Beyond Darklands 2026 programme highlights

For 2026, Darklands transforms into Beyond Darklands, having to rework the Waagnatie venue in Antwerp. Belgium‘s major kink and fetish festival mostly geared towards men who have sex with men will now work with multiple floors. Beyond Darklands 2026 takes place between Tuesday 3 and Monday 9 March.

On 31 December 2025, Beyond Darklands published its festival guide. “This is your roadmap into the city that is Beyond Darklands”, spokesperson and posterboy Jay says on YouTube.

“This guide has your back. It helps you plan. But also reminds you to get lost once in a while. Because, take it from me, some of the best moments at Beyond Darklands are the ones you didn’t plan for.”

In the words of event organiser Jeroen Van Lievenoogen: “What began as a humble idea grew into a legendary gathering. That spark turned into a global home, a space where kink, freedom, and belonging met under one roof.”

“In 2026 we enter a bold new era. Beyond Darklands moves ‘up and deep’: stacked floors, expanded play zones, and an immersive world inside our venue, Waagnatie in Antwerp.”

“By day, the new Darklands Village welcomes you from the early hours on. The Daytime Festival brings together vendors, masterclasses and an extensive program where you can explore, learn, shop, socialise – or just be.”

By night, we invite you to five parties; Homecoming, Storm, Fusion, Rage and Fury. Expect wild energy, music and connection.”

“Beyond Darklands is more than a festival – it’s a community built on respect, care and authenticity. Everyone is welcome: whether you come solo, with friends or loved ones. Daytime events open their doors to all, and special FLINTA-spaces ensure inclusive care. We celebrate identity, explore desires, learn, dance, make connections, and sometimes find solace in the support from others. We come together not only to party, but also to belong.”

“If this is your first Beyond Darklands, know that you are among friends and family.

If you are returning, thank you for being the kink heartbeat of this world.”

The road to Beyond Darklands: a legacy in fetish

For fifteen years, Darklands functioned as more than a festival. It became a space where the gay fetish community could gather to celebrate sexuality, explore identity, and build lasting connections. Within the Waagnatie and along the Scheldt, a temporary event grew into a point of reference: a place of belonging, care and self-expression.

Over time, Darklands evolved into a sanctuary. Visitors did not only find entertainment or friendship, but a chosen family. The festival offered room to those who often existed at the margins: kinksters, artists, rebels and dreamers from across the world. That sense of freedom and mutual recognition defined Darklands as much as its scale or reputation.

Growth, however, also brings limits. In 2025, the redevelopment of the Antwerp riverfront made it clear that Darklands, in its existing form, could not continue. The final edition marked the end of a fifteen-year chapter. It was not the end of the community itself, but a moment of pause and reorientation.

A structural and conceptual shift

Beyond Darklands emerged directly from that moment. As the last Darklands closed, work on its successor was already underway. The change of name was deliberate. Beyond Darklands is not a continuation under a different label, nor a cosmetic update. It represents a structural and conceptual shift.

External constraints accelerated this transformation. Rather than attempting to preserve the past, the organisation chose to rethink the festival more radically. This required rapid innovation, difficult decisions and intense commitment from the team behind Darklands. The result is not a sequel, but a reinvention.

Beyond Darklands positions itself as an expansion of the existing mythos rather than its repetition. Its genesis lies in the recognition that the original format had reached its limits, while the community itself had not.

An ongoing transition

The full realisation of Beyond Darklands is planned for 2027. Until then, the project exists in a transitional phase. The period leading up to that year is not a holding pattern, but an active process of building foundations, testing ideas and redefining scale.

In this context, 2026 functions as a prologue. It is part of the road towards a more ambitious and complex structure, developed in dialogue with the community that has sustained the project from the beginning.

The idea of a rising city

Beyond Darklands no longer defines itself solely as a gathering, but as a city-like environment. The intention is to create a multi-layered space that reflects the diversity and depth of the fetish community itself.

Unlike the largely horizontal layout of the past, the new concept introduces verticality. Different levels are designed to host distinct atmospheres and functions, from dark, urban spaces to more raw and experimental environments below. Movement through the festival becomes an experience of ascent and descent, discovery and immersion.

This spatial rethinking is not aesthetic alone. It reflects a broader ambition to create a universe that invites exploration, ritual and interaction across multiple dimensions.

A community in motion

Beyond Darklands is defined primarily by people, not infrastructure. Its strength lies in encounters, shared experiences and the continued willingness of individuals to connect. The project grows through participation and mutual recognition rather than scale alone.

While Darklands became known for its strong sense of community, Beyond Darklands places that community at the centre of its identity. The intention is clear: no one stands apart, and no one stands alone. This is the foundation on which Beyond Darklands is being built.

Darkbands and cashless payments

Beyond Darklands uses a cashless system for entry control and for the purchase of food and drinks. Upon arrival, each visitor receives a personal Darkband equipped with an NFC chip. This Darkband functions both as an access credential and as a payment method within the festival’s bars and food stalls.

The Darkband is required to enter and exit the main festival building and the Alpha Deck. Where visitors hold multiple tickets, such as for parties and the daytime festival, all access rights are programmed onto a single band.

The standard Darkband is designed to remain securely on the wrist for the duration of the event and cannot be removed once applied, ensuring the safety and reliability of the NFC chip.

The introduction of Darkbands replaces fixed-value tokens, allowing for more precise pricing and faster transactions. It also reduces queues, removes the need to carry cash or cards while in gear, and provides visitors with continuous insight into their spending. Balances can be checked and topped up at any time by scanning the QR code linked to the Darkband.

This system was introduced during the previous edition and demonstrated a high level of reliability and operational efficiency. Based on that experience, Beyond Darklands continues to use the same cashless infrastructure.

Removable Darkbands

For visitors who require additional flexibility, including those participating in specific play sessions, a removable Darkband is available. This alternative maintains full NFC functionality while offering greater comfort and ease of use.

Removable Darkbands can be reserved in advance via the ticket shop for a fee of €5 until 3 March 2026. Upon presentation of the reservation at the festival front desk, the removable Darkband is issued and programmed with all relevant admission tickets. In this case, no standard Darkband is provided.

Topping up and refunds

Darkbands can be topped up online by scanning the QR code with a smartphone and selecting a preferred payment method and amount. A service fee of €1.50 applies per online top-up, regardless of the amount.

Accepted payment methods include Bancontact, iDEAL, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Visa, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Cash top-ups are available on site at designated top-up stations at the entrance and in Hall 1. No service fee applies to cash top-ups.

Payments at bars and food stalls are completed by holding the Darkband near a scanner. All prices are displayed in euros, allowing visitors to track costs easily. Remaining balances can be checked at any time via the QR code.

Unused credit can be refunded after the event by submitting a request through the QR code between Sunday 16 March 2026 at 9.00 and Monday 23 March 2026 at 9.00. A €1 service fee applies to refunds.

The cashless system is limited to food and drink purchases. It cannot be used at the Gear Market, Merchandise Shop or for on-site locker rental. Visitors planning to shop are advised to bring a bank card or cash, as no ATM is available on site.

Reusable cup policy

All drinks at Beyond Darklands are served in reusable cups as part of a waste-reduction strategy. The system is designed to be transparent and cost-neutral for visitors who return their cups.

Each drink is served with a €2 cup deposit. When a cup is returned at the time of ordering a subsequent drink, no additional deposit is charged. If a cup is not returned, a new €2 deposit is applied to the next drink.

Cups can be returned at any time during the event. Upon return, the deposit is automatically refunded to the visitor’s Darkband. Refunds apply only to the number of cups for which deposits are registered on that Darkband.

To ensure fairness, deposits are linked directly to individual Darkbands. Cups cannot be collected and redeemed unless a corresponding deposit has been charged. When purchasing drinks for others, the associated cup deposits are registered to the purchaser’s Darkband.

If a cup cannot be retrieved, deposit return boxes are available throughout the venue. These allow visitors to return any cups registered to their Darkband and automatically recover the corresponding deposits.

This system reduces waste, supports cleanliness across the venue, and integrates smoothly with the cashless payment infrastructure.

A new era for the vendor market

The Gear Market has long been a central component of Darklands, bringing together established fetish brands from across the world. In 2026, this element enters a new phase as part of the transition towards Beyond Darklands, with a redesigned layout that fundamentally changes how the market is experienced.

For the first time, the market extends to an upper level. This expansion increases capacity while improving circulation, and introduces a spatial concept that resembles a compact village rather than a single hall. Visitors move between shops in a more open and fluid environment, allowing for both discovery and ease of access.

The 2026 edition marks the most diverse Gear Market to date. Long-standing brands are presented alongside a significant number of new participants, resulting in the broadest range yet. The offer spans consumables such as lube and toys, contemporary fetish clothing, accessories and bespoke or limited-run items. The market is designed to encourage exploration, hands-on engagement and informed choice.

Beyond commercial exchange, the Gear Market is conceived as a place of knowledge and interaction. Several vendors offer exclusive discounts or limited-edition products available only during the event. A dedicated section for second-hand gear extends the life cycle of fetish equipment and introduces an element of reuse and rarity. Vendors remain accessible throughout, sharing expertise and answering questions, reinforcing the educational dimension of the space.

Fetish-related art and design interventions are integrated into the market environment, contributing to its atmosphere and identity. Through its increased scale, reconfigured layout and expanded scope, the Gear Market becomes a more immersive and integral part of the Beyond Darklands experience.

Community market

In line with its commitment to the broader kink community, Beyond Darklands provides complimentary booth space to clubs, collectives and organisations. These booths allow groups to present their activities, engage directly with visitors and generate support for community initiatives or charitable causes.

The Community Market is positioned as a non-commercial counterpart to the Gear Market, reinforcing the event’s role as a platform not only for commerce, but also for connection, visibility and mutual support within the fetish community.

Demo Zone: exploration and practice

Beyond Darklands 2026 includes a dedicated Demo Zone focused on fetish play, bondage and a broad range of BDSM practices. For the ninth consecutive year, this space is hosted by Ready2Kink in collaboration with the Bond & Co Collective.

The Demo Zone functions as a point of entry for both newcomers and experienced practitioners. Activities include bondage, mummification, electro play, and the use of vacbeds and vaccubes. The environment is structured to support discovery, education and controlled experimentation.

Demonstrations are led by experienced instructors from Bond & Co and Ready2Kink. Participation is encouraged but always guided, with a strong emphasis on consent, communication and safety. Instructors retain the authority to limit or suspend participation in any session where conditions are not deemed suitable for all involved.

The objective of the Demo Zone is to provide a safe, accessible setting in which visitors can explore unfamiliar practices under expert supervision.

Gearheads programme

The Gearheads programme is dedicated to the gear and gear kink community, offering both social and participatory events. It is aimed at visitors with an interest in full-coverage gear as well as those who wish to explore gear fetishism for the first time.

Gearheads stage takeover

Members of MoG and the Gearheads collective curate a music takeover on one of the festival stages, featuring house, tech house and techno sets with pop influences. DJ sets are performed by MoG DJs. Thursday 5 March, House of Riegillio, 15:00–16:45

Gearheads brunch

A new addition in 2026, the Gearheads Brunch combines a Belgian–American buffet with a social setting for gear enthusiasts. The event is designed to encourage connection and informal networking while preparing participants for the day ahead. Thursday 5 March, Eagle Bar, 12:00–14:00

Lasershoot

MoG also organises a laser game experience set within the Darklands darkrooms. Participants can join individually or as part of a team. Multiple sessions are scheduled. Friday 6 March, Main Darkroom, 16:30–20:00

Camp K9

Camp K9 is located within the Community Zone and serves as a central space for the pup, pet and handler community. The area includes a kennel-inspired play zone, ball pool and facilities designed specifically for pup and pet players, as well as spaces for handlers and observers.

Camp K9 is operated by community volunteers from across Europe and coordinated by European Puppy & Handler. Throughout the weekend, visitors can meet current European Puppy & Handler contestants and international judges.

The space functions as both a social hub and a retreat from the main festival programme, offering a safe and welcoming environment for interaction, play and rest.

Puppy & Handler Walk

The annual Puppy & Handler Walk brings the international pup and handler community into the public space of Antwerp. The walk begins at the square in front of the Mister B Antwerp store and proceeds through the city, with a scheduled group stop at the MAS for a collective photo moment.

The route concludes at Waagnatie. Participation is open to pups, pets, handlers and observers, and the event emphasises visibility, connection and shared identity within the community.

PupSoccer

PupSoccer returns for its fourth edition, combining physical activity, playful competition and fetish expression. Teams consist of three pups, though individual applications are also accepted. Dress code includes pup gear and sportswear.

The 2026 edition expands to include preliminary rounds on Friday and final rounds on Saturday. Preliminary rounds: Friday 6 March, 13:00–15:00, Mr-S-Leather Stage Final rounds: Saturday 7 March, 13:00–14:30, Main Stage.

The Stables

The Stables is a new dedicated space for the furry and anthropomorphic community at Beyond Darklands. Supported by Weredog, the area is designed as an open and inclusive zone for costumed participants and visitors interested in the furry scene.

Facilities include storage for large costumes and cooling infrastructure to support wearer comfort. The Stables functions as a social and creative environment where fursonas, performance and community interaction come together.

Ivana’s Crazy Bus Tour

Ivana’s City Bus Tour returns as a guided tour through Antwerp with a performative and humorous approach. The tour combines city sightseeing with live commentary and interaction. Saturday 7 March, 14:00–15:30 and 16:00–17:30

Sports & Sneakers and the Darklympics

The sportswear and sneaker fetish programme expands in 2026 with a dedicated play zone and a four-hour Saturday event titled the Darklympics. Organised with the Beyond Darklands Sportscrew and supported by AASSSOXX and SNKRFTSH, the programme combines fetish, performance and competitive games.

The Darklympics begin with a Sportswear Social opening ceremony and continue with a series of themed challenges and activities. Educational moments and performances are interwoven throughout the programme.

Second-hand Gear Market (MSC Belgium)

MSC Belgium hosts a second-hand gear market aimed at extending the lifecycle of fetish gear. Visitors may drop off gear in good condition for resale during scheduled drop-off periods.

If sold, sellers receive up to 90% of proceeds (MSC members) or 85% (non-members), with a minimum contribution per item allocated to MSC Belgium. Remaining proceeds support the organisation’s year-round community work.

Haircuts for a cause

Throughout the event, a pop-up salon offers free haircuts and touch-ups. Services are provided by resident barber Tommy. While no fee is charged, donations are encouraged in support of the We Are One Foundation, which funds projects within the fetish community.

The salon is located in the Darklands Village and operates throughout the festival.

FLINTA programme

Beyond Darklands structures its programming around community, connection and celebration. The FLINTA programme is dedicated to visitors who identify as Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender or Agender, and is designed to provide a safe, visible and empowering space within the broader fetish context.

The programme offers opportunities to connect, share experiences and explore kink without judgement. It is intended both for those new to the scene and for participants who are already actively involved. By creating dedicated FLINTA-focused spaces, Beyond Darklands aims to support inclusion, learning and mutual recognition across the fetish and kink spectrum.

The FLINTA programme reflects the understanding that representation and intentional space-building are essential to ensuring that all visitors feel welcome and valued.

FLINTA Ropejam

A structured yet relaxed environment for rope play, suitable for a wide range of experience levels. Participants may practice individually or with partners, while others observe or work nearby. The session is open to FLINTA visitors, as well as bi and gay men. Saturday 7 March, 10:30–13:00, Masterclass Room 1.

FLINTA Frenzy Party

A sex-positive play party for FLINTA visitors, hosted off-site at Fetish Café. The venue includes both social and play areas, allowing participants to engage at their own pace. Further details are provided via QR code.

FLINTA Munch Social

An informal social gathering focused on conversation and connection. Visitors may attend alone or with others. Saturday 7 March, 20:30–21:30, Village Bar.

Playrooms

The playrooms form a core component of the Beyond Darklands experience and are structured as a multi-zone environment supporting a wide range of sexual and fetish practices. The layout consists of corridors, enclosed areas and themed zones, allowing visitors to navigate according to interest and comfort level.

Key areas include the Fist Deck, dedicated to deep and advanced play; the Hardplay Zone, focused on restraint, pain and power dynamics; and The Boots, featuring the Penetrator sling installation. Additional zones include the Sports Play Area, centred on sportswear and sneaker fetishism, and a dedicated Watersports Area.

A new anonymous play feature, Hole Service, is introduced as part of the playroom structure. Beyond Mister B adds a specialised area for bootblacking, serious bondage and BDSM practices.

The playrooms are cleaned daily and operate nightly throughout the event.

Beyond Mister B

In 2026, Mister B adopts a new presence within the festival grounds. Rather than a traditional retail booth, the brand hosts Beyond Mister B, an experience-based zone curated and led by Master Giacon.

This space is dedicated to play, education and interaction, and includes live fetish demonstrations and BDSM performances. Topics explored include electro play, ass play, impact play, dom/sub communication and bondage.

Beyond Mister B also hosts a campaign photoshoot connected to the Mister B brand, with opportunities for visitors to apply to participate. Retail activity continues outside the festival grounds at Mister B stores in Antwerp and other international locations.

Trans Social at Beyond Mister B

The annual Trans Social takes place within the Beyond Mister B area and is intended as a social gathering for trans visitors and allies. The event provides a relaxed setting for conversation, connection and community-building.

The social is hosted by Max Groen (Mister B) in collaboration with Proteus, a leather club focused on trans, non-binary and intersex experiences, with chapters across Europe. Saturday 7 March, 14:30–15:30, Beyond Mister B.

So much more

Beyond Darklands features so much more. Yes, it’s about sex. But also about community. There are socials, contests, pageants and elections, singing events, board games. There’s definitely a ‘hard’ side and also a ‘soft’ side to Beyond Darklands.

Inclusion and accessibility

Beyond Darklands is built on the understanding that a strong fetish community depends on care, mutual respect and diversity. A wide range of identities, interests and expressions contribute to the vitality of the event. While not every activity is intended for every visitor, attention to differing needs is considered essential to maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment.

All guests are expected to treat one another with consideration and to uphold shared values of consent, respect and responsibility.

Guests with a disability or hearing impairment

Beyond Darklands aims to make the festival as accessible as possible and offers a range of practical measures:

Disabled parking near the venue can be requested by submitting a copy of a valid blue parking card to the organisation in advance.
Guidance dogs are permitted and must be clearly identifiable.
Adapted toilets are available in both Hall 1 and Hall 2.
Cables and obstacles are kept off the ground where possible, with ramps or alternative routes provided as needed.
A lift provides wheelchair access to the Gear Market on the first level.
Selected daytime programme elements include interpreters for guests with hearing impairments.

Medication and dietary needs

Medication may be brought on site when accompanied by a valid medical certificate.

Visitors with strict dietary requirements may bring appropriate food if supported by medical documentation. Otherwise, outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Neurodivergent guests

The festival environment can be intense, particularly during evening parties or in busy daytime areas. To support neurodivergent visitors:

Free earplugs are available at the Guest Services booth near the entrance.
Visitors may exit and re-enter the venue at any time if they feel overwhelmed.
A low-stimulus room is available during night parties in the Masterclass tent near the entrance.

Trans+ guests

Trans men, trans women, non-binary and gender-diverse guests are welcome at all daytime social events.

Night parties are male-centric and open to men and trans men, reflecting the focus and historical positioning of the festival, while respecting gender diversity within that framework.

Female visitors and friends

The daytime festival is open to all visitors. Night events are male-centric. Alternative FLINTA-focused programming is available for those seeking different spaces and formats.

Community building and the We Are One Foundation

The We Are One (WR1) Foundation exists to support and strengthen the fetish community both during and beyond Beyond Darklands. Its activities focus on financial support, visibility, education and long-term community resilience.

WR1 at Beyond Darklands

During the festival weekend, WR1 organises multiple fundraising initiatives. All donations are split equally between newly elected titleholders and a selected charity. The beneficiary charity changes annually to ensure that a broad range of community causes receive support.

Titleholder support

Holding a fetish title involves visibility, travel and sustained engagement. To help reduce the associated financial burden, Beyond Darklands provides each newly crowned titleholder with a starter budget. WR1 currently supports Mr Leather Belgium, Mr Superhero Europe, European Bootblack, European Handler and Puppy, and Mr Fetish World.

Charity selection

Each edition of Beyond Darklands designates a single charity to share in the funds raised. For 2026, the chosen beneficiary is the Fetish Boat at Amsterdam WorldPride.

Awareness and outreach

WR1 maintains an information booth at major events, supported by Belgian fetish clubs. The booth offers guidance to newcomers and visitors seeking an overview of the fetish scene and its many community organisations.

Campaigns and practical support

The foundation runs targeted campaigns to support initiatives facing financial or structural challenges, including past and current collaborations with events such as Folsom Europe and the Fetish Boat at Amsterdam Pride.

WR1 also operates a free tent-lending service for Belgian fetish clubs, providing practical resources that help community events remain accessible and sustainable.

Fetish with a mission: Fetish@Pride Amsterdam and Beyond Darklands

The Fetish Committee of Pride Amsterdam promotes visibility, safety and connection within the LGBTQI+ community. It positions fetish as a meaningful part of queer culture, rooted in history, resistance and self-acceptance.

Each year, the Fetish Boat during the Amsterdam Canal Parade serves as a public expression of these values. Beyond its visual impact, it represents a commitment to openness, consent and respect. The committee also organises educational initiatives, mental health support and awareness efforts aimed at reducing stigma around fetish and kink.

Beyond Darklands shares these values and functions as a natural partner. In addition to celebrating fetish culture, the festival serves as a platform for education, empowerment and inclusion. Shared priorities include mental well-being, sexual freedom and the safe practice of kink.

The collaboration between Fetish@Pride Amsterdam and Beyond Darklands reflects a broader, ongoing effort to ensure fetish remains visible, informed and supported within the wider LGBTQI+ landscape.

Kink Responsibly: sexual health and mental well-being

Kink Responsibly is an educational initiative focused on the intersection of sexual health, substance use and mental well-being. The programme recognises that informed choices and self-awareness are essential to sustaining both pleasure and personal safety.

Following a successful introduction in the previous edition, Kink Responsibly returns with updated content, interactive elements and opportunities for open discussion. The programme is developed in collaboration with Belgian health and community organisations and provides clear, accessible information without judgement.

Topics include sexually transmitted infections, chemsex, mental health and consent frameworks such as SSC (Safe, Sane and Consensual) and RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink).

Online masterclasses

A series of complimentary online masterclasses is offered as part of the Kink Responsibly programme. These sessions focus on sexual health, safer substance use and mental well-being. Participation is free, with a €5 commitment fee donated to the We Are One Foundation. All instructors are supported by Beyond Darklands.

Community feedback

Feedback from previous participants highlights the value of combining factual information with an approachable presentation style. Visitors report increased understanding of STI transmission, substance interactions and consent practices, as well as greater confidence in discussing these topics.

Location

The Kink Responsibly programme is located in the Darklands Village and is open throughout the festival. Visitors are welcome to engage actively, seek guidance or simply take a break in a supportive environment.

Further information is available via the official Beyond Darklands channels.

So, so, so much more

This is just a fraction of 156 pages of information. Go to the Beyond Datklands website for more.