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 Monster Energy Tattoo X throughout the weekend.
  • Download our official festival app on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Festival Map

Map subject to change

Location

The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd

Mansfield, OH 44905

General FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Yes. Beer, wine and mixed drinks will be sold to those 21 or older with a valid government issued photo ID.

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.

We will have lockers available for rent on site in both GA & VIP areas.You can reserve a locker in advance HERE 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!

Anyone needing a space to breastfeed or pump can visit the Info Booth/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.

Yes! We’ve partnered with our friends at Jampack, to offer packages that include weekend passes and discounted hotel reservation. Reserve your hotel package today, HERE

If you are interested in becoming a food vendor at Inkcarceration 2025, please apply HERE. Please note the application is available from a desktop computer only and not phone. We recommend filling out using the Chrome internet browser. We are not currently accepting marketplace vendor applications at this time.

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.

CLEAN VIBES
Rock hard, recycle harder! We are excited to have Clean Vibes join us at Inkcarceration this year.  Clean Vibes is accepting volunteers to help with the cleanup and recycling effort in exchange for admission to the festival – a refundable deposit is required. Submit your volunteer application today, HERE
 
Fan-To-Fan Services:
We’re on the lookout for friendly, enthusiastic individuals ready to make a difference at our Information Booths and Accessibility Centers. If you’re ready to help create an inclusive, unforgettable experience for music lovers, we’d love to have you on board! Submit your Fan-To-Fan Volunteer application today, HERE

Tattoo Info

If you would like to be considered as a tattoo artist for 2025, please apply HERE.

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.

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.

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. ***

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 ONSITE STORAGE FOR PROHIBITED ITEMS. ***

  • 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
  • Sealed packs of cigarettes and cigars
  • Vape pens and e-cigarettes
  • We strongly encourage you to not bring bags of any sort. If you must bring a bag, please abide by our bag policy below:
    • 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.
While outside food is generally not allowed at Inkcarceration we recognize that some fans may need to bring in small amounts of food as a reasonable accommodation. In these cases, here are some requirements for the food:
  • Please pack the food in clear Ziplock bags.
  • If you need a cooler it needs to be a small and soft-sided cooler no bigger than 12” X 9” X 9″
  • It will be subject to a respectful security screening for the safety of all our patrons.. Basically, they will need to see that you have just food and an ice pack in the cooler if you use one.
  • When you enter the festival, please use the Access Lane.
  • Only bring food for the day.
  • If you are bringing anything to drink: it must be sealed, non-alcoholic – glass containers of any size will not be allowed into Inkcarceration – no exceptions. This is for the safety of all our fans.
 
We want you to enjoy Inkcarceration safely. If you need to bring medication with you here are a few requirements:
  • Prescription medication must be in the pharmacy bottle with a current & valid 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 current & valid prescription bottle must match.
  • You are entering the event with sufficient medication for one day.
  • If you will be bringing any medical supplies that require disposal after use, please use appropriate ease containers found at our Medical Tents, please for the safety of our staff that handles the trash – do not dispose of these items in the trash bins or portable restrooms.
  • Medications that need to be inhaled are allowed only by prescription, and must meet the same requirements listed above, an example of this would be an inhaler.
  • Marijuana and Medical Marijuana, in any form, is not allowed at INKcarceration. 
  • Please Note: Drugs of any kind (including cannabis and cannabis products) are prohibited without exception.
  • Over the counter medication, with the exception of marijuana in any form, will be allowed in daily amounts and must be in original & sealed bottles.
 
If you have any additional questions, please email access@inkcarceration.com.

Cashless FAQs

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

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

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.

Yes! We will have reverse ATMs on site, for you to exchange your cash into a prepaid Mastercard.

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

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.

When using a reverse ATM, you will be issued a card which works as a Mastercard Gift Card, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.