$17 online in advance, $20 at the door (subject to availability).

Purchase Tickets →

Explore the historic site after hours, participate in discussions with civic leaders, compete in civics trivia, and discover practical ways to become more involved in your community through civic participation. 

Eastern State collaborates with City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Committee of Seventy, League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Prison Society to offer visitors fun and interactive opportunities to learn about the importance of their voices in the ongoing dialogue surrounding criminal justice reform, especially in relation to the upcoming ballot question in Philadelphia aimed at establishing a Prison Community Oversight Board and Office of Prison Oversight.

During Wednesday Nights: Civic Engagement on May 7, you'll be able to:

• Explore the historic site after hours, including the Prisons Today exhibit and Al Capone’s Cell, and learn about the building’s history and legacy today.
• Engage with Eastern State staff on Mini Tours that dive deeper into topics of interest and activate behind-the-scenes spaces.
• Test your civics knowledge by competing in a round of civics trivia to win fun prizes.
• Relax, reflect, and chat with friends over drinks at the Fair Chance Beer Garden, operated by Triple Bottom Brewing, a local, mission-driven craft brewery advancing equity and justice through fair-chance hiring and their Future of Service Apprenticeship.
• Attend a panel discussion about the importance of civic participation in shaping the future of our justice system. Featuring Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas; Lauren Cristella, President & CEO of Committee of Seventy; Morgan Robinson, President of League of Women Voters of Philadelphia; and Noah Barth, Prison Monitoring Director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society. Moderated by Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of Eastern State.
• Meet representatives from local 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.

About Wednesday Nights:

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.

Learn More →


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.