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

Free admission for Eastern State members! Join now.
Let’s go to the movies! From documentaries to dramas, film can provide us with a window to the real world, stir up emotion with the power of storytelling, and shape personal and societal perceptions. Learn about the history of film at Eastern State and examine its impact on our understanding of the justice system today. Consider how movies and media have long influences and reflected ideas about imprisonment, rehabilitation, and social change.

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 11, 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.
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.