Looking Back at 2025 With AFSF

2025 was a year of memorable events and festivities with the Alliance Francaise de San Francisco (AFSF). From wine-tasting evenings to outdoor fairs, we curated experiences that blended French culture with the classic yay-area flair. Here are this year’s highlights :)

La Fête des Vins (14 November 2025)

AFSF welcomed Beaujolais Nouveau season with our Fête des Vins. The building was transformed into a cosy wine bar, where guests were able to sample French wines and gourmet food from France. Live music and conversation filled the room throughout the evening but the real star of the night was the steady stream of red wine in everyone’s glass. 

Bastille Day (12 July 2025):

Held in Embarcadero Plaza, The event was organized by AFSF and other French-American partners, which turned the plaza into an open air French party. Guests enjoyed live music, dance performances, French food vendors, artisan booths and games. The festive atmosphere and the French flag waving welcomed the 6th year in a row of this tradition. 

Music Day (20 June 2025):

The Alliance brought France’s summer solstice tradition to the Bay area with a Cannes en Musique theme. We danced and sang till the next day (12am), enjoying the live performances. Performers and attendees helped transfer bush street into a festival! 

Winter Fair  (7 December 2025):

AFSF closed the year with a Winter Fair at the Lycée Français de San Francisco. This marché‑style event brought together vendors of French delicacies and crafts. At the AFSF stall, volunteers served sweet crêpes and charcuterie boards while Pasquier, Petit Pot and other independent French businesses offered warm wine, raclette, artisanal chocolates and handmade ornaments. Families mingled, shopped and laughed, basking in the warmth of French hospitality during the holiday season.

Europe Day Celebration (22 May 2025):

To mark Europe Day, AFSF partnered with the Istituto Italiano Scuola and the Goethe‑Institut for a multilingual party. Held at Bissap Baobab, the event included a language‑exchange session followed by karaoke. Attendees practised French, Italian, German and other European languages over food and drinks. Microphones were being handed out so people could sing their favourite euro songs. 

Europe in the Park (20 September 2025):

The second edition of the event was held at Golden Gate Park and was organized by the European Consulates. The fair offered booths from European Union member states, food trucks, a beer garden and live cultural performances. The family event had something for everyone from live music, folk dances and food sampling. 

Francophonie Day (20 March 2025):

Francophonie Day honoured the diversity of the French-speaking world. There was a curated selection of short films from Ivory Coast, Belgium, Luxembourg, Quebec, Lebanon and France! The evening allowed for cultural exchange with encouraged discussion of films and bonding with fellow French speakers. 

Plastic Odyssey (20 May 2025):

Environmental awareness met cinema with this special film night. AFSF hosted a watch party for the documentary where attendees learned about the mission to reduce ocean plastic waste and participated in discussion to learn more about reducing their personal waste and setting goals for their environmental goals. 

Number Highlights:
# of plays during 2025: 3
# of cafés‑conversation sessions: 11

# of movie nights: 17

# of cafés‑littéraires events: 7

Each event highlighted a different facet of Francophone and European culture, bringing the community together to celebrate, learn and connect. We hope to see you again next year!