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.

Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 4pm

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 at the Soulard Market with a rousing call against the Royalty, Jeremy and Megan Mehrle, who when sighted, shall be chased VERY slowly across the neighborhood. The parade will stop at several bourgeois businesses throughout Soulard, and end with a gathering of peasants to witness the end of the monarchy by guillotine back at Soulard Park. The Soulard Summer Concert series will kick off at 6pm in the park for a full evening of celebration!

Bastille Day is organized in partnership with Soulard Business Association.