Wednesday evenings, May 7 to July 2. 5:30 – 9:30 pm (last entry 9:00 pm).
$17 online in advance, $20 at the door (subject to availability).
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site opens its gates this summer for Wednesday Nights! With a different theme each week, Wednesday Nights provide 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.
Take a curated, self-guided audio tour by scanning QR codes throughout the historic site. Engage with exhibits, art installations, and pop-up talks highlighting the history of Eastern State Penitentiary and the impact of the criminal justice system today. Reflect and connect in The Fair Chance Beer Garden—offering soft drinks and small-batch craft beer—presented in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing Company.
Wednesday Nights tickets are $17 when purchased online in advance and $20 at the door. Discounted rates for groups of 15+. Join our email list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date!
May 7 – Civic Engagement:
Kick off your summer by testing your civics knowledge in a round of civics trivia with fun prizes. Attend a panel discussion about the importance of civic participation in shaping the future of our justice system, and afterward, meet members of local civic organizations and learn how to get involved. Featuring the Committee of Seventy, the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, Mural Arts Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and the Office of Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
May 14 – Sports & Field Day:
Discover the rich and captivating history of sports and other team activities in prisons, past and present. Join in light-hearted, interactive, and fun and activities—inspired by games and sports played at Eastern State Penitentiary—like relay races, wiffle ball, bocce, tug-of-war, and other “adult-ified” versions of classic group games.
May 21 – Historic Preservation:
In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, learn more about what it takes to preserve this nearly 200-year-old landmark. Go behind the scenes with preservation staff and explore rarely seen areas— both before the sun sets and by flashlight after dusk. Engage in eye-opening conversations and interactive activities including a hands-on restoration demonstration.
May 28 – Music & Open Mic:
Share your talents and gather in community. Whether it's your first time facing the crowd or you're a regular around the microphone, this open mic night is not just a space for speech or song—it's a platform for creativity! A stage set up in the center of the historic site will feature local musicians, spoken word artists, and storytellers sharing narratives related to justice, freedom, and resilience. Plus, sign up for an open-mic slot to add your voice to the evening.
June 4 – Behind Bars & On the Big Screen:
Explore the surprising intersection of cinema and incarceration in the early 20th century. Before Hollywood’s “golden age” of prison films, motion pictures were not only shaping public perception of incarceration but were also screened inside prisons themselves—offering moments of escape, education, and even advocacy for reform. Step into this little-known history through film screenings, engaging discussions, and more. Consider how film has long influenced and reflected ideas about imprisonment, rehabilitation, and social change.
June 11 – Escape & Resistance:
Experience an evening of immersive storytelling, live-action challenges, and history reimagined. As the sun sets over the historic site’s towering walls, uncover real accounts of daring escape attempts, test your problem-solving skills in a hands-on challenge, and step back in time to the era of Prohibition.
June 18 – Justice & Journalism:
Uncover the role of investigative journalism in shaping our understanding of the criminal justice system. Through live storytelling, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits, this program brings together award-winning reporters, formerly incarcerated writers, documentary filmmakers, and justice advocates to examine the power of storytelling in exposing injustice and driving reform.
June 25 – Reentry Simulation:
Reflect on some of the many structural challenges people face when returning home from prison. During this hands-on experience, you’ll be assigned a fictitious back story and persona then encounter simulated scenarios that mirror real-life tasks like finding a job, reporting to a parole office, and paying bills. At the end of the activity, you’ll debrief your experience and discuss the criminal justice system and complexities of reentry.
July 2 – Independence & Incarceration:
Consider the complex paradox of American freedom inside the walls of this prison-turned-historic-site. Listen to special readings of "The Declaration of Sentiments” and reflect on civil rights, mass incarceration, and social justice.
Stay up to date on Wednesday Nights and all things Eastern State. Sign up for email updates below!
Many programs available during the day are also offered during Wednesday Nights including award-winning exhibits and site-specific art installations. Wednesday Nights also includes exclusive offerings!
Each week offers unique programming centered on a different theme like music, movies, sports, journalism, and more. You can find additional details about themes and activities above.
Finish off your visit with a stop at the The Fair Chance Beer Garden, open only during Wednesday Nights, to relax and reflect on what you learned over a Triple Bottom Brewing Company beer or a soft drink.
The Fair Chance Beer Garden is located outside on what was once Eastern State Penitentiary’s baseball field. At the beer garden, you can enjoy Triple Bottom Brewing Company beer and soft drinks as you relax and connect with friends.
Established in 2021 by Eastern State and Triple Bottom Brewing Company, both The Fair Chance Beer Garden and its name were born out of a shared commitment to fair chance hiring practices. As fair chance employers, Eastern State and Triple Bottom actively seek to hire people who may otherwise be excluded from the mainstream economy — including people who have experienced homelessness or incarceration — and strive to assess all qualified job candidates fairly, regardless of their background.
No. Wednesday Nights programs are unique and engaging, but educational. They are not startling, and they do not include any haunted houses or theatrical effects.
If you’re interested in an immersive, theatrical experience, you'll enjoy Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, which features five haunted houses plus historic tours, themed bars, live entertainment, and more.
Wednesday Nights begins on May 7, 2025! We will be open each Wednesday evening between 5:30 – 9:30 pm (last entry 9:00 pm) through July 2, 2025.
Sign up for email updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date!
Tickets are $17 online in advance, $20 at the door (subject to availability).
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15+.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. We always recommend buying online ahead of time, as these exclusive experiences are likely to sell out!
Wednesday Nights is a special event, available only for a limited time and limited capacity. As such, we cannot offer ticket refunds or exchanges.
This is a special event, available only for a limited time and limited capacity. Discounts, coupons, and complimentary or BOGO passes for daytime admission are not valid for Wednesday Nights.
We do, however, offer discounted rates for groups of 15 or more.
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
This event series was designed with adults in mind; however, Wednesday Nights is open to visitors of all ages. While valid photo ID is required to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages (ages 21+), everyone is welcome to enter and enjoy The Fair Chance Beer Garden.
Eastern State offers a wide range of services for our patrons. For information on ADA accessibility, service animals, captioning, ASL interpretation, and other accommodations, please visit our Accessibility page.
Our staff is available to assist all guests to the best of their ability. If you have additional concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative offices at [email protected] or (215) 236-3300.
While we do not have our own parking lot, there is a parking lot neighboring us at 22nd St & Fairmount Ave. Parking costs vary. For exact pricing, please call Parkway Corporation at (267) 765-3665.
Additionally, you can find parallel parking bordering the penitentiary. Eastern State is so large that it occupies one full city block. Bordering Eastern State on the west (to the left if you are facing the entrance) is 22nd Street. On the Eastern State side of 22nd Street, parallel parking is free and unlimited. The same is true of Brown Street, which borders our back wall. Again, parking is free and unlimited only on the Eastern State side of the street. If you choose to park anywhere else in the neighborhood, just exercise caution and read all signs.
Eastern State Penitentiary is also accessible by public transit.
For more information, visit our Directions & Parking page.
Your experience at Wednesday Nights is up to you!
Explore open areas of the historic site freely, including a variety of exhibits and art installations. Take a curated, self-guided audio tour by scanning QR codes throughout the historic site.
Historic site staff will be on hand to answer your questions and share their knowledge about Eastern State Penitentiary’s history and relevance today. They will also facilitate pop-up talks, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences.
You’re welcome to participate in any combination of programs during your visit to Wednesday Nights; all are included with admission.
During Wednesday Nights, all visits are self-guided. Because you'll pick and choose what to experience and for how long, every visit will be different. Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours at Wednesday Nights. Wednesday Nights programming begins at 5:30 pm. Last entry is at 9:00 pm. The historic site closes at 9:30 pm every evening.
No. The Fair Chance Beer Garden is part of the overall Wednesday Nights experience, so tickets are required.
Outside food or drinks of any kind, including alcoholic beverages, are not permitted. Soft drinks, water, Triple Bottom Brewing Company beer, and bagged snacks are sold at The Fair Chance Beer Garden.
Interested in dining in the neighborhood before or after your visit? We've compiled a list of spots within walking distance of the penitentiary to help you explore what's available. We strongly recommend calling ahead to make reservations for large groups.
Wednesday Nights is an event with a relaxed, but educational atmosphere. We reserve the right to refuse entry or service to anyone who is visibly intoxicated.
Wednesday Nights runs rain or shine. Please dress for the weather, and be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and high heels are not recommended. During Wednesday Nights, you'll explore both indoor and outdoor spaces. In addition, most of the historic site is not climate-controlled.
This is a special event, available only for a limited time and limited capacity. As such, we cannot offer ticket refunds or exchanges for any reason including weather.
Yes! We encourage you to take photos when visiting Wednesday Nights, but we ask that you honor our Non-Commercial / Personal Photography policies when photographing during your visit.
In addition to the general admission fee, non-members must purchase a daily "photography equipment pass” if they wish to use a tripod, monopod, or easel while on site. Equipment passes are $10 per person and are valid only on the day they are purchased. While we recommend you purchase your tickets online in advance, photography equipment passes can only be purchased at the admissions window on site. Want free daytime admission and free photography equipment passes all year long? Become a Member today!
Any photographer (professional, amateur, or student), ad agency, or other commercial entity wishing to photograph models (professional or amateur); wear costumes or use props; photograph the building without visitors; photograph in non-public spaces; or conduct shoots that require equipment (other than a tripod, monopod, or easel) must make reservations in advance. Visit our Photography and Filmmaking page for more information about setting up a private photo shoot.
Paranormal investigations (including the use of EVP recorders or other pieces of paranormal investigation equipment) are not permitted at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.
Eastern State does not allow third parties to conduct unauthorized events or sell tickets to the general public. Any persons conducting unauthorized events will be asked to leave the site without a refund.
Thank you for your understanding!
For questions related to tickets, please email [email protected]. For all other questions, email [email protected] or call 215-236-3300.
