FAQs

Mares

• Mares must check in at the darkroom entrance between 4 and 4:30 pm.
• Mares are completely naked. Harnesses, jockstraps, chaps, cockrings, socks, and wrist wraps are allowed. Footwear is required.
• Hygiene is essential. Mares are expected to be rinsed and clean.
• A hood will be offered upon entry.
• Stable masters will guide mares into the playroom and prepare them for the stallions.
• Mares remain blindfolded for the entire game.
• If a mare needs a break (for water, smoking, or toilet), a stable master can escort them to the mares’ resting room. Breaks are limited in time.

Mare-specific rules

• Blindfolds or masks must stay on at all times.
• Sexual contact between mares is not allowed.
• Mares may not refuse a stallion.

Stallions

• Stallions check in at the darkroom entrance from 4:30 pm (first wave) or 5:30 pm (second wave) till end.
• Standard dress code applies.
• Stallions are encouraged to take their time to observe and discuss the mares before making a choice.
• Once a mare is chosen, the stallion is free to engage, within the game rules.

Stallion-specific rules

• Sexual contact between stallions is not allowed.
• Mares’ hoods or blindfolds may not be removed.
• If a mare indicates a need for a break, this must be respected.
• Kissing, fingering, sucking, or any other sexual act requires consent from the mare. Nothing can be forced.
• Aggressive behavior towards mares is strictly forbidden.

General rules

• Stable masters may check whether safe-sex preferences are being respected.
• Violating any of the rules may result in penalties. These range from temporary suspension from the game to full removal from Beyond Darklands.
• Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be removed from the game.
• No role-switching is allowed during the game. You must remain in your assigned role as either mare or stallion.

Yes. You need a valid Daytime Festival ticket, Full Madness Pass or Ultimate Alpha Pass in combination with a Horsefair 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.

1. Get your wristband

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 Horsefair takes place in the main darkroom in Hall 2, next to the Main Stage.

• Mares enter between 400 and 4:30 pm
• Stallions enter from 4:30 pm (first wave) or 5:30 pm (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 8:30 pm if the mares are having fun.

Mares enter between 4 and 4:30 pm.

Stallions enter in two waves:

• First wave: 4:30 till end
• Second wave: 5:30 till end

Please respect your assigned time slot to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone.

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.

Read more about the Darkbands.

Using NFC technology with your Darkband comes with several benefits:

Fairer pricing

No more fixed-value tokens. We can now fine-tune prices for more accurate and fairer billing.

Efficiency

Faster transactions mean shorter queues and more time to enjoy the party.

Security

No need to carry cash or cards while partying.

Convenience

Easily check and manage your balance by scanning the QR code on your Darkband. Total control, right at your fingertips.

Yes. If you plan to participate in fisting sessions or need extra flexibility, you can also purchase the new and improved removable wristband (Darkband) in advance. It offers added comfort while maintaining full NFC functionality.

You can buy your removable wristband for € 7.99 via the ticket shop.

Present this ticket at the festival front desk to receive a removable wristband (Darkband) 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 your removable wristband.

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.

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.