2027 FESTIVAL INFO

INKCARCERATION IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT.
LINEUP, SCHEDULE, AND SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
ALL INKCARCERATION PASSES COME WITH FREE ADMISSION TO TOUR THE FAMOUS OHIO STATE REFORMATORY & ADMISSION TO TATTOO X THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND.
DOWNLOAD OUR OFFICIAL FESTIVAL APP ON THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY STORE.

LOCATION

The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd
Mansfield, OH 44905

GENERAL FAQS

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THE FESTIVAL?

The Ohio State Reformatory is the home of Inkcarceration Festival and is located in Mansfield, OH. Mansfield is centrally located approximately an hour from Cleveland, Columbus, and Canton/Akron, Ohio. If you are camping, see our Camping Info HERE. If you are driving to the festival and need parking or taking a taxi/ride share, see our Parking Info HERE.

There are two parking lots located near the festival grounds – the “Green Lot” and the “Orange Lot”. Parking passes are available for weekend or single day purchase. All advanced parking pass purchasers will receive a vehicle “Hang Tag” in advance of the show which will include detailed directions to the purchased parking lot pass based on the direction you are traveling from. Parking passes will be available the day of the festival for purchase, but fans are encouraged to buy their parking passes in advance for a more efficient entry into the parking lots. Note: Day of show pricing may be more than the advance price.

What about the weather?

Inkcarceration is a rain-or-shine event, however, there are several instances in which the festival may be paused, evacuated, or canceled due to inclement weather, including (but not limited to): severe thunderstorms, lightning in the festival radius, excessive wind, hail, flooding, or as directed by local emergency personnel. We recommend fans review our Health & Safety page, so you can be prepared to get to safety in the event of inclement weather.

What ages are allowed?

This is an all ages event. All attendees, regardless of age, are required to purchase full price festival pass. We strongly encourage parents to bring hearing and sun protection for their children. Please note, however, that the festival features an adult environment, which may include strong language, mature themes, and behavior not suited for younger attendees. Parental discretion is advised.

Will re-entry be allowed at the festival?

Re-entry into the festival is not permitted unless you are camping on-site and have a camping wristband or purchased a Hotel + Admission package, through JamPack. Once you have entered the venue each day, you will not be allowed to leave and come back in. Please plan accordingly. If there is an emergency and you must leave, please speak to a supervisor at the gate.

My friend is terminally ill and wants to attend the show. Can you do something special for them?

We work with Living The Dream Foundation, a great company that will do their best to accommodate these special fans when possible. They will screen all requests and reach out if there is an opportunity! Find out more and to contact LTD Foundation HERE.

Where can I go to pick up lost items during and after the event?

Lost & Found is located at the Info Booth which is near the festival entrance. In addition to visiting the Info Booth on site, there will be a link available on our website and festival mobile app during show days to search our found items database to see if your lost item has been turned in or submit a claim for your lost item. Post-festival, the Lost & Found location will be shared on our social channels during the show weekend.

Which stage and what time will bands be playing?

A full schedule with set times will be posted about two weeks before the show on our social channels, website, and mobile app.

What time do gates open daily?

Gate times are TBD and will be announced closer to the event. Usually gates open between 11am-Noon, however, this is subject to change.

Will alcohol be sold?

Yes. Beer, wine and mixed drinks will be sold to those 21 or older with a valid government issued photo ID. Please note, temporary paper or digital copies of IDs would not be accepted for alcohol purchases.

Will there be a sober living program?

Yes! Sober Ink Mates is a supportive and inclusive initiative designed for attendees who choose to enjoy the festival without the use of alcohol or drugs. The program offers a safe and welcoming environment with various activities, resources, and support to ensure everyone can have a fun and memorable festival experience. This program will also host (3) recovery-style meetings each day.

Will there be lockers?

We will have lockers available for rent on site in both GA & VIP areas.You can reserve a locker online closer to the event or on-site at the festival, subject to availability. Each locker measures 8”H x 12”W x 18”D and comes with a universal phone charger. Lockers can be reserved for a single day or all 3 days, and if you book for all 3 days, you can leave your items securely stored overnight! Lockers will be available to rent closer to the event.

What are my options for breastfeeding or pumping?

Anyone needing a space to breastfeed or pump can visit the Access Center near the main entrance of the festival. Please note that this area is not private, so consider bringing any coverings or items you need for comfort. You are welcome to bring necessary supplies, such as a pump, small soft-sided cooler, ice packs, and a cover, into the venue. However, please be aware that we are not responsible for any lost or damaged items. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to access@inkcarceration.com.

Do you offer any special hotel rates for fans?

Yes! We’ve partnered with our friends at Jampack, to offer packages that include weekend passes and discounted hotel reservations. All packages with both Admission + Hotel Reservations come with daily re-entry into the festival. Hotel packages can be reserved currently, HERE

How can I apply to be a vendor?

We are not currently accepting vendor applications at this time.

How can I submit my band?

We are not currently accepting fan or band submissions for signed or unsigned artists. All lineup decisions are being managed through direct invitations. Please keep an eye on our official channels for updates regarding future submission opportunities for upcoming festivals.We are not currently accepting fan or band submissions for signed artists. If you have an unsigned band, we have an amazing way to get on our radar via the DWPresents channel on Twitch. That Space Zebra show runs contests year round to help us find the best unsigned bands for a chance to battle for the big stage a DWP Festival. Submit an application today HERE.

Tattoo Info

HOW DO I SIGN UP TO BE A TATTOO ARTIST AT THE FESTIVAL?

If you would like to be considered as a tattoo artist for 2027, please apply HERE.

How do I sign up to get a tattoo at Inkcarceration?

Artists are listed on our Tattoo Experience page along with links to their work and contact info. All booking is done directly with the attending tattoo artists so you will want to contact them as early as possible to schedule. All tattoo artists will be announced closer to the festival. Tattoo appointments only available for ages 18+. Parental consent is not accepted for underage fans.

Do I have to schedule a tattoo before the show, or can I schedule when I arrive?

It is not a necessity to schedule ahead of time, but if you want more of a choice on who you work with it’s a smart idea. For info on each participating artist and their work you can contact them directly through our tattoo page. All tattoo artists will be announced closer to the festival.

Can I get a tattoo without an admission pass?

No. You must have a festival pass to participate in any of the Inkcarceration tattoo experiences.

Allowed / Not Allowed Items

Please be advised that there will be elevated security measures in place for Inkcarceration. Please carefully check the list of prohibited items and arrive very early to allow extra time for screening. All entrances will have metal detectors; please plan accordingly.

*** WE DO NOT PROVIDE ON-SITE STORAGE FOR PROHIBITED ITEMS. ***

WHAT IS ALLOWED IN?

Cell phones and small portable chargers
Sunscreen (non-aerosol)
One factory-sealed bottle of water (20 oz max size) or one empty plastic refillable water bottle (no Hydroflasks or Yetis)
Clear Camelbacks / hydration backpacks (empty, limit 2 pockets)
Binoculars
Towels and light blankets – Note: Blankets will not be permitted in certain areas of the festival grounds for safety reasons.
Small, point-and-shoot digital cameras
Hats and sunglasses
Earplugs
Lighters and packs of cigarettes/cigars
We strongly encourage you to not bring bags of any sort.

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED IN?

No chains, chain wallets, or spikes
No metal containers (ex. Yetis or Hydroflasks)
No umbrellas
No large bags, backpacks, or duffle bags – see bag policy in allowed items
No chairs of any kind – including inflatable lounger air sofas
No aerosol cans
No coolers or picnic baskets
No outside food or beverages – exception: one factory-sealed bottle of water (20 oz. Max size)
No glass containers
No strollers
No video cameras or GoPros
No audio recording devices
No laptops or tablets
No professional cameras or cameras with removable lenses
No selfie sticks
No lasers or laser pointers
No drones
No hula hoops or totems
No balloons or beach balls
No confetti or glow sticks
No whistles or air horns
No fireworks or explosives
No musical instruments of any kind
No weapons of any kind
No drugs or drug paraphernalia
No pets (with exception of service animals) – see policy here
No colors or patches
No unauthorized vending or advertising
No walkie talkies/two way radios

Your safety is our number one concern, so these items are also subject to change at any time and at the discretion of the security staff.

Can I bring prescription medication or medically necessary food into the festival?

Special Dietary Foods: While outside food is generally not allowed at Inkcarceration we recognize that some patrons may need to bring in small amounts of food as a reasonable accommodation. If you are in need of a medically necessary food accommodation, please email us at access@inkcarceration.com.

Prescriptions: We want you to safely enjoy our shows, if that includes carrying necessary medication with you, here are the guidelines:

Prescription medication must be in the pharmacy bottle with a valid & current prescription stating: your name, medication name and dosage. Our medical staff will verify this if necessary.
You must have a valid ID ready to present if requested.
The name on your valid ID and the name on the valid & current prescription on the bottle must match.
You are entering the event with sufficient medication for one day.
Please Note: Drugs of any kind (incl. cannabis, cannabis products) are prohibited. Staff at the entry gates will verify the contents of any medically necessary materials. Out of concern for the festival staff who handle the trash, please dispose of your medical waste and syringes in the proper disposal, which is located at the medical tent. Please do not dispose of these items in other trash bins at the festival.

Please direct any further questions to access@inkcarceration.com.

Cashless FAQs

CAN I STILL PAY WITH A CREDIT/DEBIT CARD?

Yes, you can still use your credit or debit card at any point of sale terminal.

What forms of payment will be accepted?

Credit and debit Card payments will be accepted in addition to RFID wristband, Tap to Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Will all vendors accept RFID payments?

Both card payments and RFID wristbands will be accepted by all food and beverage vendors, and merchandise tents. The only areas that will accept cash will be the Tattoo Expo (where cash ATM’s are located), and outside the festival such as the campgrounds.

Will there be reverse ATMs?

Reverse ATMs will not be on site at Inkcarceration. Please come to the festival prepared with a cashless form of payment, if you wish to purchase anything within the festival.

Will cash still be accepted in parking?

While cash is not accepted inside the venue, cash will still be accepted in day of show parking lots.

Will cash still be accepted in camping—including the General Store, RV pump-out and Box Office?

Our General Stores in camping and the Box Office will be cashless. We will have reverse ATMs nearby for your use! If you are needing your RV pumped out, they will only accept cash.