Ayria: Stories, Songs & Goth Aerobics
Join Jennifer Parkin of Ayria for a special, multifaceted session marking her first-ever solo panel! This event marks the beginning of a new era for Ayria, offering fans an intimate look behind the curtain of her upcoming full-length release.
Jennifer will guide you through her songwriting process, sharing the personal life events that sparked the inspiration for the diverse styles found on the new album. The session features an exclusive Listening Party, where attendees will hear select tracks from the new EP/album, followed by live “song dissections” where Jennifer breaks down the lyrics and meanings.Following a moderated Q&A covering everything from the new release to classic Ayria tracks and life in general, the panel concludes with a high-energy twist: Goth Aerobics! Join Jennifer for some punching and light stretching to get you fired up for the next bands (participation is optional—feel free to just bop in your chair!).
Let’s Get Dark: Social Gathering Game
Let’s Get Dark is the ultimate goth-themed conversation game that delves into the spooky, mysterious, and poetic depths of your soul. Whether you’re new to the community or a seasoned bat, this game is your gateway to connection. Hosted by Luke Vinland and Joe Melluzzo.
Rainbows in The Dark LGBTQ+ Panel
In this hour You will be able to connect with friends and chosen family here. Here fun stories and accolades of past and present LGBTQ+ history within our scene and culture. There is always a possibility that sensitive topics might be discussed, please be kind & take care of yourself first.
Featuring your hosts:
Claus/ Leaetherstrip, Laya/ DJ Fix/ Amphetamean, James/ Male Tears, Landy / Male Tears.
Moderated by – Bella / DJ Villainess
Stay until the end for the LGBTQ+ meetup! Let’s hang out and get to know our fellow rainbow bats!
Industrial Dance Class
Our Industrial Dance Class at Dark Force Fest will be a high-energy, fun, and intense session where you’ll learn the rhythmic, stomping moves of industrial dance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, this is your chance to get a great workout, express yourself, and immerse in the music.
Come ready to sweat, have fun, and dance like a machine!
Hosted by Amy with tunes by DJ Mighty Mike Saga
Void Signal Headliner Trivia
Void Signal podcast returns to Dark Force Fest! Join random teams with festival headliners for a short chat and a game of trivia – with a prize for the winning team! Will you be on Team Rabbit Junk or Team Matte Blvck? Enjoy some laughs, make some memories, and take a short respite.
Signing and Promoting Artists in the Modern Era
Join Distortion Productions’ label owner Jim Semonik (Red Lokust/Electronic Saviors) and independent publicist Athan Maroulis (NOIR/Spahn Ranch/Black Tape For A Blue Girl) as they discuss what it takes to run an independent record label in today’s climate. Jim and Athan will be providing first hand accounts of some of their experiences
working with independent artists and some of the tricks of the trade. There will also be a Q & A for anyone curious about what it is like being signed to an independent label in 2026 and how to do so.
Goth Yoga by Death Comes Lifting
Death Comes Lifting is bringing their signature “Yoga From The Crypt” practice to Dark Force Fest with a beginner-friendly class set to a playlist of gothic hits that’ll shake off your rigor mortis and give you the power to rock & roll all weekend long
Sober In The Scene Panel / Meetup
Join longtime DJs and scene organizers Johnny Panic, DJ Vilianess (Bella), and Tiny Terror for a panel on navigating the goth and industrial scene without alcohol or drugs. Our panelists will share their personal journeys, discuss what it’s like to get and stay sober in an alcohol-driven culture, and answer questions from attendees curious about sobriety, harm reduction, or making different choices in nightlife. This conversation is for anyone interested in recovery, moderation, or simply exploring how to thrive creatively in the scene while avoiding or reducing substance use.
Immediately following the panel, stick around for a meet-and-greet with free coffee from Coffee with the Dead, a community space offering a calm spot to sober up or take a break, complete with their signature Ghost Stories coffee. This is a chance to connect with supportive people, ask questions, and discover safe, trained allies to look out for you at shows and events.
Black Widows: the complicated history of women serial killers
From the beginning of time, the “woman scorned” was something to be feared, studied and above all else avoided. While at the same time the public was often led to believe that the “frailer sex” was simply incapable. From Aqua Tofana to the hitchhiker’s nightmare, let’s talk about it.
PRIEST Songwriting Masterclass
‘The PRIEST Way’ With Linton Rubino (Priest, ex-Ghost, Rein)’
A walkthrough of the writing process of the songwriter of Priest.
Mindswerve Studios NYC presents
“Artists Music Production V : How Bands Make Those Songs You Love”
a discussion with veteran musicians:
Bruno Kramm of Das Ich and @DanseMacabreRecords, Eric Powell of 16 VOLT, En Esch (x-KMFDM, PIG, Pigface), Daniel Myer (Haujobb, DSTR, Covenant), Claus Larsen (Leaether Strip, Klute)and more guests TBAplus your host + moderator Xris SMack!Engineer, Producer, remixer, mastering…
Jumping Spider Meet and Greet
Come learn about jumping spiders! At this panel, there will be a short presentation about jumping spiders, followed by a chance to watch them in action! We’ll be showcasing some live feedings, courtesy of the best spider hunters around, and then a few lucky goths will have a chance to get to hold one. These little spoods can’t wait to meet you!
Rabbit Junk Presents: Music and Mental Health
J.P. and Sum Grrrl will be facilitating a conversation about the role of socially stigmatized music in sustaining mental health, with an emphasis on the genres & sounds represented at Dark Force Fest. Discussion topics include the following:
What are some of the ways this music represents & affirms your lived experience? What are some of the ways this music brings people together? Are the kinds of connections made through this music distinct in any way? How has music helped you navigate your own mental health journey?
Cosplay Coven: Baby Bay Edition
Step into cosplay without pressure, perfection, or judgment. This panel is designed for curious creatives who want to explore cosplay as self-expression. We’ll cover crafting and community – no experience required! We’ll have conversations about creating your first costume using thrifted pieces, DIY tricks, and your own personal flair! Then when you’re ready to show it off we’ll talk about how to engage with the community, going over topics such as attending your first con or festival, community etiquette, building confidence, and meeting new people!
Goths Love Horror
Serenobite is back with her esteemed panelists Brian Prime (Void Signal) and Jamie Hrunka to discuss some more horror films this year! This year’s agenda will include an exploration of Vampirism in Black Horror cinema, Queer Body Horror, and Transgressive themes in horror and horror-adjacent films, plus a special audience participation topic! Come join us and nerd out on horror films!
Death Café Goth Edition.
A space for honest conversations about mortality. This isn’t about relishing in morbidity. It’s about talking — plainly, thoughtfully, and without taboo — about death. At our Death Café, you bring the coffee and we bring the real conversations about the things we’re rarely given room to say out loud: loss, fear, grief, legacy, what matters, and how thinking about death can sharpen the way we live.
The history of sideshow
“The show must go on” no matter what. Evil men, good men, fallen angels, historians and medicine without boundaries all went into the only 100% American entertainment form. Let’s talk about it.
Goth Culture, Witchcraft, and the Occult
Some of the hallmarks of goth culture are a fascination with the dark, mysterious, spooky, and the macabre. These elements also cross over into modern witchcraft and occult practices. In this panel, we will talk about the intersection of the goth subculture and witchcraft; explore the darker side of the occult in terms of things as talking with the dead, curse work, working with spirits, and mythology and close with a ritual to Nyx, the Goddess of the Night- for we are all children of the Dark.
Hosted by author Mark NeCamp, Jr.
Goth Art Workshop
Come join us for a creative class for all ages where mixed media can create a cute and spooky scene of bats, castles, and moonlit scenes! Paint, decoration paper, markers, and more will be provided for your creative ensure! Guided by artist and instructor, Teresa DeFabrizio, it’s a great way to engage in your abilities
Pin Trading
Have any old enamel pins or buttons you don’t display anymore? Are you active in the pin trading community? Just want to see some pretty shinies? Join us for an enamel pin trading meet-up! Feel free to bring spooky pins, fandom, disney, furry, and more!
Andy LaPlegua Panel
Get to know the legendary Andy LaPlegua of Combichrist, Icon of Coil, Panzer AG and Scandy. Learn about his future music plans, and the story behind the new ‘LaPlegua’ project.