what's on
Discover our market, our satelite events, performances & more!
The market
In this family friendly event you will “voyage” to the heart of France. The market will be packed with local French-Australian businesses, mouth-watering French cuisine, dazzling artists and performers, a cultural program filled with Les Lumières talks, Walking Tours and masterclasses, right in the heart of the city!
We know you love the delicious scent of croissants floating through the air (and/or taste) and are eager to learn more about French culture so lock the date in your calendar!
When?
Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th July
9 am – 4 pm
Where?
Queen Victoria Market, Shed C and D
Free
Price
The market
In this family friendly event you will “voyage” to the heart of France. The market will be packed with local French-Australian businesses, mouth-watering French cuisine, dazzling artists and performers, a cultural program filled with Les Lumières talks, Walking Tours and masterclasses, right in the heart of the city!
We know you love the delicious scent of croissants floating through the air (and/or taste) and are eager to learn more about French culture so lock the date in your calendar!
where?
Queen victoria market
when?
Saturday 12th July & Sunday 13th July
price
Free
The lumieres events
What are our Lumieres events?
Les Lumieres Talks: A key feature of the Bastille Day French Festival, this series of talks, titled Les Lumières, (the Lights), focus not only on history but also on topical issues that are relevant to all of us. Especially relevant as the French Revolution and its values of Liberty, Equality Fraternity came about at the end of a century of Enlightenment.
Les Lumières VERT: Empowering women in Energy : why mentoring matters?
Spotlight on the journeys of women in the energy sector and announcement of the creation of a new FR-AU women-to-women mentoring program, in partnership with FAWIB (French Australian Women in Business Network, launched in March 2025 by the French Embassy in Australia).
Les Lumières BLEU: Beyond the Game: Innovation and Tech in Sport
A conversation with three global leaders in sport, sports technology and the business of sport.
Discover our new masterclasses!
Champagne Masterclass: Les 3 Pinots
Get ready to dive deep into the world of Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Blanc at this exclusive masterclass experience!
Masterclass: L’Oréal Groupe’s Look & Learn
Book here
Masterclass: Embark on a Culinary Journey with Saint Agur®
Book here
Masterclass: Cheese and Wine Pairing
Book here
Masterclass: All Things French with Fragrance
Book hereDiscover our walking tours!
Walking Tours - French Icons of Melbourne
Book hereLive entertainments
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bastille Day Melbourne with our captivating live entertainment. From lively music performances to dazzling Can-Can dancers, talented accordionists, and mesmerizing mime artists, our stage will be alive with cultural delights. Let the rhythm of France transport you as you experience the heart and soul of French entertainment.
Performers
Witness the magic of French artistry, live on stage.
Live music
Experience the soul of France through our live music performances, featuring talented musicians playing a variety of traditional and contemporary French tunes.
Children activities
Fun-filled French adventures for little ones!
French Circus
Fun-filled French adventures for little ones!
Come and discover circus and sports activities in a supportive and friendly environment and learn French along the way.
For kids 3 - 18 years old
www.thefrenchcircusschool.com.au
@thefrenchcircusschool
Performers & live music timetable
Saturday 12 July
| Time | Artist | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9am - 11am | Mimo The Mime | French Winter Market (Roving) |
| 9am - 9.45am | Vive la Difference | Main Stage |
| 10am - 10.45am | The French Circus School (Open to 2.5 - 3.5 year olds) | French Winter Market |
| 10am - 10.45am | Under the Paris Sky | Main Stage |
| 11am - 11.45am | The French Circus School (Open to 3 - 5 year olds) | French Winter Market |
| 11.30am - 12.15pm | Official Opening | Main Stage |
| 12.30pm - 1.15pm | Vive la Difference | Main Stage |
| 1.30pm - 2.45pm | The French Circus School (Open to 6 - 11 year olds) | French Winter Market |
| 2pm - 2.45pm | Flanbwayan Collective | Main Stage |
| 2pm - 4pm | Mimo The Mime | French Winter Market (Roving) |
| 3 - 4pm | The French Circus School (Open to 12 years - Adult) | French Winter Market |
| 3 - 4pm | James Pianta, DJ | Main Stage |
| 10.45am - 1.45pm | Can Can Dancers | Main Stage and roaming |
Sunday 13 July
| Time | Artist | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9am - 11am | Mimo The Mime | French Winter Market (Roving) |
| 9am - 9.45am | Velour | Main Stage |
| 9.30am - 10.30am | Children's Storytime | Veriu Queen Victoria Market |
| 10am - 10.45am | The French Circus School (Open to 2.5 - 3.5 year olds) | French Winter Market |
| 10am - 10.45am | Noria and the Parisians | Main Stage |
| 11am - 11.45am | The French Circus School (Open to 3 - 5 year olds) | French Winter Market |
| 11am - 11.45am | La Mauvaise Reputation | Main Stage |
| 11.30am - 12.30pm | Children's Storytime | Veriu Queen Victoria Market |
| 12 - 12.45pm | Velour | Main Stage |
| 1pm - 1.45pm | Noria and the Parisians | Main Stage |
| 1.30pm - 2.45pm | The French Circus School (Open to 6 - 11 year olds) | French Winter Market |
| 2pm - 4pm | Mimo The Mime | French Winter Market (Roving) |
| 2pm - 2.45pm | Kulture Creole Entertainment | Main Stage |
| 3 - 4pm | The French Circus School (Open to 12 years - Adult) | French Winter Market |
| 3pm - 3.45pm | Danser le Rock Class | Main Stage |
| 11.45am - 1.45pm | Can Can Dancers | Main Stage and roaming |
Online Experiences
Can’t join us in person at the festival this year? Don’t worry!
We want you all to have the opportunity to celebrate all things French with the BDFF community, so we have curated a special Online Program for our remote Frenchies. Join us from the comfort of your own home for a range of live crosses to France, in conversations, musical delights and more! Rendezvous online and join in the joie de vivre.
French Trivia
Book hereTest your knowledge of French culture and history with our engaging French trivia, where you can win exciting prizes while learning about the rich heritage of France.
BDFF Music
Music in French culture is like a baguette at a picnic – essential. Whether it’s the sultry tunes of jazz in a Parisian café, the infectious beats of a summer soirée, or the eclectic sounds of a French band, it’s the soundtrack that keeps the joie de vivre alive. Check out online some of our favourite French Bands!
Coming soon!
Blog posts
