Bastille Festival is bringing four glorious days of French food, wine and cabaret back to Adelaide

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Ooh la la! Adelaide’s favourite French festival is returning bigger, bolder and more delicious than ever, with Bastille Festival returning to the city this May for an expanded four-day celebration of food, wine, art and all things très magnifique.

Running from May 28th to 31st at Festival Plaza, the free festival is making a huge return after a massively successful Adelaide debut last year, which saw more than 50,000 visitors head to the city for a taste of France.

Growing off last year’s success, the 2026 edition will kick off on Thursday night, transforming the city with French energy. The festivities continue into Friday, with free cabaret and French opera singer Carmen performing a preview of her full production taking place at Her Majesty’s Theatre this October, setting the tone for a long weekend filled with French indulgence, live entertainment and the kind of atmosphere that transports you halfway around the world to the City of Light.

Bastille Festival will transform Festival Plaza into a bustling French village from day to night. There will be buttery croissants and coffees in the morning, then raclette, crêpes, saucissons and glasses of Champagne in the afternoon.

Oenophiles will be well looked after, with a curated selection of wines from Bordeaux, Alsace, Provence and Champagne all on offer, allowing attendees to taste their way through France’s top regions without ever leaving Adelaide.

It wouldn’t be Bastille without plenty of entertainment. Throughout the four days, more than 40 free performances are scheduled, including cabaret, can-can dancers, live bands, roaming artists and even an open-air French cinema.

With this authentic food, entertainment and drink all planned, it’s all part of recreating what the French call la joie de vivre, the simple joy of gathering, sharing good food and enjoying life.

“What’s been incredible to witness is how natural the connection feels between France and Adelaide,” shared Festival Director Vincent Hernandez. “There’s the same love for quality produce, for wine, for the arts, and for taking the time to enjoy it all together. In many ways, the spirit of Bastille Festival already belongs here.”

That connection is easy to understand. Adelaide has long had an appreciation for world-class wine, exceptional produce and a love for getting together and enjoying the best of the best. These are values that sit right at the heart of French culture. This is best enjoyed with the Wine Passport, which offers a curated tasting tour through 5 iconic French regions (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, Alsace, & Rhône Valley). And if you prefer cocktails, Casa Spirits will be shaking up a Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail, an Agave Espresso Martini and a Casa Negroni.

Foodies are in luck, too, with a food passport also available.

With an extra day added to this year’s program, visitors will have even more time to explore. So whether that’s by dropping in for a quick crêpe, settling in for a long lunch, or spending an entire evening enjoying the entertainment, there’s definitely no shortage of reasons to return.

Created by BBR Group Australia, the team behind popular events including Mov’in Bed, Fondue Chalet and the Xmas in July Festival, Bastille Festival has become the world’s largest celebration of France outside of France.

And now, Adelaide gets to enjoy it all over again.

Entry is free, with select premium experiences starting from $25. If last year’s turnout was anything to go by, this is one festival you won’t want to miss!