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Visiting now through July 19? Here’s everything you need to know about special programming, parking restrictions, and getting to Eastern State during FIFA Fan Festival and the MLB All-Star Game. Learn more.

Evening Programs
All Ages
In-Person

Summer Nights: Music & Open Mic Night

Saturday, July 11, 2026

6:00 - 9:00pm EST

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Free admission for Eastern State members! Join now.

Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of music, poetry, and other expressive arts. Whether it’s your first time stepping into the spotlight or you’re a seasoned performer, come be part of our shared story! In 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.

About the Panelists:

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.



Saturday Evenings, June 20 – 27 and July 11 — Aug 1, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm (last entry at 8:00 pm).

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.

Co-Sponsors

Event Sponsors

Interested in more events in this series?

Summer Nights: On the Big Screen Night
Summer Nights
In-Person

Summer Nights: On the Big Screen Night

Saturday, July 18, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm

$10. Join us at one of Philadelphia’s most historical landmarks for a special screening of Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story.

Summer Nights: Adult Field Day & Sports Night
Summer Nights
In-Person

Summer Nights: Adult Field Day & Sports Night

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.

Summer Nights: Art & Resistance
Summer Nights
In-Person

Summer Nights: Art & Resistance

Saturday, August 01, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm

$10. 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. Image: Mark Loughney's installation, Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration.

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