Eastern State Kicks Off November with a Twist on Halloween Nights, a New Art Exhibition, and Month-Long Programming

Philadelphia, PA (November 2, 2026) – Eastern State welcomes November with a lineup of programming that blends history and art through engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. From a holiday-inspired twist on Halloween Nights during its final weekend to the opening of a thought-provoking new art exhibition, the month offers unique opportunities to discover the historic site's past and engage in meaningful conversations about criminal justice today.

“November is a season of gathering and tradition. Even inside Eastern State’s walls, people found ways to build community through sports and creativity, creating moments of connection within a system designed to isolate,” said Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO. "This month, our programs invite visitors to explore those powerful stories and consider what they tell us about belonging, both then and now."

Eastern State’s November calendar features:

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Historic Site
Select Nights, October 2 – November 7, 2026
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is back for its thirty-fifth season this fall. The immersive experience features five thrilling haunted houses, plus historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live performances, and more, all within the walls of the historic 10-acre prison site. All proceeds from Halloween Nights support Eastern State’s mission to preserve 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. Separate admission is required at HalloweenNights.org. Photos and videos of Halloween Nights can be found HERE.

Halloween Nights: REMIXED!
Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7
The final weekend of Halloween Nights — Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7 — offers a specially themed experience, Halloween Nights REMIXED: Holiday Havoc. In their struggle to keep the spirit of the season alive, the creatures of Halloween Nights tore a rift in the timeline. Now, the holidays have gone haywire, wreaking havoc throughout the festival. Join Eastern State as they celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and more — all with a terrifying twist. Info and tickets are available at HalloweenNights.org.

Justice 101: From Punishment to Penance: The British Roots of American Justice
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
In Person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and Online Via Zoom and YouTube
Discover the evolution of the American justice system, from its British colonial roots to the founding of Eastern State Penitentiary and its lasting influence on criminal justice today. This engaging panel discussion will examine the shift from public punishment to solitary confinement and the complex relationship between civil liberties, criminal justice, and public safety. Held in conjunction with the British-American Project’s 2026 Annual Conference, the conversation will feature British-American Project Fellows Rob Beckley, former High Sheriff of Somerset, and Jon Murad, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections. Eastern State President and CEO Dr. Kerry Sautner will moderate the discussion, with welcoming remarks from Pauline Abernathy, Founding Executive Director of Harvard Impact Labs. Free advance registration is required at EasternState.org.

Veterans Day Weekend
Saturday, November 7 – Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Explore the experiences of veterans within the criminal justice system through special exhibits, pop-up talks, and more, examining both wartime at Eastern State Penitentiary and the relationship between military service, veterans, and the justice system today. Programming is included with admission.

Crime and Punishment in America
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
In Person at WHYY, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Join WHYY and Eastern State for a special screening of the documentary series Crime and Punishment in America and panel discussion hosted by WHYY’s Cherri Gregg with series director Lynn Novick and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. The four-part series tells the story of criminal justice in America from the colonial era to today, exploring how Americans have wrestled with the problem of crime, the purpose of punishment, and the meaning of justice. The event will begin with welcoming remarks from Eastern State President and CEO Dr. Kerry Sautner . Free advance registration is required at whyy.org.

Scout Day
Saturday, November 14
Eastern State invites members of Scouting America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and youth of all ages to join us in person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site for Scout Day: Architecture. Led by Eastern State educators, the interactive program features guided discussions and hands-on activities. Members of Scouting America and Girl Scouts of the USA will also meet badge requirements. Separate admission is required at EasternState.org.

Land of the Free Preview Celebration
Wednesday, November 18, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
In Person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and Online Via Zoom and YouTube
Celebrate the opening of Land of the Free, a new installation by Cody Stuhltrager, the inaugural artist-in-residence for ReVision: Art and Justice. Through a large-scale mural and a gallery of objects, the exhibition explores the history and ongoing impact of prison labor, including its connection to the 13th Amendment. The evening will feature a panel discussion with the artist and experts in law, art, and justice, along with live performances by musician Miles Orion Butler and poet and activist Ursula Rucker. Guests will also enjoy a reception and the opportunity to be among the first to view the new installation. Free advance registration is required at EasternState.org.

ReVision: Art and Justice has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

New Exhibit Opening! Land of the Free
Friday, November 20, 2026
Celebrate the opening of Land of the Free, a powerful new art installation by Cody Stuhltrager, the inaugural artist-in-residence for ReVision: Art and Justice. The artist residency and exhibition series spotlights justice-impacted artists, using contemporary art to explore the criminal justice system and its impact on the lives of those affected by it. Included with admission.

ReVision: Art and Justice has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Thanksgiving Weekend: The Power of Play, Sports, and Belonging
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29, 2026
Spend Thanksgiving weekend learning more about the power of sports at Eastern State Penitentiary and in prisons today. Enjoy family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, tours, pop-up talks, and hands-on activities that explore the importance of sports and activities in fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Programming is included with admission.

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Media Contacts
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, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.