair French Shopping Day
On Saturday, July 11, from 10 am to 5 pm, the Montclair Campus of L’Alliance New York will present the second edition of Montclair French Shopping Day, developed in partnership with Montclair Center BID.
Downtown Montclair and beyond will come alive as residents and visitors enjoy French-inspired experiences throughout the town. From shopping and tastings to special offers, live entertainment, photo opportunities, and family-friendly activities, each stop offers a unique way to celebrate Bastille Day while collecting stamps along the route. Completed passports will qualify participants for a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses and a grand-prize drawing for a hotel stay in France.
Co-presented with Montclair Center BID, and Experience Montclair, with the participation of Atout France, France’s national tourism development agency.
French Film Screening: Leave One Day (Partir un jour)
The Montclair celebrations conclude on Saturday evening, July 11, with a special 5:30 PM screening of Leave One Day (Partir un jour), a 2025 French comedy-drama by Amélie Bonnin at The Clairidge, presented in partnership with Montclair Film.
The screening also marks the debut of a new L’Alliance New York member benefit in Montclair: complimentary access to select French-language film screenings at The Clairidge and Bellevue Theaters.
Co-presented with Montclair Film and The Clairidge Theater.
L’Alliance New York Bastille Day celebrations don’t stop in Montclair. On Sunday, July 12, the festivities continue in Manhattan as L’Alliance New York transforms Madison Avenue into the largest Bastille Day celebration outside of France.
From noon to 5:00 PM, more than 50,000 visitors are expected to enjoy a vibrant day of live performances, French food, culture, shopping, and entertainment for all ages.
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