Kink and fetish festival Darklands is set to leave the Waagnatie in Antwerp due to renovation works at the Scheldt Quays. To where and when? That remains to be seen… and announced. 

“Let’s start by saying ‘thank you’ to everyone who has been part of our 15 year Darklands story”, organiser Jeroen Van Lievenoogen writes. “I look forward to celebrating together in February and March.” 

2025, that is. 

“The quays alongside the River Scheldt have protected the city from the raging waters for centuries and are undergoing a much-needed renewal and reinforcement, including the section in front of our home, Waagnatie.”

“Although the venue itself will remain available, the surrounding area will be repurposed as construction site. For the vast outdoor festival site, a long hibernation awaits, well beyond 2030. And so ends the wondrous 15-year journey of this unique kink festival.”

“Now, while our 15th anniversary is nearing in just a few months we invite all to join our celebration for one last time on this epic scale.”

“But, …, every ending bears a new beginning. A new destination emerges from the many exciting ideas that have been ripening, waiting for the right time to shine.”

“We have been preparing for this moment for a while now and are excited about the new concept we will be able to share starting in 2026. Instead of spreading out wide over the Waagnatie festival grounds …  we are going up … and deep.”

Are you ready to discover what lies Beyond Darklands?

In the coming months more details will be revealed. “We have an otherworldly concept, taking kink to a whole new level. With as much love and dedication as we did before.”

Darklands 2025-2026

• Darklands 2025 from Tuesday 25 February until Monday 3 March.
• Darklands 2025 theme: ‘Darklands Glows’, stays at Waagnatie until 2030.

Antwerp Pride 2025 & Antwerp Queer Arts Festival 2025

• Antwerp Pride 2025 from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August.

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• Limburg Pride 2025 to focus on mental wellbeing.
• Leuven Pride 2024 parade route from railway station to Ferdinand Smoldersplein.
• Liège Pride 2025 on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August.
• Antwerp Pride 2025 from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August.
• CHARLEROI PRIDE | Three days of inclusivity and festivities.
• Antwerp Queer Arts Festival from 3 to 31 August 2024: programme.
• Darklands 2025 from Tuesday 25 February until Monday 3 March.
• Darklands 2025 theme: ‘Darklands Glows’, stays at Waagnatie until 2030.
• Queer March Ghent 2024 on Saturday 30 March at Viernulvier.