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Yes. You need a valid Daytime Festival ticket, Full Madness Pass or Ultimate Alpha 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.
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.
The Horse Fair takes place in the main darkroom in Hall 2, next to the Main Stage.
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:
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:
No more fixed-value tokens. We can now fine-tune prices for more accurate and fairer billing.
Faster transactions mean shorter queues and more time to enjoy the party.
No need to carry cash or cards while partying.
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.
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.
