From Tuesday 25 February to Monday 3 March 2025, Darklands takes over Gay Antwerp. For the fifteenth edition, this kink and fetish festival mostly but not exclusively geared towards men having sex with men will take over the Antwerp venue of Waagnatie. It will be the last time Darklands will take place at Scheldt-side events hall. What’s next? Antwerp Expo? Somewhere else in Belgium? That remains to be announced. This year’s theme is ‘Darklands Glows‘.

Darklands has published its program(me) brochure. On these 164 pages, organiser Jeroen Van Lievenoogen and his crew lay out to the Darklings (the Darklands party people) what’s coming. 

One of the items is how to pay inside. 

Introducing Darkbands: “Cashless Payments Designed For A Kink Crowd”

“At Darklands, we’re committed to creating an enjoyable and seamless experience – and that includes how you enter the festival and pay for food or drinks. With our cashless NFC system, transactions are quick, easy, and tailored to the needs of Darklands visitors.

How does it work? When you arrive at the event, you’ll receive your personal Darkband with a built-in NFC chip. This Darkband is your key enter to the festival grounds and to purchasing food and drinks. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Enter and exit.
2. Top up your Darkband.
3. Pay effortlessly.
4. Check your balance.
5. Refund unused credit

Your Darkband is used to ‘enter’ and ‘exit’ the main Darklands building or the Alpha Deck. If you purchased separate tickets for parties and or the Daytime festival, access to all of those will be put on the same bracelet for your convenience.

Important Note

“Our cashless payment system is only used for food and drinks purchases. It does not apply to purchases from market vendors, Darklands Merchandise Shop or on-site Locker Rental. If you’re planning to shop at the Gear Market, bring along your bank card or cash. Cash withdrawal (ATM) is not available on-site.

What about the Darkbands?

“The Darkbands are designed to stay securely on your wrist throughout the event. Once applied, they cannot be removed, ensuring the NFC chip remains intact and functional. This ensures the same level of durability and comfort as traditional wristbands.”

“For those participating in fisting sessions, we’ve got you covered. A specially designed removable Darkband can only be purchased in advance (now available till 25th February 2025) in the ticket shop at Darklands.com for only 3 euro.” 

“This version provides additional flexibility and comfort while maintaining all NFC functionalities. Present your removable Darkband ticket during collection at the festival front desk together with your entrance ticket to receive this special Darkband as an alternative to the regular version.”

Why NFC?

Darklands explains why it’s abandoning a token system. 

• Fairer pricing: This new system enables us to fine-tune our pricing structure, ensuring greater fairness as we no longer need to factor in the set value of tokens.
• Efficiency: Faster transactions mean shorter queues, so you can spend more time enjoying the event.
• Security: No need to carry your cards or cash when partying.
• Convenience: Manage your balance directly by scanning your Darkband QR code, offering total control at your fingertips.

Seven years in the making

“This system is not something we’ve implemented overnight. It has taken seven years of testing various systems, refining, and perfecting to create the smoothest cashless payment experience possible for kinksters. Enjoy faster, fairer, and more convenient food and drink purchases while focusing on what truly matters – the Darklands experience.”

Darklands 2025-2026

• ANTWERP | Darklands to leave Waagnatie after 2025.
• 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 Queer Arts Festival broadens horizon to Bruges and Leuven.
• Antwerp Pride 2025 from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August.

The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium

• PinX LGBTQIA+ Film Festival in Ghent and in Antwerp from 29 January to 2 February 2025.
• Antwerp Queer Arts Festival broadens horizon to Bruges and Leuven.
• ANTWERP | Darklands to leave Waagnatie after 2025.
• ANTWERP 2025-2030 | City government agreement supports bid for EuroGames in Antwerp in 2028.
• The Belgian Pride declared bankrupt, but Brussels Pride 2025 will go ahead.
• 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.
• Queer March Ghent 2024 on Saturday 30 March at Viernulvier.