Vive la France! on Bastille Day

Celebrate the storming of the French prison, and eat Tastykakes, at our own Eastern State Penitentiary.
Credit: Andrew Simcox

We understand that the Fourth of July, with all its fireworks and hoopla, got you hyped on the idea of patriotic partying. So this weekend, celebrate the day the French stormed Bastille, a notorious prison. Whether you know the history, dig the food or just want to dress up like 18th-century revolutionaries, Philly is the place to go French.

Eastern State Penitentiary
Local cabaret troupe the Bearded Ladies will be at our own notorious prison reenacting the storming of Bastille, playing around with guillotines and resurrecting long-dead French figures like Joan of Arc and Edith Piaf. Get your grabbing fingers ready for everyone’s favorite part of the party: When Marie Antoinette proclaims, “Let them eat Tastykake!” while the “prisoners” toss down sweets.
Saturday, 5:30 p.m.
Eastern State Penitentiary
2020 Fairmount Ave.
Free, 215-236-3300
www.easternstate.org

London Grill and Paris Wine Bar
Join this French block party and nosh on crepes and salad nicoise provided by restaurant co-owners Michael McNally and Terry Berch McNally, while the West Philadelphia Orchestra provides the tunes. Fun fact: Berch McNally is playing Marie Antoinette at Eastern State.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
2301 and 2303 Fairmount Ave.
Pay as you go, 215-978-4545
www.londongrill.com

Independence Seaport Museum
Join the Alliance Française de Philadelphie for a buffet dinner, dancing and auctions. The dinner comes from Brûlée Catering and Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix; the music will be performed by the Fred Hall Orchestra and Susan Gay; and there will be a raffle for two tickets to paradise. Oh wait, we mean Paris. Oui, oui.
Sunday, 6-9 p.m.
$130 – $150
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
215-735-5283
www.afphila.com

Bistrot La Minette
One of our favorite French spots is putting on a Bastille Day Feast. Head there for brunch or dinner and fill up on duck confit, quiche and other French specialities from the prix fixe menu.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
623 S. 6th St.
$40, 215-925-8000
www.bistrotlaminette.com