Free weekend events with French flair

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The French founders of St. Louis might blush at the World Naked Bike Ride that takes place here this weekend, but their populist descendants will cheer the mock beheading of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette in Soulard in honor of Bastille Day on Saturday. There’s a little something français for everyone looking to fete le quatorze juillet on the banks of the Mississippi.
The Queen and King heading to the guillotine in Soulard.
Bastille Day Celebration & BeheadingSaturday, July 15, 4:00pm – 5:00pmSoulardThe gathering of the mob begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Lynch Street Tavern and marches through Soulard with stops at several bars along the route to Pontiac Square Park where the Guillotine is located. Peasant attire recommended
Let Them Eat ArtFriday, July 14, 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM Historic Downtown MaplewoodThe 12th Annual Let Them Eat Art, Maplewood’s whimsical tribute to Bastille Day features live art demonstrations by regional artists, live music, and food & drink by Maplewood’s award-winning food purveyors.

If you want to eat cake on Bastille Day, let me recommend my two favorite French patisseries in St. Louis: Comme a la Maison/Like Home at Lindell & Vandeventer, and La Chouquette at the corner of Tower Grove Ave. & McRee.


World Naked Bike RideJuly 15, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM The GroveThe World Naked Bike Ride STL celebrates its 10th birthday! Ride as bare as you dare at the country’s third largest Naked Bike Ride, an international event celebrating bikes and bodies! Meet up in The Grove for pre-ride festivities.

Art Hill Film Series: TitanicJuly 14, 6-11:00 PMThis summer, the Saint Louis Art Museum is rolling out the red carpet for Oscar’s Best Dressed, in honor of their summer exhibition, Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015. The food trucks, music, and art activities start at 6:00 p.m. Films begin promptly at 9:00 p.m. You are welcome to arrive any time to ...

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