Beyond Darklands has its own restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite three-course meals daily from Thursday till Sunday. Take a seat, relax and let our kitchen staff spoil you with delicious dishes.
Your evening menu at the restaurant is accompanied by a complimentary bottle of wine (white / red) to share per 4 guests and water (natural / sparkling).
Dinner reservations
Dinner reservations can be made by booking one or more tickets in the online ticketshop. Please note that dinner tickets are limited.
Location
The Darklands restaurant is located in the Community Zone. Wondering how to get there? Take a closer look at the festival map for its exact location.
Coming soon
Beyond Darklands Welcome Dinner
@
Darklands restaurant
On Thursday you can share a tasty experience with fellow dinner companions during our Beyond Darklands Welcome Dinner.
More info
€ 64
Coming soon
Worldfetish Show Contest
@
Hall 2
Watch the World Fetish Show Contest on our main stage while enjoying a buffet dinner. Location: This dinner does not take place in the Darklands restaurant but in the arena in front of the main stage.
More info
€ 64
Coming soon
BLUF Dinner
@
Darklands restaurant
Suit up in your finest leather and join fellow BLUF members and friends for an elegant three-course dinner in our on-site restaurant, right at the heart of the festival grounds.
More info
€ 64
Coming soon
Darklands Dining Experience
@
Darklands restaurant
Share a memorable meal with like-minded guests and enjoy a moment of connection, flavor and festivity before the night kicks off.
More info
€ 64
Coming soon
MSC Belgium Dinner
@
Darklands restaurant
Join us for a gastronomic evening to honor the newly elected Mister Leather Belgium. It’s the perfect way to close an unforgettable weekend.
More info
€ 64
Beyond Darklands is proud to collaborate with award winning caterer Kohlberger Catering
which has years of experience in catering at large events and guarantees excellent service and fine dining dishes.
Presale outlet tickets (Full Madness Pass (€ 139), Daytime Festival (€ 44), Fusion (€ 57) and Rage (€ 64)) can be bought in our outlet stores. Other tickets can only be bought online. OUTLET TICKETS ARE CASH ONLY. You don’t pay any service fees.
Presale tickets are available at the outlets below:
Beyond Darklands is all about self-expression and fetish freedom. We welcome everyone, including newcomers, so the minimum dress code is simple: jeans and a dark t-shirt. If it features a fetish brand, even better.
Most visitors take things much further. Expect to see a wild variety of fetish styles—leather, rubber, sportswear, pup gear, uniforms, and more. You’re free to explore and express whatever turns you on, as long as it fits within the themes of fetish and respect for others.
Here are just a few popular styles at Beyond Darklands:
Leather & biker
Full leathers or just a touch. Biker vibes welcome.
Rubber & neoprene
From sleek black to colorful latex masterpieces.
PVC & plastic
Shiny, tight, and turning heads.
Sportswear
Trainers, jocks, gym gear. Gear up and show out.
Skins & punks
Bleached jeans, boots, attitude.
Army & uniform
Camo, service looks, or a darkroom-ready twist.
Pup gear
Masks, tails, mitts, leashes. Woof.
Naked & underwear
Minimal is welcome if it’s your thing.
Superhero gear
Save the night in latex, leather, or whatever makes you feel invincible.
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.
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.
As of 15 July 2023, Belgium has made reusable cups mandatory at all events, taking a big step toward a better environment. At Darklands, all drinks are served in reusable cups.
Have you already purchased your ticket(s), but something has come up that prevents you from visiting the festival? Sell your ticket in the safest way possible via our partner TicketSwap. TicketSwap is the safest way to buy and sell tickets for Beyond Darklands. Buyers receive their tickets right after paying, while sellers are guaranteed their money.
Click here to visit the Beyond Darklands page on TicketSwap to sell your ticket(s). It is also possible to set an alert and get notified when a ticket becomes available. Do not buy Darklands tickets on the black market. Scammers are known to sell counterfeit tickets.
Tickets to be offered on TicketSwap are limited
Ultimate Alpha Pass (this ticket will be really swapped by a TicketSwap ticket so you will receive the locker number and code a few days to the email that is combined with your TicketSwap account)
Full Madness Pass
Daytime Festival
Storm
Fusion
Rage
Fury
Horse Fair Mare / Stallion
For organizational reasons, other ticket types such as lockers and add-ons cannot be offered on TicketSwap.
You can purchase single admission to one of the events or choose for a multiple day combi ticket that grants access throughout the entire festival. If you are not sure yet which event(s) you want to attend, check out the program.
Combi tickets
Ultimate Alpha Pass
Access to the Daytime Festival and Darklands Village on all five days and the Homecoming, Storm, Fusion, Rage and Fury parties. Includes various Alpha perks.
Full Madness Pass
Access to the Daytime Festival and Darklands Village on all five days and the Homecoming, Storm, Fusion, Rage and Fury parties.
Daytime Festival
Access to the Daytime Festival and Darklands Village on all five days. Includes access to the Homecoming party on Wednesday.
At Beyond Darklands, we operate on a no-refund policy for all ticket purchases, including entry tickets and add-ons. We understand that plans may change, which is why we encourage guests to double-check their schedules before purchasing.
A safe platform to resell your tickets is TicketSwap. Click here for more information.
However, rest assured that once you’re part of the Beyond Darklands experience, you’re in for an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and surprises. Join us for an epic event that promises to leave lasting memories and connections!
We adhere to Belgian law by prohibiting smoking throughout the premises, including e-cigarettes.
However, designated smoking areas are available for those who wish to indulge. Or you can step outside. Re-entry is allowed with your wristband.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a smoke-free environment indoors while still providing options for our smoking guests to enjoy their experience comfortably.
We prioritize the safety and enjoyment of all our guests. To ensure a secure environment, we have a strict policy prohibiting the following items on the premises: animals (unless guide dogs), outside food and drinks, illegal drugs, glass containers, aerosol dispensers, sticks, cans, plastic/PET bottles, sharp objects, or any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by our organization. Our dedicated security team is empowered to enforce these guidelines for the well-being of everyone attending. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Respect is the foundation of Beyond Darklands. We bring together a wide range of kink communities and expect all guests to treat one another with kindness, regardless of fetish, identity, or background. Shaming, aggression or any form of disrespect will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in such behavior may be immediately removed from the event.
In cases involving sexual misconduct, violence or serious offenses, police will be contacted and a permanent ban from the festival grounds (and The Boots) will follow.
Together, we create a safe, inclusive space where everyone can explore and celebrate freely.
Beyond Darklands enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs. The use, possession or dealing of illegal substances is strictly prohibited on festival grounds. Anyone caught violating this rule will be immediately removed from the event. In serious cases, a ban from both Beyond Darklands and The Boots may follow.
Celebrate responsibly and help us keep the festival safe for everyone.
We strive to maintain a welcoming and clutter-free environment for all our attendees as imposed by the venue management. Please refrain from distributing flyers or posters throughout the venue, except at the designated flyer desk near the entrance.
Unauthorised materials will be promptly removed. If you’re interested in promoting your event, we offer a variety of marketing opportunities tailored to suit your needs. Contact info@darklands.com for more information. Take advantage of our complimentary flyer desk service to showcase your event to our audience.
You’re welcome to capture personal memories, but always respect the privacy of others. Do not photograph or film other guests or staff without their clear consent.
Recording in darkrooms is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate expulsion.
Official photographers are present to document the festival. If you’re happy to be photographed, feel free to join in. Prefer not to be? Just let them know. They’ll respect your choice.
If you’re pictured and want the image removed, contact cr@darklands.com. Keep in mind: no rights can be derived from published images.
Once you leave the festival, please show respect to the people of Antwerp who have welcomed us warmly.
Cover your genitals and buttocks and avoid unnecessary nudity in public. It is thanks to the city’s hospitality that Beyond Darklands can happen, so let’s honor that trust.
Filming or posing for attention-grabbing social media content is fine, but not in public spaces. If you’re taking photos near the iconic cranes, follow the same basic rules. Keep it respectful and covered.
Your Darkband must stay securely on your wrist at all times during the festival. Once applied, it cannot be removed. If you tamper with it or take it off, it becomes invalid and you may be denied entry. Think of it as your personal key to Beyond Darklands. Once it is off, it no longer works.
Darkbands contain an NFC chip and are built for durability and comfort throughout the event.
No. The cashless system is only used for food and drink purchases at Beyond Darklands. It cannot be used at the Gear Market, Merchandise Shop or for on-site Locker Rental.
Planning to shop? Bring your bank card or cash. There is no ATM available on-site.
Yes. If you plan to participate in fisting sessions or need extra flexibility, you can also purchase the new and improved removable Darkband in advance. It offers added comfort while maintaining full NFC functionality.
You can reserve your removable Darkland for € 5 via the ticket shop at darklands.com until 3 March 2026.
Present this ticket at the festival front desk to receive a removable Darkband (wristband) as an alternative to the regular version. You will not receive the regular Darkband. This is not an admission ticket! Your admission ticket(s) will be programmed on this Darkband.
This system wasn’t built overnight. It took seven years of testing, refining and improving to create a smooth, reliable cashless experience tailored to the needs of the Beyond Darklands community.
Darkbands are powered by Tactile, our trusted partner. They provide the NFC-based payment system, ensuring fast, secure transactions for food and drinks. Tactile also handles access control and event insights, helping us improve Beyond Darklands and the Darkband experience year after year.
Before heading to the party, exchange your ticket for a wristband at the entrance. You can do this on any festival day during opening hours. We recommend picking it up early so you don’t miss the start of the fun.
2. Head to the party entrance
The Horse Fair takes place in the main darkroom in Hall 2, next to the Main Stage.
Mares enter between 5:00 and 5:30 pm
Stallions enter from 5:30 (first wave) or 6:30 (second wave) till end
Mares can relax or grab a drink at the dedicated Mares Bar before the action begins.
The party lasts around two hours, but may continue until 9:00 pm if the mares are having fun.
Yes. You need a valid DaytimeFestivalticket, Full MadnessPass or UltimateAlpha Pass in combination with a Horse Fair ticket to enter. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance through our online ticket shop. When buying your ticket, you’ll need to choose whether you’re joining as a mare or a stallion.
Your safety is our top priority. We want you to feel relaxed and fully enjoy the experience.
All installations are inspected and certified by an accredited institute. The darkroom equipment is custom-built by some of the best fetish builders in Europe.
Free lube, condoms, gloves, and hand sanitizer are available throughout the venue. Use them generously and play responsibly.
If you book your stay at one of our official host hotels through the Beyond Darklands website, you’ll enjoy complimentary shuttle service to the Fusion (Friday) and Rage (Saturday) parties.
At check-in, you’ll receive a personal Hotel Guest Card. Show this card to the shuttle staff to access the buses and skip the line at the venue with our quick queue entry.
How does it work?
Shuttle stops are close to the host hotels.
Show your Hotel Guest Card to the bus attendant when entering the bus.
Scan the QR code on the welcome letter in your hotel room for schedules and stop locations.
Good to know
Seats are not reserved and depend on availability. Early and late buses are usually less crowded.
Be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Shuttle capacity is limited. If needed, call Antwerp Tax at +32 3 238 38 38 or use Uber.
All events take place at Waagnatie, Rijnkaai 150, Antwerp.
This service is only available to guests who booked through the official Beyond Darklands website. Bookings made directly with the hotel or via third-party platforms are not eligible.
Let us handle the ride while you focus on the fun.
Always keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. Even in a safe space like Beyond Darklands, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings.
Trust your instincts, look out for each other, and don’t hesitate to reach out to staff or security if something feels off.
If you purchased a locker during the presale, your locker number and locker code will be mailed to you on Monday 2 March 2026. This way, you can head straight to your locker without waiting in line at the venue.
If you did not receive your number and code, you can obtain them at the Locker Rental Desk.
We advise you to book a locker in in advance for the full event or on a daily basis.
If you purchase a locker during the presale, your locker number and locker code will be mailed to you on Monday 2 March 2026. If you did not receive your number and code, you can obtain them at the Locker Rental Desk.
Although they are much more expensive than presale lockers, you can still rent one on a per-event or daily basis. Small lockers are always available. Large lockers tend to sell out quickly.
Ultimate Alpha Pass holders do not need to rent a locker. A personal large locker is included with your ticket.
Please note that all nighttime parties are exclusively for men and trans men. This policy helps maintain the safe space and atmosphere these events are designed for.
Antwerp is ready to welcome you to the annual Beyond Darklands Festival. Whether you’re arriving by public transport, car, bike, or on foot, you’ll find Waagnatie Expo & Events conveniently located near the city centre at:
Rijnkaai 150, 2000 Antwerpen
By tram or bus: Tram 7 and 24, or bus 17 get you within easy walking distance.
By train: Trams and buses run regularly from Antwerp-Central station.
By car: Paid parking is available in the neighbourhood of Waagnatie. Keep in mind Antwerp’s low-emission zone rules. Due to works, the parking in front of Waagnatie won’t be available anymore in 2026.
By bike or on foot: City bike stations and pedestrian paths make it convenient to reach.
No matter how you travel, getting here is easy so you can focus on the experience.
More information can be found on the website of Smart ways to Antwerp.
No worries! Please email us at cr@darklands.be with the relevant details (name, ticket, email address used, etc.), and we will do our best to retrieve your lost tickets.
The lost property service at the festival is located at the Darklands Merchandise Shop. You can visit the store during opening hours to see if your item has been found.
If you realise after the festival that you have lost an item, please contact Customer Relations at cr@darklands.com. If your item has been found, we will gladly ship it back to you free of charge.
Yes, most areas of the festival and the parties at Waagnatie are accessible by wheelchair. We do our best to keep paths clear by suspending cables and covering drains where possible.
Please note that some level differences in the playroom and Alpha Lounge involve stairs. If you need assistance accessing the Alpha Lounge with a wheelchair, our staff will be happy to help. Many of our guests are also more than willing to lend a hand—because at Beyond Darklands, we’re family.
Yes, but spaces are limited. If you need a parking spot close to the entrance, please contact Customer Relations at cr@darklands.be at least three weeks before the event.
Once you’ve decided to attend, reach out as soon as possible so we can arrange a disabled parking permit for you.
Yes. Most of the shows and performances on the main stage will include sign-language interpretation in International Sign Language. This is part of our effort to make the event more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing members of our community.
If you have any questions or specific needs, feel free to contact Customer Relations at cr@darklands.be.
This service is made possible thanks to the generous support of Lola McQueen, one of our beloved drag queens, and our amazing team of interpreters. We’re deeply grateful for the inclusivity they bring to the festival.
We want everyone to feel welcome and included at Beyond Darklands. Here’s how we support guests with accessibility needs:
Wheelchair access: Most areas of the festival and parties at Waagnatie are wheelchair accessible. We do our best to suspend cables and cover drains to keep paths clear. Some elevated sections in the playroom and Alpha Lounge require stairs. If you’d like to access the Alpha Lounge in a wheelchair, our staff will gladly assist you—and so will many of our guests. We’re family, after all.
Disabled parking: If you need a parking space close to the entrance, email cr@darklands.be at least three weeks before the event to request a disabled parking permit. Spaces are limited, so contact us early once you’ve decided to attend.
Sign-language interpretation: Most main stage performances include International Sign Language interpretation to support deaf and hard of hearing guests. For questions or special requests, reach out to cr@darklands.be.
We’re proud to offer these services thanks to the incredible support of Lola McQueen and our amazing team of interpreters. Their efforts help make Beyond Darklands more inclusive for everyone.
Yes. As a volunteer, you are covered by insurance in case of injury or accident during your shift.
We are committed to providing safe working conditions, along with the tools and materials you need. Only take on tasks you feel comfortable with, and stay in touch with your team leader if you have questions or concerns.
Your well-being comes first. Let’s work together to make volunteering at Beyond Darklands a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience.
Welcome aboard! Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Arrival
Please arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your shift for registration. This step is essential for both legal and insurance coverage.
Orientation
After registration, our crew coordinator will take you to your assigned station and give you a quick orientation. You’ll receive your job description in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Expenses
Legally, volunteers in Belgium receive a fee, depending on the number of hours you work, with a maximum of € 40 per day. This is not considered a salary, but a flat rate for expenses. We cannot legally pay for travel or accommodation.
We’re thrilled to have you on board. Help us create something amazing and enjoy every moment of it!
Medication is allowed if it is needed for health reasons. However, you must be able to show a valid medical prescription or certificate if asked by staff or security.
Without proper documentation, the medication may not be permitted inside the venue. Always carry proof to avoid any issues.
No, personal food or beverages are generally not allowed at the event. However, if you have medical dietary restrictions (such as gluten or lactose intolerance), you may bring your own food as long as you can present a valid medical certificate.
Be prepared to show this documentation if requested by staff or security.
We recognize that some environments at the festival may feel overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals due to strobe lighting, loud music, and crowded spaces.
To help make your experience more comfortable, we offer the following support:
Free earplugs are available at the Beyond Darklands merchandise shop.
You are always welcome to step outside for a break and return at your own pace.
Some areas tend to be less crowded at off-peak times.
During the nighttime parties, one of the Masterclass Classrooms will be open as a Low Stimulus Room for those who need a quieter space to decompress.
Your well-being matters. Take what you need, when you need it.
Absolutely. Trans+ guests are welcome at Beyond Darklands, and we’re committed to creating spaces where everyone feels seen and respected.
During daytime events, all gender identities are welcome, including trans men, trans women, non-binary, agender, and gender-diverse individuals.
Our nighttime parties are male-centric spaces. These are open to those who feel comfortable in that setting, including cis men, trans men, masc-presenting, and androgynous non-binary people.
Trans women, cis women, and non-masculine presenting guests are warmly invited to enjoy all Daytime Festival activities.
For those who identify as female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, transgender, or agender, our FLINTA program offers a welcoming and safe space to explore, connect, and engage with the fetish scene.
At Beyond Darklands, everyone belongs. The FLINTA program is one way we’re making sure no one is left out.
Yes. The Daytime Festival is open to everyone, including female guests. You are warmly invited to explore the event, connect with others, and enjoy everything the daytime program has to offer.
Please note that the nighttime parties are male-centric spaces. These are intended for those who feel comfortable in that environment.
For guests who identify as female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, transgender, or agender, our FLINTA program offers a safe and inclusive space to engage with the fetish community. It is a space to explore, learn, and connect with others in a welcoming environment.
At Beyond Darklands, we believe in creating room for everyone. The FLINTA program is our way of making sure no one is left out.
You can return your cup at any time during Beyond Darklands. The € 2 deposit will be automatically refunded to your Darkband.
Please note: You can only return the number of cups for which you actually paid a deposit. No extra refunds will be issued for unregistered or found cups.
You can only return cups that were registered to your own Darkband. It’s not possible to collect random cups for deposit refunds unless those deposits were tied to your Darkband during purchase.
If you bought drinks for friends, the cup deposits are linked to your Darkband. If your friend wandered off with their cup, don’t worry. You can grab a cup from one of the deposit return boxes at any time and return it on their behalf. The € 2 deposit will be automatically refunded to your Darkband.
Yes. During the nighttime parties, Beyond Darklands provides a Low Stimulus Room in Classroom 2 for anyone who needs a mental break from the intensity of the event.
Open from 10:30 pm on party nights.
On Sunday during the Fury Party, it opens earlier at 9:00 pm.
This space is designed to offer a calm environment where you can recharge.
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