Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival 2025: A Celebration of Music, Tattoos, and Culture
The Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival is back, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of legendary. From July 18 to July 20, the iconic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, will transform into a haven for heavy music fans and tattoo enthusiasts alike. With nearly 70 bands, tattoo artists, and a unique prison setting, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience.
A Stacked Lineup Featuring Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, and More
Headlining the festival are none other than Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, and Knocked Loose, guaranteeing electrifying performances. Slipknot’s Shawn “Clown” Crahan expressed the significance of the event, emphasizing that the band is playing very few U.S. shows this year. “Slipknot is playing very few shows in the U.S. this year, so this will be special. It will be good to be back with our friends, family, and culture at the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival. Stay safe! Stay (sic)!”
Other heavyweights on the lineup include Marilyn Manson, Beartooth, Lamb of God, Parkway Drive, and Three Days Grace, who will perform with their original frontman, Adam Gontier. The festival will also host rare live performances from Acid Bath and Crossfade, while fans of hardcore and metalcore can look forward to reunion sets from The Dillinger Escape Plan, Chiodos, Dry Kill Logic, and Snot.
This diverse lineup spans metal, hardcore, rock, and alternative genres, catering to a broad spectrum of musical tastes. Whether you’re a fan of legendary acts like Killswitch Engage and The Devil Wears Prada or newer bands like Alpha Wolf and Sleep Theory, Inkcarceration 2025 has something for everyone.
A Bigger and Better Festival Experience
Beyond the impressive lineup, Inkcarceration 2025 is set to offer an enhanced festival experience. Organizers have expanded the festival grounds, providing more space, improved viewing areas, and additional shaded spots to combat the summer heat. This year’s upgrades aim to make the festival more comfortable and enjoyable for attendees.
Dan Janssen, co-founder and GM of Inkcarceration, shared his excitement about the improvements:
“The fan experience at Inkcarceration is the top priority every year. We did a lot of work on the infrastructure after last year’s event, such as adding space, more shade and a larger viewing area, an expansion that was imperative as this festival continues to grow. We could not be more excited to unveil it to the fans in 2025.”
A Unique Setting: The Ohio State Reformatory
One of the festival’s most unique aspects is its location. The Ohio State Reformatory, famously featured in The Shawshank Redemption, provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. Festivalgoers can take self-guided tours of the prison, exploring its eerie hallways and historic cells.
Inside the prison, the tattoo convention offers another highlight. Dozens of skilled tattoo artists will be on hand to create custom ink for attendees, blending the worlds of music and body art in an unparalleled way. Whether you’re a seasoned tattoo collector or considering your first piece, the convention is a must-visit feature of the festival.
A Celebration of Reunion Performances
This year’s festival also celebrates the return of some iconic bands. Fans of The Dillinger Escape Plan, one of the most influential mathcore bands in history, are in for a treat with their highly anticipated reunion performance. Similarly, Chiodos and Dry Kill Logic will take the stage for the first time in years, reigniting the passion of fans who’ve waited patiently for their return.
These reunion performances are more than nostalgia trips—they’re a chance for longtime fans to relive the magic and for new audiences to experience these legendary acts for the first time.
Full Lineup of Inkcarceration 2025
Here’s the complete list of bands set to perform at Inkcarceration 2025:
- Headliners: Slipknot, Falling In Reverse, Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace (with Adam Gontier), Marilyn Manson, Beartooth, Knocked Loose, Lamb of God
- Special Performances: Acid Bath, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Chiodos, Dry Kill Logic, Snot
- Other Notable Acts: Parkway Drive, I Prevail, In This Moment, Slaughter to Prevail, Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red, The Amity Affliction, Architects, Kittie, The Devil Wears Prada, Emmure, Currents, and more
With nearly 70 bands across three stages, the festival promises wall-to-wall music for three days straight.
Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets for Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival 2025 are already on sale, and demand is high. With such a stacked lineup and expanded festival grounds, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
For more information on ticket options, VIP packages, and festival updates, visit the official Inkcarceration website.
Why Inkcarceration Stands Out
In an era where music festivals are abundant, Inkcarceration has carved out a unique identity. Combining a top-tier lineup with a tattoo convention and the historical intrigue of the Ohio State Reformatory, the festival offers an experience that goes beyond the music.
Attendees don’t just come for the bands—they come for the atmosphere, the community, and the chance to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind event. It’s this blend of elements that has helped Inkcarceration grow year after year, drawing fans from across the country and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival 2025 is set to be an unforgettable event. With its stellar lineup, enhanced festival grounds, and unique setting, it’s a must-attend for fans of heavy music and tattoo art. Slipknot’s Shawn Crahan summed it up best: this year’s festival will be special.
So mark your calendars for July 18–20 and prepare for an incredible weekend of music, tattoos, and culture at the Ohio State Reformatory. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the festival or attending for the first time, Inkcarceration 2025 promises an experience like no other.
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