MANSFIELD, OH — The thin veil between the living and the dead is set to get even thinner this month as ParaPsyCon 7 prepares to take over the legendary Ohio State Reformatory (OSR). From May 15–17, the prison—famed as the filming location for The Shawshank Redemption—will host one of the nation’s largest gatherings of psychics, paranormal investigators, and cryptid researchers.
Known as one of the “most haunted places in America,” the Reformatory provides a chillingly authentic backdrop for the three-day convention, which draws thousands of fans of the unexplained to Richland County.
A Massive Gathering of the Macabre
ParaPsyCon 7 offers a “wall-to-wall” experience featuring celebrity ghost hunters, UFO investigators, Bigfoot researchers, and healers. Attendees can browse a massive vendor floor filled with crystals, tarot cards, and haunted artifacts, or attend Q&A panels led by industry experts.
The celebrity lineup features some of the biggest names in paranormal television, including:
- Dr. Mireya Mayor (Expedition Bigfoot)
- Ben Hansen (Fact or Faked)
- Cindy Kaza (The Holzer Files)
- Dustin Pari (Ghost Hunters)
- John Zaffis (Haunted Collector)
Exclusive Immersive Experiences
For those looking for more than just a stroll through the cell blocks, the convention offers several high-stakes add-on events:
- Gallery Reading with Cindy Kaza (May 14): A rare, intimate evening where the renowned medium delivers messages from the spirit world to a limited group of 80 participants.
- VIP Kickoff Party (May 15): Held at Lofts & Rails Event Center, featuring a celebrity auction to benefit the continued restoration of the Reformatory.
- Celebrity Ghost Hunt (May 16): A premier late-night investigation. Only 80 guests will have the chance to hunt for apparitions alongside 20 celebrity guests until 2:30 a.m.
- Escape Room Raffle: A unique chance to play one of OSR’s escape rooms with two paranormal celebrities as teammates.
Giving Back to the Community
While the focus is on the supernatural, the event has a very real impact on the local community. Organizers are asking guests to bring non-perishable food items for the local food bank or pet supplies for the animal shelter. Additionally, all profits from the Reformatory Museum Store go directly toward the maintenance and historic preservation of the 19th-century structure.
Ticketing and Travel
Admission to the Reformatory during the event grants full access to the vendor areas and speaker panels. Weekend passes are available for $50, with daily adult tickets at $30. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and military members, while children 6 and under are free.
Located midway between Columbus and Cleveland, Mansfield has become a hub for “dark tourism.” Beyond the prison walls, visitors can explore the Shawshank Trail, the Wine and Ale Trail, or the historic carousel district in downtown Mansfield.
For tickets and a full schedule of speakers, visit Parapsycon.com or find local travel info at DestinationMansfield.com
