2026 Storm the Bastille - 40th Anniversary!
ET
From East Town Association
- Date Thu 9th July 2026
- Time 9:00PM CDT
- Location Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Price $54.00
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating 2026 Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk, proudly organized by the East Town Association, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the heart of Milwaukee! This year marks the 40th Anniversary of this iconic event, celebrating the historic storming of the Bastille with a spirited 5K race through the vibrant East Town and Third Ward neighborhoods. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, this event invites everyone to participate as we honor a pivotal moment in history while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Bastille Days.
Participants can look forward to an unforgettable experience, complete with a stylish anniversary t-shirt, a timed bib, and a refreshing post-race beverage of Michelob Ultra or bottled water. Plus, don’t miss the chance to grab a vintage Storm the Bastille T-shirt! After the race, stick around for the festivities at Cathedral Square Park, where Milwaukee’s largest French festival, Bastille Days, comes alive with live music, culinary delights, and entertainment. Don’t miss out on this fantastic celebration—register now and be part of a cherished tradition!
Participants can look forward to an unforgettable experience, complete with a stylish anniversary t-shirt, a timed bib, and a refreshing post-race beverage of Michelob Ultra or bottled water. Plus, don’t miss the chance to grab a vintage Storm the Bastille T-shirt! After the race, stick around for the festivities at Cathedral Square Park, where Milwaukee’s largest French festival, Bastille Days, comes alive with live music, culinary delights, and entertainment. Don’t miss out on this fantastic celebration—register now and be part of a cherished tradition!
Organiser's Description
STORM THE BASTILLE 5K
PRESENTED & PRODUCED BY EAST TOWN ASSOCIATION [https://easttown.com/]
(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 [https://easttown.com/bastille-days-festival/]!
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
* Special edition Storm the Bastille 40th Anniversary t-shirt _ *It's pretty smart looking!*_
* Timed Bib
* Post-race Michelob Ultra, bottled water or a vintage (from Storm's past) Storm the Bastille T-Shirt!
Storm the Bastille kicks off Bastille Days, Milwaukees popular French festival and one of the nations largest French-themed celebrations. This free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors to downtown Milwaukees 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:
MONDAY JULY 6TH 2PM-6:30PM -- PERFORMANCE RUNNING OUTFITTERS (BROOKFIELD), 2205 n Calhoun road Brookfield WI 53005
TUESDAY, JULY 7TH 2PM-6 PERFORMANCE RUNNING OUTFITTERS (THIRD WARD), 403 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
THURSDAY, JULY 9TH (RACE DAY!) 4:30-8 BASTILLE DAYS - CATHEDRAL SQUARE, 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. ON RACE DAY SO ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID LINES
PARKING:
The Hop [https://thehopmke.com/] 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. Park for a discounted rate in the Power Parking garages on E Mason or N Jefferson. USE THE CODE: PARIS FOR A 25% DISCOUNT.
* 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 theres no need to rush.
WALKERS:
Please stay toward the back near Cathedral Square Park and allow the runners to take off first. If you plan to walk only half the race, please end your walk at Wells Street and return directly to the park. Be sure to avoid Jefferson Street and the official finish line area.
WATER LOCATIONS:
Half-way (MAC: Milwaukee Athletic Club) & Finish Line: Kaizen House of Athletics Finish Line Water Station @ Wells & Jefferson (next to the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon tent).
START / FINISH LINE:
The start line will be on Jefferson street, heading south, and the race will finish at the same location. Afterwards, please proceed to the Kaizen House of Athletics Finish Line Water Station on Wells St. You can then redeem your FREE Michelob Ultra or bottled water at any bar location (or a vintage STORM T-Shirt at the East Town Tent on the NE side of the Square).
POST-RACE BEVERAGE
Your drink coupon is attached to your race bib. Tear it off to redeem at any of our bar locations. You can choose either a Michelob Ultra or a bottled water (or a vintage STORM T-Shirt at the East Town Tent on the NE side of the Square).
PRESENTED & PRODUCED BY EAST TOWN ASSOCIATION [https://easttown.com/]
(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 [https://easttown.com/bastille-days-festival/]!
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
* Special edition Storm the Bastille 40th Anniversary t-shirt _ *It's pretty smart looking!*_
* Timed Bib
* Post-race Michelob Ultra, bottled water or a vintage (from Storm's past) Storm the Bastille T-Shirt!
Storm the Bastille kicks off Bastille Days, Milwaukees popular French festival and one of the nations largest French-themed celebrations. This free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors to downtown Milwaukees 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:
MONDAY JULY 6TH 2PM-6:30PM -- PERFORMANCE RUNNING OUTFITTERS (BROOKFIELD), 2205 n Calhoun road Brookfield WI 53005
TUESDAY, JULY 7TH 2PM-6 PERFORMANCE RUNNING OUTFITTERS (THIRD WARD), 403 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
THURSDAY, JULY 9TH (RACE DAY!) 4:30-8 BASTILLE DAYS - CATHEDRAL SQUARE, 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. ON RACE DAY SO ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID LINES
PARKING:
The Hop [https://thehopmke.com/] 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. Park for a discounted rate in the Power Parking garages on E Mason or N Jefferson. USE THE CODE: PARIS FOR A 25% DISCOUNT.
* 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 theres no need to rush.
WALKERS:
Please stay toward the back near Cathedral Square Park and allow the runners to take off first. If you plan to walk only half the race, please end your walk at Wells Street and return directly to the park. Be sure to avoid Jefferson Street and the official finish line area.
WATER LOCATIONS:
Half-way (MAC: Milwaukee Athletic Club) & Finish Line: Kaizen House of Athletics Finish Line Water Station @ Wells & Jefferson (next to the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon tent).
START / FINISH LINE:
The start line will be on Jefferson street, heading south, and the race will finish at the same location. Afterwards, please proceed to the Kaizen House of Athletics Finish Line Water Station on Wells St. You can then redeem your FREE Michelob Ultra or bottled water at any bar location (or a vintage STORM T-Shirt at the East Town Tent on the NE side of the Square).
POST-RACE BEVERAGE
Your drink coupon is attached to your race bib. Tear it off to redeem at any of our bar locations. You can choose either a Michelob Ultra or a bottled water (or a vintage STORM T-Shirt at the East Town Tent on the NE side of the Square).
Races
-
Storm the Bastille 5K
Incl. $4.00 Fee & 40th Anniversary Storm the Bastille T-Shirt
Thu 9th July 2026 (9:00PM CDT)
$54.00
CLOSED
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825 N Jefferson Street, suite 150, Milwaukee, 53202, WI, United States
2026 Storm the Bastille - 40th Anniversary!
