Inkarceration 2026 Was Loud, Brutal, and Absolutely Unforgettable

By: Breanna Workman

​The third weekend of July, tens of thousands of rock fans descend upon the grounds
of the historic Ohio State Reformatory. For three days and three nights, the landmark
grounds come alive as Mansfield, Ohio welcomes one of its largest events of the year:
Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival.

The three day rock festival featured more than 65 artists including some
recognizable names such as, Ice Nine Kills, Starset, Motionless in White, Papa Roach,
Ded, Hollywood Undead, Tech N9ne, and Lorna Shore alongside up and coming bands
like, Static Dress, Peeling Flesh, ENMY, and 156/Silence.

With three stages running throughout the weekend, there was no shortage of music
to discover. Each stage offered its own atmosphere to the audience from its earliest
sets of the day by If Not For Me, and Vicar Blood, to its nightly performances by
headliners like, Disturbed, Bad Omens, and Limp Bizkit.

Throughout the weekend, festival-goers kept their spirits high, embracing the music
and environment even as inclement weather swept through the festival grounds.
Although the conditions briefly prompted an evacuation, the weekend carried on with
performances by Poppy, Sleeping With Sirens, The Used, and Gojira, keeping the
energy alive as the crowd returned to celebrate the music they came for.

Inkcarceration 2027 is set to make its return to Mansfield, Ohio for its ninth year; July
16th, 17th, and 18th. Once more rock and metal fans from near and far will come
together to create new memories, reconnect with familiar faces, make new friends, and
celebrate the music that brings us all together.
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Until then Mansfield, see you next year!