Saturday, July 11, 2026
6:00 - 9:00pm EST

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.