Friday and Saturday evenings, June 7 – July 27.
6:00 to 9:00 pm (Last entry 8:00 pm)
Tickets available online or at the door, subject to availability.
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This summer, join us during exclusive evening hours to explore the profound impact of recreation on prison life through engaging talks, family-friendly activities, and interactive experiences.
Discover the rich and captivating history of sports, the arts, and other team activities at Eastern State Penitentiary and their enduring societal legacy in prisons today. Grab a beer or a soft drink and relax outdoors in The Fair Chance Beer Garden, presented in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing.
Summer Nights takes place Friday and Saturday evenings from June 7 to July 27. Ticket prices vary:
- Fridays - $23 online, $25 at the door
- Saturdays - $28 online, $30 at the door
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15+.
Summer Nights admission includes "The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour via QR code, Unlocking History experiences, exhibits, and artist installations, PLUS the following programming:
Fair Chance Beer Garden (Ongoing) – Reflect on your visit at the Fair Chance Beer Garden, presented in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing. Beer, soft drinks and snacks available for purchase.
Pop-Up Museum: Sports & Recreation — (Ongoing) Visit the Dialogue Space and get a closer look at rarely-seen artifacts that tell the story of sports, recreation, and music at Eastern State, including historical photographs, prisoner-made crafts, and recovered athletic equipment. Plus, try your hand at games that people incarcerated in Eastern State once played, like dominos, checkers, chess, and cards.
Sports & Recreation Scavenger Hunt — (Ongoing) Designed with kids and their caregivers in mind. Pick up a packet near the first audio tour stop, near Al Capone's Cell, or in the Prisons Today exhibit. Complete this sports-themed scavenger hunt to receive an exclusive sticker prize! Claim your prize near the exitat the end of your visit.
Hidden Lives Illuminated Film Screening (Ongoing) – Gather in the central hub of the penitentiary to view animated short films created by incarcerated people in local prisons and jails. Then write to some of the filmmakers at the postcard station in the nearby Recharge Room.
Home Run Hits — (7 pm nightly) Step onto the penitentiary's historic baseball field where you'll learn more about the impact of baseball in prisons, past and present, from one of our Educators. Then, step up to the plate and see how far you can hit a wiffle ball toward Eastern State's tall perimeter wall.
Unlocking History: Race, Baseball, & The Legend of Charles "Jack" Blackburn Tour — (Hourly at 5 minutes past the hour) Join an Educator for a 10-minute tour that shares the fascinating story of this Hall of Fame boxer turned Eastern State Penitentiary baseball player.
Unlocking History: Making Headlines Tour (Hourly at 20 minutes past the hour) Join an Educator for a 10-minute tour that reveals the history of writing and journalism at Eastern State. Type your own headline using a prison-issued typewriter.
Unlocking History: Music Behind the Walls Tour (Hourly at 35 minutes past the hour) Join an Educator for a 10-minute tour that shares the fascinating story of the role of music in the lives of prisoners, as well as famous musicians who have personal connections to incarceration.
Special Events on Saturday Nights:
Saturday evenings include even more! Join us at Eastern State for these exclusive Summer Nights events:
Trivia Night - June 8
Join us in the central rotunda for sports and recreation trivia! Test your knowledge about sports in prison for the chance to win some Eastern State merchandise.
Game Night - June 15
Participate in a pop-up talk about chess in prisons. Plus, learn about the how roleplaying games and games of strategy provide an escape during incarceration and prepare people to reenter the community. Then, join the Eastern State Education team to compete in a board game tournament!
Art as Inspiration - June 22
Explore Eastern State’s art installations and meet some of the local artists who have been inspired by this space. Learn more about the role that visual art plays in prison by viewing the murals of the Chaplain’s Office, then meet the artist behind Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration.
Reentry Simulation - June 29
Step into the shoes of a person being released from incarceration. This hands-on experience, designed to raise awareness about the barriers that people face when returning home from prison, is a powerful tool for communities to come together to discuss important issues related to the criminal justice system
Field Day - July 6
Learn more about the impact of field days throughout the history of Eastern State and join an Educator on the baseball field to participate in activities like a wiffle ball homerun derby, footraces, and other spirit day contests.
Movie Night - July 13
Watch a movie centered around lived experience in prisons in the central rotunda of Eastern State. Then, join in on a discussion where we separate fact from fiction and unpack how the realities of incarceration differ from what we often see onscreen.
Animal Appreciation Night - July 20
Presented in partnership with New Leash on Life USA. Hear about Eastern State Penitentiary’s most famous four-legged resident, Pep the Dog; participate in an animal-themed scavenger hunt; and find out how animals continue to play a role in prisons today.
Music Trivia Night - July 27
Join us in the central rotunda for trivia! Test your knowledge about music in prison for the chance to win some Eastern State merchandise. Reflect on your visit in the Fair Chance Beer Garden with a set from local musician and Hidden Lives Illuminated contributor Justin Griggs. Participate in hands-on activities connected to the transformative power of music within the confines of prison walls.
All programs subject to change.
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Summer Nights offers the unique opportunity to visit Eastern State in the evening. Enjoy the golden hour glow outside on the historic baseball field with incredible views of the city skyline. Explore the penitentiary's picturesque cellblocks as the sun sets. Look up at the dark sky as the searchlight shines out from the central guard tower.
All programs available during the day are also offered at night, including "The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour, award-winning exhibits, and site-specific artist installations.
Programming during Summer Nights will also have a different focus than daytime programming. Join us during these exclusive evening hours to explore the profound impact of recreation on prison life through engaging talks, family-friendly activities, and interactive experiences.
Additionally, other activities are available exclusively during Summer Nights. Explore Eastern State's historic cellblocks as the sun goes down. Grab a Triple Bottom Brewing Company beer or a soft drink and relax outdoors in The Fair Chance Beer Garden.
The Fair Chance Beer Garden is located outside on what was once Eastern State Penitentiary’s baseball field. At the beer garden, you can enjoy Triple Bottom Brewing Company beer and soft drinks as you relax and connect with friends. You can also take part in a rotating selection of interactive programming like guide-led tours, pop-up talks, and maker space activities.
Established in 2021 by Eastern State Penitentiary and Triple Bottom Brewing Company, both The Fair Chance Beer Garden and its name were born out of a shared commitment to fair chance hiring practices. As fair chance employers, Eastern State and Triple Bottom actively seek to hire people who may otherwise be excluded from the mainstream economy — including people who have experienced homelessness or incarceration — and strive to assess all qualified job candidates fairly, regardless of their background.
Some activities are available all summer long like the opportunity to participate in Home Run Hits contests, the chance to browse the sports-themed Pop-Up Museum, and more.
There are also date-specific activities such as Trivia Night on June 8, the Reentry Simulation on June 29, Movie Night on July 6... and that's just the start! Learn more about those one-time programs above.
For the latest updates, be sure to sign up for our Summer Nights Newsletter below and follow Eastern State on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
No. Summer Nights programs are unique and engaging, but educational. They are not startling, and they do not include any haunted houses or theatrical effects.
Summer Nights offers the chance to tour the prison during the evening and learn about its history and relevance today.
If you’re interested in a more immersive, theatrical experience, you'll enjoy our fall fundraiser Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, which features five haunted houses plus historic tours, themed lounges, live performances, and more.
Summer Nights begins June 7, 2024, and runs through July 27, 2024 on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Summer Nights programming begins at 6 pm. The penitentiary closes each evening at 9 pm.
Ticket prices vary by evening, but it is always cheaper to purchase your tickets online in advance.
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15+.
Summer Nights takes place Friday and Saturday evenings from June 7 to July 27. Ticket prices vary:
- Fridays - $23 online, $25 at the door
- Saturdays - $28 online, $30 at the door
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15+.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Ticket prices vary by evening, but it's always cheaper to purchase your tickets online in advance:
- Fridays - $23 online, $25 at the door
- Saturdays - $28 online, $30 at the door
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15+.
Summer Nights is a special event, available only for a limited time and limited capacity. As such, we cannot offer ticket refunds or exchanges.
This is a special event, available only for a limited time and limited capacity. Discounts, coupons, and complimentary or BOGO passes for daytime prison tours are not valid for Summer Nights.
We do, however, offer discounted rates for groups of 15 or more.
In addition, discounted admission is available by request for Museums for All, ACCESS Card, and SEPTA Key REDUCED FARE card holders. These card holders will be granted $2 admission for up to four guests. Visiting guests must present their valid ID upon arrival. Visitors with a disability may also request $2 admission. Paid Personal Care Assistants are always provided complimentary admission when accompanying a visitor with a disability.
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
Eastern State Penitentiary is a wonderful place to bring kids ages seven and up. Our Eastern State Challenge booklet, free with admission for kids, provides an engaging scavenger hunt throughout the prison complex. In addition, while valid photo ID is required to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages (ages 21+), everyone is welcome to enter and enjoy the exclusive programming we offer in The Fair Chance Beer Garden.
Eastern State is not recommended for children under the age of seven. The building is in a state of semi-ruin and can pose safety hazards to unattended children. There are also some audio tour stops that contain adult content. (These stops are appropriately marked.) That said, although we do not offer programming for children under the age of seven, they are still welcome at Eastern State during both daytime hours and Summer Nights.
Eastern State Penitentiary offers a wide range of services for our patrons. For information on ADA accessibility, service animals, captioning, ASL interpretation, and other accommodations, please visit our Accessibility page.
Our staff is available to assist all guests to the best of their ability.
If you have additional concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative offices at [email protected] or (215) 236-3300.
While we do not have our own parking lot, there is a parking lot neighboring us at 22nd St & Fairmount Ave. Parking costs vary. For exact pricing, please call Parkway Corporation at (267) 765-3665.
Additionally, you can find parallel parking bordering the penitentiary. Eastern State is so large that it occupies one full city block. Bordering Eastern State on the west (to the left if you are facing the entrance) is 22nd Street. On the Eastern State side of 22nd Street, parallel parking is free and unlimited. The same is true of Brown Street, which borders our back wall. Again, parking is free and unlimited only on the Eastern State side of the street. If you choose to park anywhere else in the neighborhood, just exercise caution and read all signs.
Eastern State Penitentiary is also accessible by public transit.
For more information, visit our Directions & Parking page.
During Summer Nights, all tours are self-guided. You'll scan a QR code to access our audio tour on your way into the penitentiary.
First, you’ll learn about the penitentiary’s history with “The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi. Our main audio tour ends at The Big Graph and its climate-controlled companion exhibit Prisons Today where you’ll learn more about the impact of modern-day mass incarceration. From there, you can end your tour or continue to explore additional audio stops, artist installations, exhibits, and Night Tours exclusive offerings.
When you arrive, you’ll follow a one-way route through the site, which begins with our main audio tour. The main audio tour, which provides a general overview of the penitentiary’s history, includes ten audio stops and lasts about 40 minutes total.
From there, you can end your tour or continue to explore additional audio stops, artist installations, exhibits, and special Summer Nights offerings. Depending on your interest in doing this and the time you have, this could take several hours. Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours. The penitentiary closes at 9:00 pm every evening.
Yes!
Select locations inside the 10-acre penitentiary complex are available for private rentals during Summer Nights. Enjoy a happy hour, complete with drinks and snacks, before your Summer Nights experience for up to 200 people. Rentals include a set portion of self-serve beverages and “Philadelphia Favorites” treats.
No. The Fair Chance Beer Garden is part of the overall Summer Nights experience, so tickets are required.
Outside food or drinks of any kind, including alcoholic beverages, are not permitted. Soft drinks, water, and Triple Bottom beer are sold at The Fair Chance Beer Garden. In addition, soft drinks, water, and bagged snacks can be purchased in admissions and at our museum store.
For a more substantial meal, we encourage you to check out one of the many wonderful restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. We've compiled a list of spots within walking distance of the penitentiary to help you explore what's available. No matter what type of experience or cuisine you like, there's something for everyone in Fairmount! We strongly recommend calling ahead to make reservations for large groups.
Summer Nights is a family-friendly event with a relaxed, but educational atmosphere. We reserve the right to refuse entry or service to anyone who is visibly intoxicated.
Soft drinks, water, and Triple Bottom beer are sold at The Fair Chance Beer Garden. In addition, soft drinks, water, and bagged snacks can be purchased in admissions and at our museum store.
For a more substantial meal, we encourage you to check out one of the many wonderful restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. We've compiled a list of spots within walking distance of the penitentiary to help you explore what's available. No matter what type of experience or cuisine you like, there's something for everyone in Fairmount! We strongly recommend calling ahead to make reservations for large groups.
Summer Nights runs rain or shine. Please dress for the weather, and be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and high heels are not recommended. Some portions of the tour route are inside; however, other sections of the tour are outdoors, and most of the penitentiary is not climate-controlled.
This is a special event, available only for a limited time and limited capacity. As such, we cannot offer ticket refunds or exchanges for any reason including weather.
Yes! Eastern State Penitentiary may be the most picturesque place you’ve seen in years. We encourage you to take photos when visiting Summer Nights, but we ask that you honor our Non-Commercial / Personal Photography policies when photographing during your visit.
In addition to the general admission fee, non-members must purchase a daily "photography equipment pass” if they wish to use a tripod, monopod, or easel while on site. Equipment passes are $10 per person and are valid only on the day they are purchased. While we recommend you purchase your tickets online in advance, photography equipment passes can only be purchased at the admissions window on site. Want free daytime admission and free photography equipment passes all year long? Become a Member today!
Any photographer (professional, amateur, or student), ad agency, or other commercial entity wishing to photograph models (professional or amateur); wear costumes or use props; photograph the building without visitors; photograph in non-public spaces; or conduct shoots that require equipment (other than a tripod, monopod, or easel) must make reservations in advance. Visit our Photography and Filmmaking page for more information about setting up a private photo shoot.
Paranormal investigations (including the use of EVP recorders or other pieces of paranormal investigation equipment) are not permitted at Eastern State Penitentiary.
Eastern State does not allow third parties to conduct unauthorized events or sell tickets to the general public. Any persons conducting unauthorized events will be asked to leave the site without a refund.
Thank you for your understanding!
For questions related to tickets, please email [email protected]. For all other questions, email [email protected] or call 215-236-3300.
