what's on

Our 2026 program is coming soon!

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 11th - Sunday 12th July

9 am – 4 pm

Where?

Queen Victoria Market, Shed C and D

Free

Price

Our 2026 program

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 Lumière Rouge: How France projects itself onto Australia through film

France and Australia have had a deep relationship for over a century in film. The Lumière Brothers sent one of their representatives to present their “Cinématographe” in 1896 and filmed in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Book here

Les Lumière Blanc: Australia, mon Amour

Come laugh with the Frienchiest Australian in this special standy up comedy show! 


He fell in love with Australia and lives here now, in the real capital of love, Melbourne.

Book here

official program

Coming soon!

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

Discover our walking tours!

To be announced soon.

Live 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!

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

    Test 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.

    Book here

  • 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


    Read our posts here

check out our previous festivals