Eastern State Announces Dynamic Lineup of October Programs and Events

Highlights include behind-the-scenes tours, family-friendly celebrations, a mobile museum, and the ongoing Justice 101 series

Philadelphia, PA (Oct. 1, 2025) – This October, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site invites visitors to experience a robust calendar of programs that combine history, art, and civic dialogue in powerful and unexpected ways. From exploring the penitentiary’s hidden stories to joining in thought-provoking conversations on justice, the month offers opportunities for all ages to connect with the site’s history and its relevance today.

“October is one of the most exciting times of year at Eastern State,” said Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO of Eastern State. “Whether you’re here for a family-friendly festival, a behind-the-scenes tour, or an engaging conversation on the justice system, these programs bring Eastern State to life in ways that are both fun and meaningful. We’re proud to open our gates to the community with experiences that both inspire and challenge us.”

Eastern State’s October calendar features:

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Select Nights, Friday, September 19 – Saturday, November 8
Philadelphia’s most celebrated Halloween festival returns, transforming the historic penitentiary into an immersive autumn destination. Halloween Nights features five haunted houses, historic night tours, themed bars, live performances, and other experiences set inside the ten-acre penitentiary complex. Ticket prices vary by night and can be purchased online here. To learn more about this year’s festival, visit https://easternstate.org/halloween.

Jewish History Self-Guided Walking Tour
Monday, September 22 – Monday, October 13
This self-guided experience explores the stories of Jewish prisoners at Eastern State Penitentiary, including the site of the first synagogue in an American prison and personal narratives tied to the broader story of Jewish life in Philadelphia. The experience is included with admission, with additional details available here.

Justice 101: State of the Union: Excessive Punishment: The 8th Amendment and the Justice System
Thursday, October 23, 6:00p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Hybrid)
What does it mean for a punishment to be cruel and unusual? How has the interpretation of the Eighth Amendment shaped American justice over time and where is its legal interpretation today? Join the Eastern State Center for Justice Education for the October installment of Justice 101 to explore the history, purpose, and evolving meaning of the Eighth Amendment. The October 23 program will be held at Triple Bottom Brewing, 915 Spring Garden Street, and will feature Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Senior Director of the Brennan Center’s Justice Program, as well as Kermit Roosevelt III, author and professor of constitutional law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Moderated by Dr. Kerry Sautner, Eastern State President and CEO. More information can be found here.


Indigenous People’s Weekend
Friday, October 10 - Monday, October 13, 2025
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site’s Guide-Led Tour and Discussion, included with admission, will feature expanded content examining how the criminal justice system has impacted Indigenous communities across the United States. More information can be found here.


Hidden History: Behind the Scenes of Halloween Nights
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Eastern State is offering a VIP Hidden History tour highlighting the transformation of the historic site into Halloween Nights. Guests will go behind the scenes to explore sets, passageways, and theatrical spaces before they open to the public, while hearing directly from the creative team about how the nation’s most historic prison becomes Philadelphia’s most unforgettable Halloween experience. Following the tour, attendees will enjoy a private reception in The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell before reentering the festival with VIP access to Halloween Nights. More information can be found here.


Mobile Museum and Guide-Led Tour: Roots and Realities of Solitary Confinement
Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, October 26, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Eastern State invites visitors to reflect on its legacy as the birthplace of solitary confinement and its impact today. Each day, guests can join a Roots and Realities guided tour and discussion at 11:00 a.m., included with standard admission. On October 25 and 26, the Journey to Justice bus tour, presented by the Unlock the Box campaign and Look2Justice, will be on Fairmount Avenue with a free mobile museum exploring solitary confinement through art, education and firsthand stories. Inside the interactive skoolie (a repurposed school bus), visitors will find immersive exhibits, a mobile library and a life-sized solitary cell, all guided by people directly impacted by solitary confinement. More information can be found here.


Fall Festival Sunday
October 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site will transform into a hub of fall-themed family fun, from trick-or-treating through the penitentiary to exploring its history and legacy with a special scavenger hunt designed for kids and their caregivers. Families can enjoy story time, hands-on activities, art making, live music and more throughout the day. Kids in costume and their caregivers receive free admission with no reservations required. More information can be found here.

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Media Contact
Abby Kleman
Cashman & Associates
[email protected]
M: 302-668-4781

About Eastern State
Eastern State preserves America’s first penitentiary, advancing public understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on the lives of those affected by it, to inspire a more just future. For more information, visit EasternState.org and follow Eastern State on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.