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‘.

Extra noteworthy on the Darklands 2025 schedule, are the activities aimed at FLINTA people. FLINTA stands for Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender and Agender. 

Yes, Darklands is mostly geared towards men having sex with men (MSM). The big parties at night are (cis and trans) men only. But organiser Jeroen Van Lievenoogen has always stated wanting to facilitate welcoming women* and non-binary people, in the broad sense of the word. 

“At Darklands, we focus on three essential C’s: Community, Connection and Celebration”, Darklands says. 

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

FLINTA programme

• FLINTA Social​. Saturday, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Entrance Tent Bar. “A relaxed evening where you can meet up with other FLINTA visitors. Whether you are looking for just a drink or meaningful and fun interactions. Come alone or together. Even though this event has a focus on FLINTA visitors, we explicitly welcome all guests to join. We welcome you at our social.”
• FLINTA Ropejam​. Saturday, 10:00 PM to 1:30 AM, Masterclass Tent. “Immerse yourself into a rope session in this calm, dedicated area. There will be space to tie together or alone. Connect with and through ropes or (respectfully) watch others tie. No matter if you are a beginner or (more) experienced at rope work. FLINTA as well as bi and gay men welcome so bring your creativity, your own rope and safety equipment.”
• FLINTA Frenzy Party. Sunday, 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Fetish Café, Kleine Pieter Potstraat 8. “Thé playparty for all FLINTA visitors who want to get their kink on. In a welcoming and inclusive environment we aim to facilitate a sex positive play party held at Fetish café, a well-equipped location, just a 25-minute walk from the Darklands grounds. The location offers a dungeon atmosphere and wide array of opportunities to explore your dungeon desires. Whether you want to stay in the bar area and just socialize or move into the dungeon for a session you are welcome to join us on Sunday.”

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.”

Darklands 2025-2026

• DARKLANDS 2025 | Programme & schedule highlights.
• Darklands 2025 drops token payment system in favour of top-up Darkband.
• 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

• DARKLANDS 2025 | Programme & schedule highlights.
• 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 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.