Let them eat cake!

Soulard celebrates our unique French heritage with a return to Bastille Day, honoring the peasants who rejected the monarchy by “gathering the mob” — the event organizers (Soulard Restoration Group and Soulard Business Association) alternate annual nominations for royalty. The King and Queen, accompanied by a brass band, lead “peasants” (participants) throughout the neighborhood — gathering for refreshments at local businesses. The parade culminates with a proclamation in the park and a mock beheading of the French royalty.

Soulard has been celebrating Bastille Day since 1987 (and possibly even before). A huge thanks to all the volunteers and participants — past and present — for highlighting the neighborhood’s unique French heritage.

Royalty Nominations

SRG needs your help nominating this year’s royalty! We’re looking for the names of two Soulard Restoration Group members who will be named King and Queen and paraded throughout the neighborhood before gathering in the park for a ceremonial beheading beneath the guillotine.

Submit Your Nominations Here

We will stop accepting royalty nominations on Wednesday, March 18, so get your submissions in before then!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 12 at 4pm to join the mob on the street for the Bastille Day parade! The parade will begin in Soulard Market Park and end there just in time for the Soulard Summer Concert Series to begin at 6pm. Bastille Day is organized in partnership with Soulard Business Association.