2026 Storm the Bastille - 40th Anniversary!

Storm the Bastille is a nighttime 5K run/walk in Milwaukee, beginning at 9:00 PM in the city’s East Town neighborhood. It kicks off Bastille Days, a four-day French festival produced by the East Town Association that attracts over 250,000 visitors annually. The race commemorates the storming of the Bastille, and this year's event is linked to its 40th anniversary. The route guides runners and walkers through downtown Milwaukee’s East Town and Third Ward areas. It is approximately 5K in length but not officially certified, aligning with the festival atmosphere rather than a record-setting competition. Thousands participate, and walkers have the option to finish at the halfway mark. Following the race, participants receive standard race-night amenities: a timed bib, a commemorative anniversary shirt, and a choice of Michelob Ultra or bottled water. The adjacent festival features live music, an international marketplace, and French and Cajun cuisine near Cathedral Square Park.