Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival 2023, held July 14 to 16 at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, drew 75,000 music fans, selling out for the third consecutive year.
The event, co-produced by festival promoter Danny Wimmer Presents, drew fans from every state and 15 countries. Highlights of the weekend included headline performances from Slipknot, the new Pantera lineup (featuring classic members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown with Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante) and Limp Bizkit.
Inkcarceration also featured just the second live performance from the reunited Coal Chamber since 2015. Additionally, the fest inspired Chelsea Grin’s Tom Barber to propose to his now-fiancée onstage during the band’s performance. Up-and-coming rock group Silly Goose also made its return to the fest, after winning over fans and team at Danny Wimmer Presents with its impromptu parking lot performance last year. In addition to a formal time slot on the campground stage lineup for 2023, the band reprised its DIY surprise set on its small flatbed truck outside the festival gates.
In total, Inkcarceration featured 70 music performances on three stages over three days. The festival also offered fans the chance to get inked at the on-site tattoo convention, presented by Inked Magazine. Ticke-tholders were able to book daily appointments with over 65 tattoo artists and enjoyed nightly tattoo competitions, which were hosted by musician and “Big Brother” alum Jenncity. A panel of judges included tattoo artists Caleb Neff, Brian Adamson and Mat Helton. The entire festival weekend was hosted by Jose Mangin, SiriusXM’s official “Metal Ambassador.”
Inkcarceration prides itself on giving back. In addition to providing an avenue for festival charitable partners Take Me Home, F Cancer, Save22.vet and To Write Love on Her Arms to raise funds onsite, one fan was granted the opportunity for a “Haunted Hang” with Corey Taylor. The Slipknot singer provided a private tour of the historic Ohio State Reformatory and more, as part of efforts by the nonprofit he founded, The Taylor Foundation. Inkcarceration also partnered up with Living the Dream Foundation, which provided a dream festival weekend for a young fan battling a life-threatening illness. The dream recipient was given the chance to experience artist meet-and-greets, enjoy side stage viewing access and front row placement for performances all weekend long.
It’s estimated that upwards of $10 million was invested back into the local economy of Ohio’s Richland County, with more than 40 percent of festival-goers hailing from outside the state, according to Destination Mansfield President Lee Tasseff.
An announcement regarding Inkcarceration’s 2024 festival dates will be forthcoming this summer, along with early bird sales, offering fans a variety of affordable payment plans.
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