National Day 2026 in Paris: the firefighters’ ball at the Boursault fire station in the 17th arrondissement has been canceled.

WARNING: Because of the heatwave, the firefighters’ dances have been canceled in Paris and the inner suburbs.

A French festive tradition, the firemen's ball is part of the July 14th festivities. Between fireworks displays, parades(on the Champs-Élysées in Paris) and balspopulaires, the Fête Nationale is celebrated all over France every year.

The story goes that the creation of the firemen's ball in Paris goes back to Sergeant Cournet, who decided to open the doors of the Montmartre fire station for the first time, as part of a popular ball on July 14, 1937. The aim was to strengthen ties between firefighters and local communities, while raising funds for the rescue services. Since then, every year between July 12 and 14, firefighters in the Paris region open their doors to welcome young and old alike, for the Fête Nationale!

• To be read
• Top picks for the week of July 13–19, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

While every fireman's ball is different, depending on the fire station organizing it, the main activity is to dance the night away to live music or DJ sets! Stalls offer drinks, snacks and food, often prepared by the firefighters themselves.

National Day: Firefighters’ Ball and community dances on July 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
Looking for a night out on July 12, 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France? Discover the popular dances and firefighters’ balls waiting for you for the National Holiday, a chance to enjoy before or after the fireworks and dance the night away. Let’s party! [Read more]

National Day: The best parties on July 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris, where to celebrate this weekend
On July 13 and 14, 2026, a slew of outdoor music and festive events are planned to celebrate Bastille Day in Paris and Île-de-France. Here are the best spots to party. [Read more]

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