Is this event free?↓

Yes! Everyone is welcome to attend this event. Activities and entertainment at all locations are free and open to all, but we do ask that everyone register in advance. We are accepting donations and encourage support by reserving a “Patron Parking” space. Your monetary contributions will directly support this program, so that our non-profit organization can pay the bands, dancers, buy decorations and pay for the materials for the kids activities- without charging for attendance.

What IS Patron Parking? What if I don’t want to reserve parking? What if I bike?↓

Patron Parking means that you have a guaranteed parking space in the parking lot of Alliance Francaise, for a set amount of time (either 5-6:15 OR 6:30-8). The AFMSP parking lot will be exclusively reserved for Patron Parking. Reserving Patron Parking means that you are a ‘patron’ of this event, and help to offset the costs associated with funding this event. We appreciate your support!

There may be some Patron Parking available on the day of the event, but we recommend reserving in advance. If you aren’t interested in parking in the AFMSP parking lot, there is free street parking in our neighborhood. We ask that you be respectful of our neighbors and do not use their parking lots. You can still check-in with our greeters to receive a map and schedule of activities and a kids activity kit, pick up a picnic, or order a crepe. While you are outside of your car though, we do require that you wear a mask!

Arriving by bike is a great way to enjoy the event! We do have limited bike parking available- and as bikers, you can reserve a Patron Parking space if you want a guaranteed place to unfurl your picnic blanket. You can also participate in our Club Velo Bastille Day ride! Just take note, if you’re hoping to enjoy the musical talents of Francine Roche and Mark Stillman, you must bring a radio- and again, don’t forget your mask!

The music will be available on the radio?!↓

Yes! Think: American Drive-In Movie. As part of our mission to make this a social-distance-friendly event, we have decided to use a radio transmitter to broadcast the music from AFMSP- that means you’ll tune in to hear Francine Roche, Mark Stillman, and Afoutayi Haitian Dance. On the day of the event, we will announce the station which will broadcast the tunes. If you want to hear the music, be sure to bring a radio that can tune into any station! You should then be able to tune in from any of our partner locations.

Whale in the Thames will be performing their French set live at La Dona Cerveceria. We recommend that if you plan to enjoy a drink at La Dona and want to listen to the band, to reserve a table directly through the brewery! You’ll also be able to listen to the music outside without being seated- but you can’t bring drinks outside the perimeter of the patio. IF you are reserving a table, please patronize la Dona. They’re our neighbors and our partners, and a local business! Their kitchen will be open and they have beer and NA options for sale.

In the parking lot of The Firm, directly next door to AFMSP, listen to the Francophone vinyl that our friends Douala Soul Collective will be spinning. You won’t need a radio to hear these tunes. Stretch your legs and dance your heart out- at a distance!

Do I have to wear a mask?↓

Yes! Masks are required when you’re celebrating at our location and our partner locations. Want to expand your mask collection? We’ll have some fun designs available for purchase at la Boutique! They might sell fast though- so bring along a spare just in case.

Are there restrooms available?↓

We will be limiting entry to six people to enter the AFMSP building to use the restrooms. There are also restrooms available at the Royal Foundry and La Dona if you are continuing the celebration at those establishments.

Is there food for purchase at the event? Where can I eat?↓

We recommend that you purchase picnics and apero boxes in advance. These options were intentionally designed to be car-friendly. No utensils needed. You will schedule your pick-up time with our staff in advance so that we can assure a contact-less pick-up.

For those that don’t order in advance there will be a very limited number of picnics and apero boxes available for purchase in the parking lot of AFMSP. Just take note, it will be a limited supply. Payment will only be accepted by card.

Sweet crêpes made by Oh Crepe, will be available for purchase as well. To assure distancing and contactless orders, you’ll be able to order by text and pay online. Crepes will range in price from $5-6.

You are welcome to enjoy the picnics in the parking lot of Alliance Française, in your cars, in the parking lot of the Firm, and at Royal Foundry. If you are eating at Royal Foundry, please be sure to also order a beverage- they’re open specially for us that day and will be serving cocktails and mocktails that pair wonderfully!

The kitchen at La Dona will be open, serving their regular menu. Since La Dona offers food, we respectfully ask that you refrain from bringing outside food to their establishment.

If I come in a car, do I have to stay in my car?↓

The celebration is designed for you to be able to do so- drive-in style music, car-friendly picnics and kids activity kits.

The Patron Parking at the Alliance will be alternating space, maintaining one empty place between each car. If you’ve reserved, you’re welcome to stay in your car, or leave your car parked to take a stroll to explore the goings on at the partner locations. Outside of vehicles, please wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart from others.

To minimize contact in the parking lot at AFMSP, we respectfully request that only those who have reserved Patron Parking use those spaces. If you haven’t reserved Patron Parking, you may still be in the parking lot area to use the restroom, order/pick up your crepe, grab a picnic, a map or an activities kit. Again, distancing is required.

What do you mean by 'progressive'?↓

This event was planned with distancing in mind and has activities and entertainment planned at multiple locations to minimize crowding at any one location. We encourage you to attend the event in a progression- start and end in whatever order you prefer!

The parking lot of the Firm is reserved for pedestrians- but of course, maintain your distance! There will be music, information on other organizations, La Boutique, and Citroen cars on display.

At The Link, you can donate household products and learn more about their work serving our community, and when donating goods you’ll receive 15% off at Henry & Son. Henry & Son will be open for online wine orders and curbside, contactless pick-up.

At La Dona and Royal Foundry, enjoy live music from Whale in the Thames on the outdoor patio.

Is there a COVID-19 plan?↓

Yes, click this link to read about the precautions we are taking to keep this event safe. Please self-check before coming to our event and stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.