The first annual Martyrfest will take place on October 17, 2026, at Elicker’s Grove in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. This spooky, Halloween-themed music festival will feature 15 bands, over a dozen local artists, and specialty food and drink vendors, bringing a true festival atmosphere to this first-time event.
The brainchild of Corey James Burnard, he, along with his bandmates and local music family, wanted to create an event where people can reconnect and enjoy a day of music while celebrating the arts. Inspired by much larger festivals he has attended, such as Inkcarceration, Corey envisioned a festival featuring bands that have performed and played together throughout our region for years. Think of it as a hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and metalcore family reunion—with a spooky Halloween twist. While costumes aren’t required, they are definitely encouraged for attendees.
With 15 of your favorite original regional bands performing, there is sure to be more than one name you’ll recognize. The lineup includes Anthrophobia, Gallowglas, Spinebelt, Wrath of Typhon, Meanman of York, Bullet, Blood & Earth, Fight The Fold, Rabid Assassin, Under Fallen Skies, The Turning Hand, El Radness, The Diminishing Returns, Deceitful Past, and Corey’s own band, Burn The Martyr. With more than 30 years of original independent music represented, this lineup is like a who’s who of the regional heavy rock and metal scene. Many of these bands have been sharing stages together for years, and rumor has it festivalgoers may even be treated to some massive surprise band collaborations throughout the day.
The gates open at 10:30 a.m., with the music kicking off at 11:00 a.m. This is an all-ages event. Guests must be 21 or older with valid ID to purchase alcohol, with craft beer provided by Collusion Tapworks. A variety of food vendors will also be on hand to keep everyone fueled throughout the day, including Moschetti’s Touch of Italy serving wood-fired pizza, Sweet P’s Treats with desserts and snacks, Jacked Up featuring burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, plus Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee to help keep the energy going all day long.
This is a rain-or-shine event featuring a beautiful pavilion with a covered stage area, as well as an indoor banquet hall housing over a dozen local artists and vendors. You’ll find everything from tattoo artists offering on-site flash work to spooky-themed artwork featuring skulls, creepy dolls, comics, handcrafted pieces, and much more. Whether you’re looking to get some fresh ink or find a one-of-a-kind gift, this will be the perfect opportunity.
Vendors announced so far include JJ Comics, Kate Rush Art, Nicole Osborne Art, Paul Godfrey, Recycled Heads, Stone Girl – Bone Girl, Annie Crow Art, Eric Rudd, Stitched and Strange, Lauren Rae Designs, Gilded Grimoire Society, and Garrett Shultz, who will be taking walk-ins for flash tattoos throughout the day. This isn’t your typical festival vendor lineup—think spooky Halloween meets heavy metal, with plenty of creativity and originality around every corner.
Since the inception of the festival, Corey has also launched Corey James Presents, a production company that provides sound, lighting, and event production services. In addition to organizing Martyrfest, he has been promoting and booking other shows throughout the region and recently helped with the inaugural Inked & Amped Tattoo and Rock Festival at the York Fairgrounds. The first year was such a success that plans are already underway for the second annual event, scheduled for May 7–9, 2027.
Corey’s vision doesn’t stop there. He hopes to make Martyrfest an annual tradition that musicians, artists, and fans alike can look forward to every October. By bringing together local talent that has supported one another for years, he wants to build more than just another music festival—he wants to create a community event where friendships are renewed, new fans discover great original music, and everyone leaves feeling like part of the family.
So, what can you expect from the very first Martyrfest? An all-day festival where original independent musicians and artists come together to reconnect while delivering a full day of heart-pounding live music. From heavy metal and hard rock to punk, funk, and even blues influences, there will be something for every rock fan. Add in great food, unique artwork, flash tattoos, creative costumes, spooky Halloween vibes, and a welcoming festival atmosphere, and you have all the ingredients for what promises to become one of Central Pennsylvania’s newest fall traditions.
While October may still be a couple of months away, now is the perfect time to grab your advance tickets for just $20 before they increase to $30 at the gate. Start planning those costume ideas, tell your friends, and mark October 17th on your calendar. For tickets and additional information, scan the QR codes on the flyer below or visit Facebook and search “Martyrfest ’26.” This is one event heavy music fans won’t want to miss.
