The Milwaukee summer festival season got even quieter today as the East Town Association announced this morning that, due to the coronavirus outbreak, Jazz in the Park, Saturday morning Cathedral Square markets and Bastille Days have been postponed, with eyes toward rescheduling in the fall. 

Bastille Days was originally scheduled for July 9-12, while Jazz in the Park was set for Thursday nights starting on May 28 before first pushing back to June 4 and now to an indefinite date.

"We have watched and waited to see where this summer is heading and what measures are necessary for us to mitigate any concerns and challenges for hosting large gatherings of people," writes the East Town Association in a release. "With guidance from our elected officials, Board of Directors and community leaders, we have made the difficult decision not to host events in June and July and pursue future dates for all events including: Thursday night Jazz in the Park concerts, Saturday morning Cathedral Square Markets and the Bastille Days Festival which was scheduled for July 9-12. We are currently working on alternative dates and options to host our world class Bastille Days event in the fall, pending any future developments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and welfare of the community is our number one priority, and we will do our part to keep the best interests of our attendees and vendors in mind."

While the future of Bastille Days is up in the air for 2020, Storm the Bastille is still planned – or at least a virtual version of it. For a $25 registration fee, runners will receive an honorary bib and a commemorative long-sleeved t-shirt for this most unusual version of the annual run shipped to their door, while being able to track and record times on their own personal and separate social-distanced treks safe at home. Online registration for this virtual take on Storm the Bastille begins Friday, May 1.

"We will miss seeing you all bring Cathedral Square Park to life this summer," writes the East Town Association's statement, "but look forward to returning later this year."