Under the big top — the Cirque de la Bastille, a Bastille Day circus celebration in San Jose is billed as “a jubilant slice of true French-Parisian life at the Left Bank Brasserie. The French national holiday is as good an excuse as any for a circus. Go for the classic French clowns and jugglers. Stay for the contortionists, fire breathers, illusionists, acrobats and odd assortment of other circus performers. There will be mimes, of course, for better of worse. And you may even enjoy the French Poodles on Parade. C’est la vie.

DEAL: Cirque de la Bastille is FREE

WHEN: July 14. Starts at 5pm, performances at 7 pm and 8:30 pm.

WHERE: Santana Row, 355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA