DARKLANDS 2025 | Programme & schedule highlights

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.

“Fifteen years… When I think back to where we started, it’s overwhelming”, Jeroen writes in his introduction.

“Darklands began as an idea to create a space where kinky men like myself could connect with other men. Over the years, it’s grown into something unimaginable: a community, a movement and a home for so many. And through it all, one thing has remained at the heart of everything we do: the people who make this community what it is.”

“Darklands is about visibility, expression and celebrating who we are. But more than anything, it’s about connection. It’s about offering a safe space where you can let go of fear, where you’ll find others who respect you for who you truly are. Darklands must also be about well-being in both body and mind, offering answers to questions needed to kink responsibly.”

“I’ve witnessed so much in these fifteen years: the joy, the evolution, the small moments that remind me why I do this. But I’ve seen the challenges too. We’re not invincible. Our community is powerful but vulnerable at the same time. In a world where exclusion and division are on the rise, we demonstrate the importance of fostering unity and understanding. Let’s unite and show what’s possible when we stand together.”

“This year’s edition is a celebration of everything we’ve built together. It’s a reflection of the strength we’ve found in each other and it’s another reminder that the story of Darklands is not just mine, it’s a journey we all share. If this is your first visit, I’m sure you will feel the warmth of a family that’s been waiting to welcome you. And to those who return year after year: you are the heartbeat of Darklands itself and I am endlessly grateful for your belief in everything we’ve built together.

It’s a privilege to contribute to something that holds so much meaning for so many and to be a part of this extraordinary story. Now claim your place and make this chapter yours.”

Key ingredients

Darklands features some key ingredients:

The Daytime Festival. A fair with with vendors and traders, with shows, with contests, with food, with socialising. And yes, also with sex in the play areas if you want to. This is open to all genders, but be aware the sex is MSM-oriented. The Daytime Festival is surprisingly accessible.
Kink program(me)s. Darkands ís about kink and fetish.
Parties. At night, Darklands parties hard. There are parties on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Citywide program(me). Darklands isn’t limited to Waagnatie.

Playrooms

An important aspect of Darklands is the darkroom, playroom, play area. Whatever you want to call it.

“Your safety is our priority, so we provide complimentary condoms, lube, and gloves to ensure you can play safely and responsibly”, Darklands says.

“Remember to prioritise your health by getting an STD check before attending the festival, and always look out for one another.”

Le Buffet

A new surprise awaits you as Darklands presents: ‘Le Buffet’. Discover it at Darklands 2025.

Dress code

“At Darklands, we’re all about setting the stage for unforgettable experiences. For our nighttime parties, we have a strict dress code in place to ensure everyone feels comfortable and can fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere.”

“As it is one of main goals to be accessible and welcoming for new and often inexperienced members in our community, the minimum dress code is simple: jeans and a dark t-shirt (with the option to flaunt a fetish brand), our diverse community often takes it a step further.”

Get ready to witness a stunning array of outfits as visitors interpret and blend their own unique fetish styles. Whether you’re rocking classic leather, latex couture, or inventing a whole new trend, Darklands celebrates your creativity.

“Join us in setting the stage for the next evolution of fetish at Darklands, where you can help shape the future of our community and boundaries are meant to be pushed.”

Leather and biker. Wear full leather or combine a plain jeans or shirt with a leather garment. Or just go for the biker look.
Ruber and neoprene. From the classic black range up to innovative colours and patterns. Let your latex imagination run wild.
PVC and plastic. PVC clothing and plastics are getting more and more visible in the fetish scene. Feel free to get in this gear.
Sportswear. Whether it’s an active sports kit or your favorite sports brand trainer, jock or shirt.
Skins and punks. Bleachers, boots, no explanation needed.
Army and uniform. Army prints and uniforms, combined with other fetish materials or not make the perfect darkroom soldier. A few years back, I saw someone sporting an orange rubber or leather Network Rail overall. Taking the love of rail(ing) to a next level.
Pup gear. Put on your puppy mask, mittens, puppy tail, harness and leash. Get into puppy headspace and bark.
Naked and underwear. “If naked is your thing, than it’s ours.” When undies get you going, gear up in your favorite outfit.
Superhero gear. Suit up because the world needs you. Whether neoprene, rubber leather or another fabric, save us in style.
ABDL gear. Unleash your inner little one! Pink pyjamas, diapers, …

FLINTA: “Creating a Space For The Entire Queer Community”

Darklands wants to on three essential C’s: Community, Connection and Celebration.

For those who identify as Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender and Agender, aka FLINTA, this program is designed to offer a safe and welcoming space where you can explore, connect and learn in the fetish scene.

Tickets for the FLINTA Ropejam and FLINTA Frenzy Party will soon be available in the Darklands Ticketshop. There’s also a FLINTA Social.

Welcoming the FLINTA community

“When you look beyond gender you might find more similarities than you expect. The FLINTA community is part of the rainbow, kink and fetish community. We aim that, through facilitating these FLINTA spaces, our communities can learn from and inspire each other. These spaces are built to be inclusive and empowering.

Darklands is for everyone and with our FLINTA program we ensure no one feels left out.”

Reusable cups

Since 2023, festivals in Belgium must use reusable cups. Darklands has changed the system.

How it works:

Your first cup is covered. Last year, you had to pay half a token as an environmental fee for your first reusable cup. This year, Darklands has simplified the process by automatically adding the deposit for your first reusable cup (€2) to your Darkband (wristband). Read here more about the Darkbands.
Ordering Drinks. When you order your first drink, the additional charge for that cup is covered. If you order another drink, you can bring your cup to reuse it, avoiding any charges for a new cup. If you forget your cup or want a new one, you’ll pay a €2 deposit for each new cup.
Returning Cups. If you don’t want another drink, you can return your cup, and the €2 deposit will automatically be refunded to your Darkband. You can only return the same number of cups for which you’ve paid a deposit.

It’s not possible to collect random cups and redeem them for money if they were not originally tied to your Darkband. If you buy drinks for friends, the cups and their deposits will all be registered on your Darkband. You’re responsible for returning those cups to redeem the deposits.

Example: you order a drink for yourself and a friend during your first order. Your first cup is covered by the deposit already on your Darkband. For the second cup, €2 will be charged as a deposit. If you return more than two cups, you’ll only get refunds for the two cups you paid deposits for. Even if you want to order new drinks, you can only return the number of cups you’ve paid a deposit for. Cups that you didn’t pay a deposit for cannot be returned, even when ordering new drinks.

You cannot bring extra cups for drinks that you never paid a deposit for.

Why It Matters? The system is designed to be fair and environmentally friendly. By bringing back your cups, you’ll always get your cup’s deposit back, ensuring no costs at all, while helping to reduce waste.

Daytime Festival

“Our daytime festival is the heart of this multi-day indoor event, where education, entertainment, shopping, and community come together. The safe and inclusive space of our Daytime Festival welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, gender or identity.”

“From February 27th to March 2nd, 2025, immerse yourself in a world of acceptance and celebration. Our daytime Festival offers a rich blend of activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and performances. Whether you’re curious about kink history, want to explore new kinks, or simply enjoy conversations with other guests, there’s something for everyone.”

Wander through our bustling vendor market in Hall 1 and Hall 2. Discover unique fetish merchandise, fashion and art.

“Darklands is more than just a festival; it’s a movement. Connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and celebrate the strength of diversity.

“As the sun sets, the energy ramps up. Our daytime festival seamlessly transitions into electrifying nighttime parties. Stay on the festival grounds and dance to beats spun by top DJs. Let loose, express yourself, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

With your Daytime ticket, you have free access to the Mayhem Party on Thursday (please note that the nighttime parties are (trans)men only. Separate tickets for the other parties and activities can be bought at the same time as your Daytime Festival ticket.

Daytime Festival activities

There’s just too many activities to sum them up. There are contests such as Mister Fetish World 2025, Mister Leather Belgium 2025, European Bootblack Contest 2025, EU Puppy & Handler Contest 2025 and Mister Superhero Fetish 2025.

There are shows and games such as Worldfetish Show Contest Live, the X-Awards 2025, Showtunes Europe, live drag shows, Sissy That Walk, games and trivia, porn performances and podcasts.

Furthermore, you will find Camp K9, Furryland, the Hardplay & Bondage Zone, Morepixx, the On Guard cigar salon, many socials the Second Hand Market, sports and sneakers and Jan Scheirs Live Art.

Outside

With so much going on at Darklands it is easy to forget that you are staying in a beautiful historic city with a vibrant gay life.

“Antwerp is known as the Diamond Capital of the world. Not sure if it’s the diamonds but the city is one of the most hospitable and tolerant cities towards the LGBTQ+ community. No wonder you’ll find such a broad variety of gay businesses in the city. We’d like to give you a glimpse of the businesses that support the festival and welcome Darklands visitors with open arms.”

Participating venues:

Bonaparte, Grote Markt 21. Known for its Drag shows, karaoke nights, great music and cosy atmosphere, this is the place to be when you just want to have fun on a Sunday night (or any other).
Café Delux, Melkmarkt 18. Café Delux is a central meeting point in the city center where locals get their coffee in the morning and their drinks throughout the day.
Club Random, Geulincxstraat 28. Still not done dancing after Darklands? Then Club Random is the place to go. Non-stop dancing for those who can’t stop their feet.
Mister B, Falconplein 14. A classic stop on your route. Make sure to visit Steve, Bart and Tim in their amazing shop, right at the beginning of the red light district.
Refill, Kleine Koraalberg 8. A very cosy gay-owned bistro in an historical building in the city centre. Check out their large outdoor terrace when the weather is great.
The Boots, Van Aerdtstraat 22. The ‘most famous’ fetish bar in Belgium. For almost 40 years now, this bar is a must-see for any fetish lover out there. Cruise, drink, play and more.
De Nieuwe Boterham, Plantinkaai 14. The New Sandwich is a new breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot. This establishment is run by David Bruylandt and his husband Sandro Cossero, Mister Leather Belgium 2017. During Darklands, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast or brunch with them.

Kink programme and socials

Again, there are too many socials (social gatherings), masterclasses, workshops, and kink showcases to sum up. Check the full programme on the website.

Food and catering

Obviously, there are many food and catering options, such as the Darklands Restaurant. There are themed banquets and (special) dinners.

Apart from the restaurant, there are also multiple food stands.

Outside activities

Ivana’s Crazy Bus Tour and the Puppy Walk return. The Beyond Classic concert as well. ‘Poly Amore‘ is a concert on Thursday 27 February 2025 at 8 PM at AMUZ.

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