Welcome to Beyond Darklands, Antwerp’s boldest celebration of fetish, freedom and community.
At the heart of this multi-day indoor festival is the Daytime Festival, a vibrant space where education, entertainment, shopping and connection come together in a safe and inclusive setting for all, regardless of background, gender or identity.
Step into a world of discovery. From workshops and panel talks to live performances and kinky demos, the Daytime Festival offers something for every level of curiosity. Whether you’re exploring a new fetish, diving into queer history or simply enjoying conversations with like-minded guests, you’ll feel right at home.
Wander through the buzzing vendor market in Hall 1 and Hall 2, filled with fetish gear, fashion and art from around the world.
When night falls, the energy shifts. The festival grounds turn into a full-blown party zone with top DJs, dance floors and unforgettable vibes. Stay, play and lose yourself in the moment.
Your Daytime Festival ticket includes free access to the Darklands Village during the entire festival and Homecoming party on Wednesday. Separate tickets for other parties and experiences can be added when booking your Daytime Festival ticket.
Wednesday 4 March 2026
2 pm – 9 pm
Thursday 5 March 2026
6 pm – 9 pm
Friday 7 March 2026
1 pm – 10 pm
Saturday 7 March
1 pm – 10 pm
Sunday 8 March 2026
1 pm – 6 pm
On arrival you’ll find the frontdesk for wristband exchange and lockers conveniently in the entrance area. Now it’s time to follow the dark path leading up to a brand new addition to the festival; the Darklands Village.
Access to the village (including the Homecoming party) is included in your Daytime Festival ticket, Full Madness Pass or Ultimate Alpha Pass.
Enjoy the entertainment, setting, drinks and food while catching up with old friends.
Step into a buzzing world of craftsmanship, creativity and kink. The Vendor Market is your playground for exploring everything from entry-level gear and statement fetishwear to specialty toys and unique accessories.
With your Daytime Festival ticket, you get full access to the Vendor Market across all three days.
Browse the biggest names in fetish fashion alongside fresh talent, independent boutiques and LGBTQ+ designers bringing bold visions to life. Whether you’re shopping for your first piece or hunting for something rare, you’ll find gear that fits your body, your style and your kink.
It gets busy during peak hours, so come early to roam freely and try things on. Petite or plus-sized, classic or avant-garde—there’s something here with your name on it.
Located in the largest tent beside the main venue, this space brings clubs, organizations and initiatives from across our scene together in one vibrant hub.
Here, you can meet the people behind the passions, explore new connections and learn more about the groups shaping our fetish world. Darklands provides the space and setup free of charge as a show of support to the community that powers it all.
Come celebrate diversity, unity and the strength of coming together. This is your space.
At Beyond Darklands, sharing knowledge is key. Our Masterclasses offer a unique chance to learn from experienced educators, skilled players and respected voices in the scene.
Curated by our dedicated Masterclass coordinators, the program covers a wide range of topics—from technique and safety to mindset and exploration. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your expertise, you’ll find sessions that challenge, inspire and empower you.
Feed your cravings at Beyond Darklands.
Whether you’re in the mood for a proper meal, a quick bite or a drink with friends, we’ve got you covered.
Sit down and enjoy refined dishes. From savory mains to sweet finishes, our on-site restaurant offers something for every taste. Check the full menu and book your table in advance.
Need something fast between parties or play? Grab freshly made snacks and meals from our food stands across the venue.
See what’s on the takeout menu.
From ice-cold beers to cocktails and soft drinks, our bars keep the energy flowing. Raise a glass and toast to the night ahead.
Prepare to be dazzled by the performances across one of our three iconic stages.
The heart of Beyond Darklands. Expect jaw-dropping shows, big-name acts and rising talent in a mix of music, dance and spectacle that will keep you coming back for more.
Enter a zone of pure seduction. This is where raw energy meets fantasy, with performers who aren’t afraid to push limits and heat up the crowd.
Bright, bold and unapologetically pop. Grab a drink, hit the floor and soak in the electric vibe of this playful party hotspot.
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.
Free condoms, lube, and gloves in multiple sizes are available at various locations, including the entrances to the playrooms.
No. The Ultimate Alpha Pass includes a personal large locker in the dedicated Alpha changing area. There’s no need to order one separately.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout the venue for your convenience.
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.
Yes! 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.
Let us handle the ride while you focus on the fun.
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.
The lost property service at the festival is located at the Darklands merchandise store. 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.
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.
Read more about our Darkbands.
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:
Full leathers or just a touch. Biker vibes welcome.
From sleek black to colorful latex masterpieces.
Shiny, tight, and turning heads.
Trainers, jocks, gym gear. Gear up and show out.
Bleached jeans, boots, attitude.
Camo, service looks, or a darkroom-ready twist.
Masks, tails, mitts, leashes. Woof.
Minimal is welcome if it’s your thing.
Save the night in latex, leather, or whatever makes you feel invincible.
Diapers, pacifiers, PJs. Littles welcome.
Your safety and comfort matter to us. Due to past complaints, here’s what you need to know when taking a taxi during Beyond Darklands:
When in doubt, ask a staff member or volunteer for help.
If the music or the crowd becomes too loud, visit the Merchandise Shop or the Guest Services and Shop. You can pick up a free pair of earplugs there.
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.
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.
