Eastern State Announces Upcoming Fall Programs and Events

Programming includes the return of Justice 101, a week dedicated to democracy and free expression, special tours and art programs, and more community-focused initiatives

Philadelphia, PA (Sept. 15, 2025) – Eastern State has announced details of its upcoming fall programming, offering opportunities for visitors to engage with history, art, and social justice through a range of educational and cultural experiences.
 

“This fall’s programming connects Eastern State’s history to the issues that matter most today, while also inviting our community to learn, reflect, and engage together,” said Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO of Eastern State. “From the return of Justice 101 to a weeklong celebration of democracy, we’re creating space for inspiring conversations as well as fun, creative opportunities to come together.”

Eastern State’s fall schedule offers a variety of events for learners of all ages, blending discussions, tours, and interactive opportunities to explore themes of civic life, criminal justice reform, and cultural heritage.

Upcoming Programming

Democracy for All Week: Freedom of Expression
Wednesday, September 17 – Sunday, September 21
This Constitution Day, and throughout the week, Eastern State invites the public to reflect on the role of the First Amendment in securing freedom and liberty, including for those who are incarcerated. Programs will explore how free expression is restricted and contested within prisons, how laws vary across states, and how journalism and art have served as powerful tools for preserving dignity and resisting injustice. Visitors can take part in fireside chats, writing and art-making activities, and guided discussions designed to spark conversation and connection. All experiences are included with admission, with additional details available here.

Justice 101: Freedom Behind Bars—The First Amendment & Incarceration in America
Wednesday, September 17, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Powered by the Eastern State Center for Justice Education, Justice 101 is a monthly series designed to spark conversation on key issues in the criminal justice system, placing them in historical context and connecting them to civic life today. Each session features expert perspectives, interactive elements, and opportunities for community dialogue. The 2025–2026 series launches on September 17, 12:00–1:00 pm (online) with Freedom Behind Bars: The First Amendment and Incarceration in America. Guests can view the full schedule, running through July 2026, and sign up here.

Special Public Tour and Artist Program
Friday, September 19, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Eastern State will host a unique edition of its Guide-Led Tour & Discussion featuring a conversation about art and incarceration with artist Mark Loughney, followed by a live portrait drawing session in the historic cellblocks. This program offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the human impact of mass incarceration through both history and art. The experience is included with general admission. More information about Loughney’s work at Eastern State can be found here.

Halloween Nights at Eastern State
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.

CollegeFest 2025
Sunday, September 21, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
As part of CollegeFest, students receive free admission to Eastern State with registration on September 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., gaining access to the site along with dozens of other museums and attractions citywide. Students can learn more information and sign up here.

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, 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.

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Media Contact
Abby Kleman
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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.