Eastern State Welcomes October with Halloween Nights, Family Events, and Conversations on History and Justice

Philadelphia, PA (October 2, 2026) – This October, Eastern State invites visitors to experience a dynamic lineup of special events and programming, from the return of Halloween Nights and a free celebration exploring the history and legacy of America’s first penitentiary to family-friendly activities and a thought-provoking conversation about religious freedom and the justice system.

Throughout the month, visitors can discover new sides of Eastern State, connect with the people and stories that shaped the historic site, and consider how its past continues to inform conversations about justice today.

“Eastern State is a place where there is always more to discover,” said Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO of Eastern State. “Whether you’re joining us for a panel discussion, bringing your family for a special event, or visiting for Halloween Nights, we hope you learn something new about the justice system in America and leave curious to discover even more this October."

Eastern State’s October 2026 calendar features:

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
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 a 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. Purchase tickets at easternstate.org/halloween.

Firstival: Free Admission Day!
Saturday, October 3, 2026
As part of a yearlong celebration of national firsts, join Eastern State for a full-day event exploring the history and legacy of America’s first penitentiary. Gather with neighbors and visitors alike for a family-friendly Firstival featuring live musical performances by Orchestra 2001 and poetry readings by 2026–2027 Philadelphia Poet Laureate Raina J. León, Ph.D., and renowned percussionist, poet, and playwright Karen Smith Plus, make and take art with artist-in-residence Cody Stuhltrager and connect with local usinesses and community organizations from the Fairmount neighborhood and across the city. Free admission all day! Generous support provided by the Philadelphia 2026 Neighborhood Celebration Grant Fund, which is supported by the City of Philadelphia and PECO/Exelon Corporation.

Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend
Friday, October 9 – Monday, October 12, 2026
All weekend long, in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Guide-Led Tour and Discussion will feature additional content exploring the impact of the criminal justice system on Indigenous people throughout the United States. Programming is included with admission.

Justice 101: Religious Freedom and the Justice System
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
In Person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and Online Via Zoom and YouTube
Celebrate the opening of the historic site’s newest exhibit, Freedom Through Faith: Judaism at Eastern State and Beyond, with a conversation exploring religious freedom within the justice system, past and present. Consider the complex legal and bureaucratic hurdles faced by individuals practicing their faith and how people have overcome these barriers. The conversation will feature Michael Moreland, J.D., Ph.D., Professor of Law and Religion and Director of the Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law at Villanova University, and Marci A. Hamilton, J.D., Professor of Practice in Political Science & Fox Family Pavilion Non-Resident Fellow in the Program for Research of Religion, University of Pennsylvania. Admission is free. This program is presented as part of The Aaron Reichlin Restorative Justice and Faith Conversations, made possible by a generous grant from the Reichlin and Tuck Families.

Fall Festival
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
A beloved fall tradition at Eastern State returns! Trick-or-treat through the historic site, then explore Eastern State’s history and legacy with the help of a special scavenger hunt designed with children and their caregivers in mind. Plus, take part in story time, hands-
on activities, art making, music, and more. Admission is free for kids in costume and their caregivers, and no registration is necessary.

###

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

Allie Seifert
Cashman & Associates
[email protected]
M: 610-662-6172

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.