Enjoy three blocks of the sights, sounds, and flavors of French culture at the annual Bastille Day celebration, where New Yorkers are invited to be French for a day.

Sample the cuisine of France and French-speaking countries from vendors including: Bouchon Bakery, The French Culinary Institute, Le Bec Fin, Opia, Payard, Petrossian, Seppi’s, and Trois Crêpes Patisserie, among others. A festive “open-air picnic” area with tables covered in checkerboard tablecloths will be set up along the three blocks.

Dance in the street to live music by three bands direct from France: The Penelopes, Poni Hoax, and Frustration, appearing courtesy of Agnès b.’s “J’aime la Musique” program. Other live acts including French Cancan dancers, the “nouvelle bossa” singer Pascalito, DJ Indaloh, and traditional Martinique dancers will also be appearing on the festival stage at 60th Street & Park Avenue throughout the afternoon.

Family-friendly fun abounds with French-themed sports activities including a stationary Tour de France bike race provided by New York Health and Racquet Club, soccer workouts with Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, and pétanque (street bowling) provided by Pétanque America. For younger children, the FIAF Language Center will host an Arts & Crafts activity booth.

Two specialty bars will give adults the chance for a more spirited celebration! The Bastille Day Bar in the FIAF lobby will be serving Moutin Cadet white, red, and rosé wines, and Kronenboug 1664, the premium lager of Brasseries Kronenbourg. Across the street, a Martinican Case à Rhum, a tropical hut featuring drinks made with rums from Martinique, will be located at Bistro 60.

Bonne chance! A raffle with drawings throughout the day will offer the chance to win a variety of wonderful prizes, including the Grand Prize of a pair of round-trip tickets to Paris courtesy of American Airlines and a four-night hotel stay courtesy of Sofitel.

Visit www.bastilledayusa.com for additional details.