Saturday, August 01, 2026
6:00 - 9:00pm EST
Eastern State invites visitors to explore powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and resistance within one of America’s most influential prisons, and to reflect on what those stories mean for our communities today. From hands-on art activities with local artists and behind the scenes look at the art in one of our most popular haunted attractions, join us as we work to reclaim this site.

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.
This program is part of Summer Nights at Eastern State - With a different theme each week, Summer Nights provides 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.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm
$10. Details to come, check back for updates. Eastern State invites visitors to explore powerful, but often overlooked, stories of the LGBTQ+ folks that served time at America’s most influential prisons, and to reflect on what those stories mean for our communities today.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm
$10. Details to come, check back for updates. Uncover the role of investigative journalism in shaping our understanding of the criminal justice system.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm
$10. Experience a night of reckoning at Eastern State Penitentiary as we host a special screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary, The Alabama Solution.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm
$10. At the heart of our historic site, local musicians, spoken word artists, and storytellers will take the stage to weave narratives of justice, freedom, and the enduring power of resilience.
Saturday, July 25, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm
$10. Join us at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site to learn more about the power of sports in fostering a sense of belonging throughout ESP's history and in correctional facilities today.