BLOG

Let them eat cake!

That famous Marie Antoinette quote will likely be thrown around a lot during the Bastille Day Festival. The annual celebration will be held July 15 at Eastern State Penitentiary, two blocks from your Dalian on the Park apartment.

The French festivity, a staple of Philly summer life for more than 20 years, is a raucous reenactment of the storming of the Bastille, taking place at Philly’s own historic prison. From guards to revolutionaries, dozens of costumed locals recreate the tipping point of the French Revolution. In true Philly fashion, Marie Antoinette’s famous line is amended slightly to “Let them eat Tastykake” — a nod to the Philadelphia-produced treat — as thousands of the sweets are flung from the top of the prison into the crowds. Drag comedy troupe The Bearded Ladies Cabaret leads the hilarious historical spectacle.

While the re-enactment is the highlight of the festival, there are activities throughout the day. Eat and sip on French-themed items while perusing the block party along Fairmount Avenue, which features a water-balloon toss, a giant Twister competition, face-painting and more. The whole affair is free, though VIP tickets are available if you want to be up close and personal for the show (and get reserved seating and refreshments!).

Once the party wraps up, bars and restaurants in the area open their doors to Bastille Day partiers for after-parties. London Grill is always a hot spot. The venue offers a full French menu, and the champagne flows all night. London Grill’s owner is the mastermind behind the Marie Antoinette character, so keep an eye out while you dine for a guest appearance!

Bastille Day is a Philly favorite that draws thousands to Fairmount every year. Don’t miss this opportunity to see history come alive and art in action with scores of your neighbors.

 

Bastille Day Festival

5:30-8:30 p.m. July 15

2027 Fairmount Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19130

215-236-3300

 

London Grill

2301 Fairmount Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19130

215-978-4545

Back To Blog ←

TAGS : bastille day, fairmount, philly