2026 Storm the Bastille - 40th Anniversary!

Thu, Jul 9, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT

Location: 825 N Jefferson Street, suite 150, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Featured distance: 5K
Type: Run

Race feel

Run a night 5K through downtown Milwaukee, then celebrate the 40th anniversary at the lively Bastille Days French festival.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky
Festive

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Storm the Bastille, a lively 5K run/walk kicking off Milwaukee’s renowned Bastille Days festival. Join thousands of participants for a unique night race through downtown Milwaukee's East Town and Third Ward neighborhoods. This event commemorates the storming of the Bastille, sparking a spirited post-race celebration. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of one of the nation's largest French-themed celebrations, complete with live music, international cuisine, and entertainment.

What to expect

From the organizer

Storm the Bastille 5k

Presented & Produced by East Town Association

(sponsorship available: info@easttown.com)

Join thousands of your fellow runners & walkers for the 2026 Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk!

Race attendees from Milwaukee gather to commemorate the storming of the Bastille, the 18th-century French prison that sparked the French Revolution. This year's 5k route will take participants through downtown Milwaukee's East Town and the Third Ward neighborhoods. While the route is not officially certified, it's close in distance. Walkers are welcome to complete the course at the halfway point (TBD). Make sure to stick around for the party that follows as we celebrate Bastille Days !

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

Special edition Storm the Bastille 40th Anniversary t-shirt Timed Bib Post-race Michelob Ultra or bottled water Storm the Bastille kicks off Bastille Days, Milwaukee’s popular French festival and one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations. This free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors to downtown Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park annually who enjoy a variety of live music, an international marketplace, French and Cajun cuisine, and roaming busker entertainment.

FAQS

Packet Pickup Info:

Tuesday July 7 location TBD

Packet pickup on race day is 6:30-8:30pm under the white tent in the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park. Please arrive early as we need to shut the tent down at 8:30 p.m. to prepare for the race, and have the QR code that is attached to your registration confirmation email ready.

**PICKUP will close at 8:30 p.m. so arrive early to avoid lines

Parking:

The Hop is open until midnight. Park anywhere along the route and ride it to Cathedral Square for FREE .

If you're driving, please arrive prior to 8 p.m. to avoid road closures.

770 Garage - 518 E Mason St. Cathedral Square Garage - 530 E Mason St. Gas Light Garage - 730 N Jackson St. Runners:

Fast runners, please move toward the front of the start line. Average and slower-paced runners, we ask that you stay toward the back near Cathedral Square Park to allow the competitive runners to start first. Remember, your official time begins when you cross the start line and ends when you cross the finish line, so there’s no need to rush.