Wednesday evenings, May 7 to July 2
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm (last entry 9:00 pm)
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site opens its gates for Wednesday Nights at the Penitentiary, offering immersive experiences, interactive events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of Philadelphia’s most unique historic landmarks. These events provide a social yet meaningful night out, combining history, culture, and entertainment in an atmospheric, adults-only setting. Plus, grab a beer or soft drink and relax and reflect outdoors in The Fair Chance Beer Garden, presented in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing.
Sign up for monthly email updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to be the first to hear about our 2025 summer offerings.
Calendar of Events:
All events take place from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.
May 7 – Reentry Simulation
Step into the shoes of a person being released from incarceration. Join us at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (ESPHS) to take part in a reentry simulation.
Through this hands-on experience, participants will learn about and reflect on some of the many structural challenges people face when returning home from prison. Participants will be assigned a fictitious back story and persona. Through the lens of a recently incarcerated person, participants will 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, participants will debrief their experiences and discuss the criminal justice system and complexities of reentry.
May 14 – Adult Field Day & Sports
Inspired by recreation at Eastern State Penitentiary, this night will feature historical games and sports that happened at ESPHS (baseball, handball, and bocce), plus a playful obstacle course and relay races. Light-hearted, interactive, and fun for groups to join in a variety of team-building games and activities like relay races, tug-of-war, and even some “adult-ified” versions of classic group games. Discover the rich and captivating history of sports and other team activities at Eastern State Penitentiary and their enduring societal legacy in prisons today.
May 21 – Music & Open Mic
An Open Mic night is your opportunity to share your talents and to listen as a community. It's not just a space for speech or song; it's a platform for creativity! Whether it's your first time facing the crowd or you're a regular around the microphone, Open Mic nights are for everyone. A stage set up in Center will feature local musicians, spoken word artists, and storytellers sharing narratives related to justice, freedom, and resilience. Open-mic slots will allow attendees to share their voices in this historic space.
May 28 – Civics & Quizzo
Eastern State is hosting a springtime happy hour and trivia night called "Civics & Quizzo Night" to kick off summertime festivities by testing participants' civic knowledge and building friendships. Join in this high-energy, pub-style trivia night covering law, justice, and local history! Think team competition, prizes, and surprise guest hosts—including legal scholars and former public defenders.
June 4 – Preservation Night (Behind the Scenes)
Considered the world’s first penitentiary, Eastern State’s architectural design served as a model for over 300 prisons across the globe. Now a National Historic Landmark and criminal justice museum, Eastern State staff carefully navigate decisions around conservation and preservation while interpreting the past and present of prison reform in the building’s historic cellblocks. Go beyond the typical tour. Learn how the site is preserved, explore rarely seen areas with preservation staff, and get hands-on with restoration techniques. Special flashlight tour included after 7:30 PM. Participants will tour the penitentiary, engage in interactive activities and conversations, learn about Eastern State’s history and influence, and receive an introduction to the fields of architecture and historic preservation.
June 11 – Escape & Resistance
This summer, Eastern State Penitentiary invites you to experience "Breakout: Stories of Escape and Resistance," an evening of immersive storytelling, live-action challenges, and history reimagined. As the sun sets over the 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 – 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. This program invites guests to step into this little-known history through rare film screenings, engaging discussions, and an immersive experience within the walls of Eastern State. Blending storytelling, justice, and entertainment, Behind Bars & On the Big Screen examines how film has long influenced and reflected ideas about imprisonment, rehabilitation, and social change.
June 25 – Justice & Journalism
Join us for Justice & Journalism Night, an immersive evening exploring 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.
July 2 – Independence & Incarceration
Explore the paradox of American freedom within a former prison. Special readings of "The Declaration of Sentiments" alongside reflections on civil rights, mass incarceration, and social justice.
Stay up to date on Wednesday Nights at the Penitentiary and all things Eastern State. Sign up for monthly email updates below!
Many programs available during the day are also offered during Wednesday Nights including Unlocking History experiences, award-winning exhibits, and site-specific art installations. Wednesday Nights also includes additional exclusive offerings!
Each week of Wednesday Nights will offer different programming focused on the lived experiences of incarcerated people, ranging from recreation-focused programs like Adult Field Day to performance opportunities like Open Mic Night – and more! See full event descriptions above.
Plus, Wednesday Nights are an exclusive, adults-only way to experience Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. 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. Grab 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 Penitentiary 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.
At Wednesday Nights, you'll learn more about Eastern State's history and the criminal justice system in America. You'll also discover the rich and captivating history of sports, the arts, and other team activities at Eastern State and in prisons today.
If you’re interested in a more 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 at the Penitentiary begins on May 7, 2025! We will be open each Wednesday evening between 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm for special programs through July 2, 2025.
Sign up for monthly email updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to be the first to hear about our 2025 summer offerings and other special events throughout the year.
General admission: $17 online, $20 at the door – Includes access to programming at the Fair Chance Beer Garden.
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 at the Penitentiary 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.
In addition, discounted admission is available by request for Museums for All, ACCESS Card, and SEPTA Key REDUCED FARE card holders.* These card holders will be granted $2 admission per person for up to four guests. Visiting guests must present their valid ID upon arrival. Visitors with a disability may also request $2 admission per person.* Paid Personal Care Assistants are always provided complimentary admission when accompanying a visitor with a disability.*
*PLEASE NOTE: These discount programs are intended for individual use only and may not be used for group visits.
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
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 Penitentiary 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!
We have a curated, self-guided audio tour available by QR code. As you explore the penitentiary, you can scan the QR codes, available on signs throughout, to hear brief audio clips about the experiences of those who lived at the penitentiary.
If you prefer a guide-led experience, then check out our Unlocking History tours, which are about ten minutes each, led by an Eastern State educator, and focused on specific topics like music, journalism, and baseball. Our staff also facilitates activities like open mic night, trivia, and other interactive experiences, and they’re available throughout the site to answer your questions and share their knowledge about Eastern State’s history and relevance today.
You’re welcome to participate in any combination of programs during your visit to Wednesday Nights; all are included with admission.
During Wednesday Nights at the Penitentiary, 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 penitentiary closes at 9:30 pm every evening.
No. The Fair Chance Beer Garden is part of the overall Wednesday Nights at the Penitentiary 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. In addition, soft drinks, water, and bagged snacks can be purchased at our museum store.
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 at the Penitentiary 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 at the Penitentiary 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. Some portions of the tour route are inside; however, other sections of the tour are outdoors, and most of the penitentiary 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 at the Penitentiary, 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.
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.
