Inkcarceration 2025 Shatters Records: Slipknot, Marilyn Manson & 90,000 Fans Take Over Ohio Prison

Fans flooded for Slipknot’s only U.S. show, Marilyn Manson’s return, and Falling In Reverse’s first DWP headline set… plus 100+ tattoo artists led by Paul Booth inside Ohio’s legendary prison.

Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival just had its biggest year yet. For the first time in its history, the three-day rock, metal, and tattoo destination drew a sold-out, record-breaking crowd of 90,000 fans to the infamous Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio.

The festival, now in its fifth consecutive sellout year, delivered everything from heavy-hitting headliners to on-the-spot tattoo sessions with some of the world’s best artists. Monster Energy Tattoo X transformed the grounds into a massive ink hub, with 100+ tattooers, led by dark art icon Paul Booth, giving fans the chance to leave with permanent festival memories.

And the music? Absolute chaos, in the best way possible. Friday kicked off with Falling In Reverse, Knocked Loose, and Beartooth. Saturday unleashed Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, and Slaughter To Prevail, marking Slipknot’s only U.S. show of 2025 and the first-ever Ohio performance of “Gematria.” Sunday closed with Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace and Lamb of God delivering a crushing finale.

But it wasn’t just the big names. Fans got rare, once-in-a-lifetime moments like In This Moment debuting their brand-new song “Heretic,” Falling In Reverse teaming up with Alex Terrible for “Ronald,” and a wave of long-awaited reunion sets from Acid Bath, Crossfade, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Chiodos, Dry Kill Logic, and Snot.

Five Finger Death Punch by Steve Thrasher

Inkcarceration’s co-founder Dan Janssen sums it up perfectly: “The Inkmates are the best fans in the world… The rain tried, but we tried harder!”

What started as a niche fest in 2018 has now become one of the country’s most unique cultural events, combining music, tattoo culture, and the eerie backdrop of an iconic prison (yes, the one from The Shawshank Redemption). Media outlets called it “one of the most celebrated heavy cultural events of the year” and a “live music destination that is second to none.”

The 2026 dates drop soon, and after this year’s chaos, fans are already plotting their return. Stay tuned at Inkcarceration.com and follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and X… you won’t want to miss what’s next!