Summer Nights: Music & Open Mic Night
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.
- Self-Guided Tour: Music
Explore the ways music has helped people incarcerated—at Eastern State and across the country today—connect, survive, and thrive despite the challenges of living inside prison walls. Reflect on how identity takes shape through melody, what voices are amplified through performance, and the power of music as an act of resistance.
- Hands On Activity: Found Poetry
Use words and phrases clipped from historic sources—including prison publications—to craft your own blackout or collage poem. Make meaning from the margins.
- Open Mic
Let us know what justice, freedom, and resilience mean to you by sharing a song or spoken word at this open mic. Sign up here to let us know you’re interested in taking the stage!
Please Note: Spots are not guaranteed. Advance sign-up is encouraged but not required. No electric hook-ups will be available, so please plan on an acoustic performance. In addition, please ensure your piece adheres to our audience and sensitivity guidelines. Your performance should be suitable for all ages. Your performance should NOT promote bigotry or discrimination since actual or perceived race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. If referencing incarceration or incarcerated people, you should do so with care and respect.
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.
