Bastille Day Fête du Marché 2025 at Rockridge Market Hall

Alma Avalos of Market Hall Foods sliced into a giant wheel of Comtė cheese.

Berets and French fare were de rigueur at Rockridge Market Hall on July 12, 2025, for the 8th annual Bastille Day celebration (ahead of the actual holiday that falls on July 14). The event included oysters on the half shell and poached prawns from Billingsgate Seafood served with beverages from Paul Marcus Wines and Aplós non-alcoholic drinks. The market’s newly separate Cheese Shop offered Jambon de Bayonne (a delicate French ham), Roquefort, and Basque cherry jam. Marin Sun Farms had samples of merguez sausages and duck confit, while Market Hall Produce served chocolate crêpes and American-style pancakes from a French bakery.

Market Hall Foods had a French-inspired menu that included Beef Bourguignon, coq au vin, pissaladière, ratatouille, and Gateau Basque. On Bastille Day, Chez Panisse in nearby Berkeley held its annual garlic celebration. That tradition started in 1975 and has always included French-themed music and entertainment.