Bastille Day: French Costume Contest

Alliance Française Bastille Day Costume Contest: Official Guide

Participants must hold Bastille Day 2026 Tickets

Judges will be looking for costumes that display the most outstanding Quality, Accuracy, Effort, and Presentation. Costumes of all shapes and sizes are allowed, and we highly encourage contestants to lean into the whimsical, historic, and cultural spirit of France!

Costumes of all shapes and sizes are allowed: Mimes, French Aristocrats, Napoleon, Marie Antoinette, Edith Piaf, Croissants, Joan of Arc, Poodles, etc. Judges will be looking for the most creative and well-crafted costumes.

Costume Contest Judging Criteria

• Quality: Focus on the construction of the costume. Are the seams neat? Are the materials well-utilized? While store-bought costumes are permitted, higher points will be awarded to costumes that show excellent execution, durability, and fabric choices.
• Presentation: How well does the contestant embody the character during their stage time? Judges will score based on confidence, the 30-second crowd walk, their pose, and overall charisma.
• Effort: Measures the time, thought, and hard work put into the look. Handmade, altered, and self-constructed elements are highly encouraged and will score significantly higher here than unaltered, out-of-the-box store-bought outfits.
• Accuracy & Cultural Relevance: How well does the costume capture the spirit of France, its history, or its culture? For historical figures, judges will look for recognizable details. For abstract concepts (like food), judges will look for instant recognizability and cleverness.

Costume Guidelines

• Costumes that represent France and French culture in an appropriate, whimsical, and fun way are acceptable. Handmade and self-constructed costumes are highly encouraged but not necessary.
• Alliance Francaise staff and costume contest judges have the right to modify these rules on the spot to protect Bastille Day attendees and the safety/fun of the event.

Contest Guidelines

• Contestants must meet in front of the stage a few minutes before the event 
• Contestants will have 30 seconds to walk through the crowd, strike a pose for the judges, and return back to the line of contestants.
• Swearing, sexual humor, flashing, extreme political or religious statements or other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Contestants engaging in such behavior will be immediately disqualified and removed from the event.
• Awards will be presented shortly after each group. Prizes must be claimed on-site and winners must be present to win.
• There will be 3 prizes awarded to the winner and the 2 runners-up.

o 1st Place Liberté

o 2nd Place Égalité

o 3rd Place Fraternité

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