Wednesday Nights

Wednesday evenings, May 7 to July 2. 5:30 – 9:30 pm (last entry 9:00 pm).
$17 online in advance, $20 at the door (subject to availability).

Purchase Tickets →​

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site opens its gates this summer for Wednesday Nights! With a different theme each week, Wednesday Nights provide a fun and meaningful night out—combining history, culture, and entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting. Enjoy immersive experiences, interactive events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of Philadelphia’s most unique landmarks.

• May 7 – Civic Engagement: Kick off your summer by testing your civics knowledge in a round of civics trivia with fun prizes. Attend a panel discussion about the importance of civic participation in shaping the future of our justice system, and afterward, meet members of local civic organizations and learn how to get involved.
   
• May 14 – Sports & Field Day: Discover the rich and captivating history of sports and other team activities in prisons, featuring  light-hearted, interactive, and fun activities inspired by games and sports played at Eastern State Penitentiary.
   
• May 21 – Historic Preservation: In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, learn more about what it takes to preserve this nearly 200-year-old landmark, including behind the scenes tours of rarely seen areas.
   
• May 28 – Music & Open Mic: Hosted by Starfire. A stage set up in the center of the historic site will feature local musicians, spoken word artists, and storytellers sharing narratives related to justice, freedom, and resilience. Plus, sign up for an open-mic slot to add your voice to the evening.
   
• June 4 – Behind Bars & On the Big Screen: Explore the surprising intersection of cinema and incarceration in the early 20th century through film screenings, engaging discussions, and more.
   
• June 11 – Escape & Resistance: Experience an evening of immersive storytelling and uncover real accounts of daring escape attempts, test your problem-solving skills in a hands-on challenge, and step back in time to the era of Prohibition.
   
• June 18 – Justice & Journalism: Uncover the role of investigative journalism in shaping our understanding of the criminal justice system through live storytelling, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits.
   
• June 25 – Reentry Simulation: Reflect on some of the many structural challenges people face when returning home from prison in this hands-on experience that mirrors the complexities of reentry.
   
• July 2 – Independence & Incarceration: Consider the complex paradox of American freedom inside the walls of this prison-turned-historic-site and reflect on civil rights, mass incarceration, and social justice.
   

Take a curated, self-guided audio tour by scanning QR codes throughout the historic site. Engage with exhibits, art installations, and pop-up talks highlighting the history of Eastern State Penitentiary and the impact of the criminal justice system today. Sit for artist Mark Loughney, and add your portrait to his growing installation Pyrrhic Defeat. Reflect and connect in The Fair Chance Beer Garden—offering soft drinks, small-batch craft beer, wine, and cocktails—presented in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing.

We strive to make the penitentiary and our site, programs, and exhibits accessible to all visitors. Click here to learn more about accessibility and accommodations at ESPHS.