Where to Celebrate Bastille Day 2016 in Philadelphia
On July 14, 1789, the French stormed the Bastille and declared a revolution. From that day forward, it has given us Americans a great reason to continue the blue, white, and red party, just 10 days after our own independence celebration, to show support for our allies across the Atlantic.
Thursday, July 14
Caribou Cafe, All Day
There will be a prix-fixe menu served all day at this elegant bistro. The fitting price of $17.89 will get you a choice of delicious dishes like Vichyssoise, Salade Nicoise, Steak Frites, and Profiterolle with sea salt caramel. From 4PM-7PM, enjoy the “Sounds of Paris” with live accordion music!
Celebrate Bastille Day with a free bar crawl in Fairmount. Grab a bow tie and a map and head to participating bars such as the Bishop’s Collar, Bridgid’s, Fare, Green Room, London Grill, Rembrandt’s, St. Stephen’s Green, Ukrainian League, and Urban Saloon. Kronenbourg 1664 and Blanc will be priced at $3 until close.
The Spirit of Philadelphia, 6:30PM-10PM
Friday, July 15
French Trivia
London Grill, 8PM
Bastille Day may be over, but the celebrations continue all weekend in Fairmount. Test your knowledge of all things French with the chance to win sweet prizes.
Saturday, July 16th
French Fairmount Festivities
London Grill and Eastern State Penitentiary, 10 AM — 6:30 PM
London Grill will open with a French-inspired special brunch menu and $4 Kronenbourgs all day. From there, head over to the French Family Carnival on Fairmount Avenue. There will be tons of Francophile fun for the entire family including live music, obstacle courses, a Tastykake eating contact (so French), water balloon toss, giant Jenga, face painting and more! Then, head to Eastern State for the biggest event of the day. Watch The Bearded Ladies cabaret troupe perform what has been described as a “completely historically accurate” reenactment of the French Revolution. The co-owner of London Grill, Terry McNally, will star as Marie Antoinette and there will be lots of song, dance, and Tastykakes will rain down to the crowd from atop the Eastern State Penitentiary. The performance is free for attendees, but VIP tickets are available with a donation. The fun continues at London Grill with an outdoor party all night long. The West Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing from 6:30-9:30 and street fare will include croquettes, french dip sandwiches, french sausages, and of course alcoholic beverages. Want to class it up a bit? Book a reservation for French Dinner, including Parisian favorites such as pate, Duck Confit, and Steak Frites accompanied by lots of champagne and wine.
