Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary: The Farewell Tour

Say au revoir to a longstanding Philly tradition as the Eastern State Penitentiary bids farewell to its Bastille Day Festival. Looking to head in an new direction in the coming seasons, the Penitentiary made the tough decision make this the 24th and final festival. For one last time, guests can relive the infamous storming of Versailles on Saturday, July 14.

Celebrate the dawn of the French revolution with local favorites The Bearded Ladies, who will be providing a dramatic recreation of the storming of Bastille, complete with throwing Tastykakes at the audience while Marie Antoinette is captured. Sounds legit to us.

Bastille Day at Eastern State gets rolling (like a few heads) at 10:00 a.m. with tours of the penitentiary (standard admission fees apply).

At 5:30 p.m., the Bearded Ladies take the stage for an hour-long reenactment of the French Revolution featuring song, dance, beheading and raining Tastykakes! This year’s performance will also address Philly public school education, criminal justice, racial injustice, the border wall and firewalls. With appearances by Mark Zuckerberg, Joan of Arc, Benjamin Franklin, a six-foot tall French baguette, confetti cannons, stilt walkers and more, you don’t want to miss this retelling of the storming of Bastille!

After the festivities, surrounding restaurants will come alive with the spirit of the Revolution, offering French-themed entertainment and food and drink specials.

For more information regarding museum hours, festival details and more, check Eastern State's website.

We're certainly going to miss this beloved Fairmount staple--keep the party going on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @Phillyfunguide!