Storm the Bastille 5K Returns July 9, 2026. Registration Now Open for 40th Anniversary Race
Milwaukee's only nighttime downtown run celebrates four decades with early bird pricing available through May
MILWAUKEE – East Town Association invites runners and walkers to lace up for the 40th annual Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk, taking place on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 9 p.m. in downtown Milwaukee. With exactly 100 days until race night, registration is now open and early bird pricing of $40 is available through May 31.
Milwaukee’s only organized nighttime downtown run, Storm the Bastille serves as the official kickoff to Bastille Days, leading participants on a scenic route through the East Town and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods. This year marks a milestone four decades of the beloved opening night tradition.
“Storm the Bastille has been part of Milwaukee’s summer fabric for 40 years, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate that milestone this July,” said Tammy Bockhorst, Executive Director of East Town Association. “Whether you’ve toed the starting line once or every year, we hope you’ll join us on July 9 for what’s going to be a very special night.”
The 2025 Storm the Bastille saw its biggest turnout yet, with over 5,000 registered participants racing through downtown Milwaukee. East Town Association is looking to build on that momentum as the race celebrates its 40th anniversary.
“Storm the Bastille is my favorite competitive road 5K in Wisconsin — and seven years in, it never gets old. There’s nothing quite like it: a fast night race through the streets of downtown Milwaukee with thousands of people and a party waiting at the finish.” — Paul Gutmann, Board Member, Wisconsin Runner Racing Team
Race registration includes a special 40th Anniversary Storm the Bastille shirt, a timed bib, and a post-race Michelob Ultra (or water) to kick off Bastille Days weekend. Registrants can also choose to donate additional funds to support ongoing restoration of the festival’s 42-foot Eiffel Tower replica. Proceeds from Storm the Bastille support Bastille Days, one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations, taking place July 9–12, 2026 in Cathedral Square Park. The free, four-day festival attracts over 250,000 visitors annually and features live music, French and Cajun cuisine, an international marketplace, and street performers.
To register for the race or learn more, visit: easttown.com/bastille5k
About East Town Association
East Town Association is a nonprofit downtown neighborhood and business organization fully funded through event sponsorships, sales, membership fees, and donations. Storm the Bastille and Bastille Days are East Town Association’s primary fundraisers, supporting year-round programming that connects Milwaukee residents and visitors while supporting hundreds of local businesses and artists. For more information, visit easttown.com.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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