Wigs Welcome: Bastille Day Festival at Eastern State Penitentiary

Gear up for all things French for the second annual Bastille Day Festival at Eastern State Penitentiary. The storming of the Bastille in Paris, France was a crucial turning point during the French Revolution, and a decision made by French Revolutionaries that showed their resistance against the French monarchy. Whether you’re a revolutionary or a royalist, the Bastille Day festival features fun for everyone. Experience a cabaret and lively reenactment of the French Revolution in an hour-long free Philadelphia event filled with music and dancing on Saturday, July 15, 2017.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m., featuring The Bearded Ladies, a cabaret troupe, in a playful, “totally historically accurate” reenactment of the storming of the Bastille. Guests will experience French revolutionaries storm the walls of the penitentiary and capture Marie Antoinette, while she exclaims “let them eat (Tasty)cake!” There will be 2,000 Tastykakes flung from the prison’s towers.  Guests can also expect confetti cannons, stilt walkers, a cardboard horse, and a catwalk so long that it divides majority of Fairmount Avenue.

VIP seating is also available at this free Philadelphia event, which provides select seating, beer, refreshments, and a front seat view of the performances. The schedule is:

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Tour Eastern State Penitentiary. Standard admission. Last entry 4:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.: Free Bastille Day cabaret performance.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Explore Eastern State Penitentiary after-hours. Admission is $8 online, or $10 at the door.

Starting 6:30 p.m.: Enjoy French-themed food and drink specials at select Fairmount restaurants.

Did we mention free Tastykakes?

After this unique French experience, be sure to stop by Geno’s Steaks for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak. It’s not French, but we promise it’s even better. We’re open 24/7 – we look forward to seeing you after this free Philadelphia event! Bon appétit!