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Darklands is Europe’s biggest fetish event taking place in the beautiful gay-friendly city of Antwerp in March.
Darklands Antwerp is one of the world’s largest fetish festivals, offering a safe haven for adventurous gay men who are looking to expand their sexual horizons. Epic day and night parties await!
- Visiting Antwerp for Darklands? Book your hotel in the centre and take the tram or taxi to the host venue. The Hotel Julien is a “Superb” rated 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city with delicious breakfast options and a relaxed vibe.
Darklands Antwerp Festival was originally held as part of the Belgium Leather and Fetish Pride event and has snice eclipsed the fetish pride to become the defacto fetish party of the Season.
Where is Darklands Antwerp Held?
- Darklands Antwerp is held at the Waagnatie exhibition, your Fetish HQ for the week.
- Several other night events and parties take place across the gay bars and clubs of Antwerp.
- Waagnatie is an 8 minute drive from the bars in Antwerp’s old town. Check out the closest hotels.
The Exhibition Centre
- Waagnatie is a cavernous exhibition centre in Antwerp, offering the ideal location for Darklands. It has all the perfect ingredients for the ultimate party; a thumping sound and light system and post-industrial feel that positively encourages a cruisy atmosphere. This year the event comes with a new outdoor area, complete with a bar and seating to enjoy the sun.
- As well as offering a place to meet other visitors or catch-up with new friends, Darklands Antwerp features free fetish demonstrations and workshops, the fetish market, and a great lineup of shows, porn actors, DJs, and performers.
- For a totally different experience, book your stay at The Hotel August, a completely reformed old seminary, beautifully restored featuring deluxe rooms and high-end amenities.
Darklands Antwerp Highlights
- A pop-up visitor center and bar hosted by Mister B. Collect tickets merchandise, have a drink and a small snack.
- Camp K9 will be open during the parties along with the European Puppy & Handler competition.
- The ‘Power Dynamics Lounge’, a separate space with limited visitors for masters and slaves to do some serious play.
Circuit Parties
- Friday – The return of the epic Fusion Friday night event.
- Saturday – Rage, The biggest party of the weekend.
- To be confirmed – The Darklands Antwerp After Parties at Cargo Club & The Boots
How to get to Waagnatie
- The easiest way to get to the event venue “Waagnatie” from Antwerp Central Station is by taking the tram.
- Coming from ‘Antwerp Central Station’, take tram 15 (direction ‘Linkeroever’). Get off at the stop ‘Meir’.
- There, take the escalator to the ground level and follow the arrows towards ‘Sint Katelijnevest’. On ‘Sint Katelijnevest’ you’ll find a stop called ‘Meirbrug’. From there you can take tram 7 (direction ‘Eilandje’).
- Get off at the stop ‘Brouwersvliet’. From there it’s a 750m walk to Rijnkaai 150 (Waagnatie).
Antwerp’s gay scene
- Antwerp has a bustling gay scene with cute cafes, stylish bars and lots of hot guys ready to party. The clubs are are world famous. Cargo Club (Red and Blue) hosts some of the biggest gay parties in Europe. The HIM Circuit parties are the stuff of legend and the Tea dances at Pannekoek will satisfy those party urges.
- The city is also home to some hot cruise clubs such as The Boots and popular gay saunas.
- Although Antwerp’s famous pop-up gay party venues are spread out across the city, most of the busy gay bars and restaurants are located in Antwerp city center, close to the famous Town Square (Grote Markt) and the Museum Aan de Stroom (M.A.S.).
Where to stay?
- Hotels in the old town centre if the city are the most expensive. Staying near the station is a less expensive option. The north of the city, where you will find some of the bigger gay bars offers some great hotels with great rates if you book early.
- Getting around most of Antwerp is pretty easy with many pedestrianised streets and you can catch a tram to most places quite easily.
- The gay bars and clubs in Antwerp are a little spread out. Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action.
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Hotel Julien is our editors choice when
in Antwerp with its beautiful rooftop views
For further information and advice on
Darklands Fetish Festival, The Website
Antwerp is small and compact having a beautifully preserved old town in the centre. Having said that bars and clubs (more than 30) are spread out around the city, so its best to find a hotel close to the centre and journey out to your preferred destination. The main club, Red & Blue is located in the harbour. Famous gay monthly parties Studio 54 and Café de Love attract guys from all over Europe so book your accommodation in advance.
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We have chosen hotels in Antwerp that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a meeting room. Additionally, concierge services, dry cleaning, and a 24-hour front desk are onsite. All 9 rooms feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, living rooms and dining areas. Free WiFi and Netflix are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with cable channels.
A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and self parking are available at this smoke-free aparthotel. Additionally, concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, and a front-desk safe are onsite. The apartment provides a kitchen with a refrigerator, an oven, a stovetop, and a microwave. Conveniences include a washer/dryer and a living room
This smoke-free hotel features a bar/lounge, self parking, and a business center. Additionally, dry cleaning, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk are onsite. All 11 rooms feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, plus free WiFi and TVs with cable channels. Guests will also find iPod docks, sitting areas, and minibars.
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, a fitness center, and a snack bar/deli, a conference center, self parking, and 24-hour room service are onsite. All 42 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and 24-hour room service. For a bit of entertainment, flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels, espresso makers and slippers.
Darklands 2020 After movie
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We have chosen hotels in Antwerp that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The guest rooms are situated in 2 historic buildings and have a modern style. They are equipped with a bath or rain shower and free Wi-Fi. You can relax in the lounge area with books and magazines or have a drink in the bar. The spa is located in the 16th century cellars and offers a steam bath, sauna and rain shower.
This hotel offers light and spacious rooms as well as a luxurious suite. All units have individual climate control as well as a flat-screen TV. Some of the deluxe rooms and suites also come with a private terrace. The breakfast buffet offers a variety of hot and cold choices
The spacious, air-conditioned rooms at Hilton Antwerp Old Town feature Serenity bedding and have a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Each room includes a large desk with an ergonomic chair and a marble bathroom with a bath and separate shower. Coffee and tea facilities are provided.
This elegant boutique hotel offers luxurious design with 16th century architecture, a 2-minute walk from Grand Place. Each of the rooms at hotel Matelote benefits from free wired internet and a flat-screen TV. “They also have coffee, tea making facilities and mineral water. The bathrooms include The Spa Collection toiletries.