Events
Inkcarceration Returns to Ohio State Reformatory
The Best of Metal and Tattoos Return to Infamous Ohio State Reformatory
July 14th – 16th, 2023
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield Ohio welcomed metalheads and inksters from all over the country for its 5th edition of the Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival. The jam-packed festival represented all things metal with three straight days featuring 12 nonstop hours of heavy hitting music, moshing and crowd surfing. Fans got to experience new up-and-comers on the scene along with some of the biggest names and pioneers of the genre. If the music wasn’t enough, attendees also got to experience free tours of the famous and supposedly haunted reformatory. Along with the tour, was a tattoo expo featuring some of the best artists in the nation competing in a contest. The festival also featured a haunted house in the basement of the haunted prison aimed at scaring your socks off. Campgrounds were also available with a shuttle that ran back and forth all day to the site.
Day 1 started the festival off with a mixture of different metal sounds, but no shortage of big names throughout the day. The stage setup was a bit different this year as there was one main stage (Inkmates) along with another smaller stage (Inked) right by the entrance. There was also another mini stage by the reformatory that featured many up -and-comers. Both the Inkmates and Inked stages alternated between some of the biggest hitters of the metal scene for the last 30 years. Coal Chamber, Hatebreed, We Came as Romans, Suicide Silence and Highly Suspect kept fans rocking all throughout the day as then venue filled up to capacity.
POD. photo by Steve Thrasher
The night finished off with a bang starting with P.O.D. closing down the Inked stage. The San Diego nu Metal band showcased their catalog of hits that took over the scene in the early 2000’s. There was no lack of energy from lead singer Sonny Sandoval as they even brought up a fan to help sing one of their biggest hits “Youth of the Nation.” Volbeat continued the trend of the first day variety with their unique heavy sound. The Danish group rocked the house with their most popular jams including “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown,” “For Evigt” and “Still Counting.” The main headliner of the day finished things off without disappointment. Limp Bizkit has always brought a unique and controversial show dating back to Woodstock 99. This did not change at Inkcarceration as Fred Durst was up to his same old antics that everyone loved. The band played all their big hits like “Break Stuff,” “Nookie,” “My Way” and even did a cover of “Killing in the Name” as a shot at Rage Against the Machine from a beef that started 20 years ago. A really cool moment during the set, saw a fan get on stage to sing with Fred on “Full Nelson.” Limp Bizkit finished things off with “Take a Look Around” while concluding a successful first day of Inkcarceration.
Limp Bizkit. photo by Steve Thrasher
Day 2 featured another impressive lineup throughout the day. From Ashes To New, one of a few last second fill-ins due to cancellations just a week before the event took place, got things going on a rainy gray afternoon. That didn’t stop fans from flocking to the reformatory grounds to rock out with Memphis May Fire, Underoath, Motionless in White, In This Moment and local fan-favorite Mushroomhead.
Mushroomhead. photo by Steve Thrasher
Saturday’s headliners were a blast from the past who have had major impacts on metal culture. Megadeth were on top of the world in the 80’s and 90’s, but showed Inkcarceration they could still rock with the best. They got the pits buzzing and the surfers soaring with their fast pace headbanging mastery. They ran through their big hits with crowd favorites “Symphony of Destruction,” “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and “Tornado of Souls.”
Megadeth’s performance set the stage just right for another legendary band, Pantera to finish the night out. Although the band is not in its original form after the deaths of the Abbot brothers and just coming back after a 20 year hiatus, they still rocked the house. Their set started with a video montage of their career, which turned into an explosion of pyros that sent the crowd wild. The energy never had a chance to slow down as their performance was nothing short of mayhem. The band had a very heart touching tribute to deceased band members Dimebag Darrel and Vinnie Paul with “Cemetery Gates” as well as “This Love,” “Walk” and “Cowboys From Hell.” The night ended with an encore from the band playing “Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit.”
Pantera. photo by Steve Thrasher
Day 3 featured a very mixed array of bands along the metal spectrum. The lineup didn’t miss on big names with Fame on Fire, Crown the Empire, Wage War and Dayseeker during the afternoon. In the evening we got to see GWAR put on their one-of-a-kind act in monster costumes while shooting fake blood into the crowd. However, Flyleaf put on a great set themselves as Lacey Sturm sang her heart out. Bush lightened the mood a little bit, but put on a memorable performance when Gavin Rossdale went into the crowd and even walked all the way up to the blanket area. Pop Evil, another last second edition, shut things down on the Inked stage setting things up for the final headliners of the festival.
Flyleaf. photo by Steve Thrasher
Inkcarceration went out with a bang with two of the heaviest hitters over the past 25 years. Lamb of God returned for their second year in a row. Lead singer Randy Blythe showed up with a new look as he cut off his iconic dreadlocks, but that didn’t change the energy they brought. They unleashed an avalanche of solid hits such as “Memento Mori,” “Laid to Rest,” “Ditch” and “Redneck.” Their heavy set was a great segway for the main headliner, Slipknot. The group hailing from Iowa came out with a bang. Their set featured lots of explosions and pyrotechnics which enhanced their already unique look of 9 guys in masks. These masked looks fit in perfectly with the theme of the festival as they look like they just came out of the haunted house in the reformatory. Slipknot didn’t disappoint as they showcased two decades of hard hitting jams including “Phychosocial,” “Snuff,” “Wait and Bleed” and “Unsainted.” If that wasn’t enough, they came back out with a killer encore to play “Duality” and “Spit it Out.” Slipknot finished off in style in what proved to be another successful Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival.
Slipknot. photo by Steve Thrasher
Mansfield is most famous for the Ohio State Reformatory. The Prison was built in 1886 and was operated until 1990. It is most known for the filming of most of the movie Shawshank Redemption. Throughout the festival the reformatory was open for tours free to all. Here you could see where they shot scenes from Shawshank Redemption as well as the different parts of the castle-like institution. The tour showed inside the cells and different offices of the staff and warden. Not only was this an interesting piece of history to see, it helps give the festival another amazing dynamic,
Inkcarceration 2023 – Saturday – Experience – Lexie Alley
The Ohio State Reformatory is presumed to be haunted and has been well documented for paranormal activity. One of the rooms during the tour gives you an opportunity to experience this. The prison also plays host to a haunted house called “Blood Prison.” The haunted house tour takes you into the basement of the prison filled with startling props and scary live actors with the sole purpose of to scare you senseless. As far as haunted houses go this has been one of the best ones I have ever experienced. During Inkcarceration, there is only a limited section of the tour available. The full tour can be experienced in the fall months before Halloween. There is also a Christmas edition of the haunted house that will be open a few days in December.
Blood Prison. photo by Nathan Zucker
There was also a section inside the prison dedicated for tattoos. Inkmates were able to get fresh ink from well renowned tattoo artists from around the country. The open was open to the public to watch them show off what they do best as well as buy merch. The artists also competed in contests which were sponsored by Inked Magazine. This was a sight to see whether you are a tattoo enthusiast or not.
Inkcarceration 2023 – Friday – Tattoo – Lexie Alley
Inkcarceration welcomes Inkmates far and wide with open arms for one purpose; 3 days of head banging madness. One aspect of the festival that sometimes gets overlooked is the community aspect of this event. From the pits to the lines of crowd surfers, everyone seems to be looking out for each other. Inkmates of all ages,backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to rock out as hard as they can. Fun and safety are the main goals which were shown to be respected by everyone. With these missions in mind it is very easy to meet new people and share the same amazing experiences with other Inkmates.
I was fortunate enough to meet a group of amazing people in the pits. For three nights in a row I was able to experience great music, rowdy pits and hundreds of crowd surfers with these great people. The camaraderie felt inside the walls of the festival is surreal and seems to be a big factor in the rise of popularity of the event over the past 5 years. It should be interesting to see what DWP has instore for next year’s Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival.
From vampire bartenders and a neon coffin photo op to Halloween cocktails and waterfront dancing, Regatta Grove’s Fangtasia was a bloody good time.
November 2, 2026
Halloween in Miami just hits differently. While the rest of the country is bundling up for spooky season, we’re sipping cocktails by the water, dancing under the stars, and apparently hanging out with vampires.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove went all in for Halloween weekend with Fangtasia, a two-night vampire-inspired celebration on October 30 and 31 that turned the waterfront hotspot into a spooky little paradise.
We stopped by to see what all the fang-tastic fun was about, and between the elaborate costumes, DJ, festive cocktails, and vampire staff, there was plenty to love.
The first thing we noticed? Regatta Grove was fully committed to the theme.
Red Halloween decorations transformed the open-air venue, creating a moody atmosphere against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay. Guests showed up in elaborate costumes, bringing plenty of Halloween personality to an already lively setting.
But our favorite detail might have been the staff.
Every staff member was dressed as a vampire.
Yes, even the people making your drinks were embracing their undead era. It’s those little details that make themed events so much more fun, and Regatta Grove definitely understood the assignment.
And then there was the neon coffin photo op, because what’s a vampire party without somewhere to take a ridiculously good Halloween picture?
Let’s just say the photo opportunities were not lacking.
Now, obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
Fangtasia featured three Halloween specialty cocktails made with Ketel One vodka, each with its own spooky personality.
The Ghoul’s Mule was a Halloween twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, strawberry, and lime. Fruity, refreshing, and just the right kind of festive for a warm Miami evening.
The Black Widow was one for the espresso martini lovers, combining Ketel One Espresso vodka, cold brew, and coffee liqueur. Dark, coffee-forward, and appropriately named for the occasion. We love a cocktail that matches the dress code.
And finally, the Bloody Good Martini mixed Ketel One vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and strawberry for a citrusy, fruity take on a Halloween martini.
Honestly, who needs a cauldron when the cocktail menu is already this fun?
One of the best things about Regatta Grove is its location. Set right along Biscayne Bay, the Coconut Grove venue already has that laid-back, tropical atmosphere that makes Miami nights so much fun.
But for Fangtasia, things got a little darker.
The red decorations, vampire costumes, and Halloween details gave the venue a completely different personality, while a great DJ kept the energy going throughout the celebration.
And the guests definitely brought their A-game. From elaborate costumes to all-out Halloween looks, the crowd was clearly having fun with the theme.
There was something especially entertaining about seeing such an eerie Halloween atmosphere mixed with palm trees, waterfront views, and Miami’s warm evening breeze.
A little spooky, a little glamorous, and very Miami.
Between the costumed crowd, vampire staff, themed cocktails, and neon coffin photo op, Fangtasia at Regatta Grove was such a fun way to celebrate Halloween in Coconut Grove.
What made the night memorable wasn’t just one big attraction. It was how all the details came together, from the music and decor to the staff getting in on the fun.
And really, a Halloween party where you can dance by Biscayne Bay, sip a Bloody Good Martini, and take photos in a glowing coffin? That’s pretty hard to beat.
Fangtasia may be over for this year, but we’re already curious to see what Regatta Grove has planned next.
Until then, we’ll be keeping our fangs crossed for another round next Halloween.
Regatta Grove | Coconut Grove, Miami
3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
Event: Fangtasia Halloween Celebration
Dates: October 30–31, 2026
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Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?
Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.
And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In
Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?
Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.
The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.
Cute, right?
Except there’s one tiny problem.
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.
Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.
We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.
And honestly? We’re kind of into it.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party
Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.
On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.
Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.
It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.
There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?
We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.
And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?
So, Which Night Are We Going?
Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.
Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.
Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.
Our solution? Both. Obviously.
Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.
So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.
Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.
The Halloween Weekend Details
Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.
The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.
Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.
Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.
Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.
Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.
Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.
There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.
Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.
Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.
Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.
And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?
We’re already obsessed with the idea.
Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.
No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.
Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.
And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.
If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.
Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.
Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.
Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?
Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.
Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.
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