Could your 2026 kinky calendar do with a bit of sprucing up when it comes to fetish festivals? Well, look no further, dear reader because we’ve put together a list of spicy events to check out as the new year rolls in!
From local nights here in Ireland to world-famous festivals oversees, you’ll find plenty here to make 2026 your kinkiest year yet.
Now, it goes without saying that these events and festivals have a set of rules, ensuring the safety of all involved, so familiarise yourself with each club’s guidelines before diving straight in.
Nimhneach Alternative Nights – Dublin, Ireland
Swap your Christmas sequins for something kinky and head to Nimhneach’s first party of the year on Saturday, January 3, in the Sound House in the upstairs space of the Wiley Fox on Eden Quay. Tickets cost €25, and if you can’t make the January event, fret not as Nimhneach will host further parties on February 7, April 18 and June 20.
Beyond Darklands
View this post on Instagram
The countdown is officially on for one of Europe’s biggest fetish festivals, happening in Antwerp, Belgium, from March 3 to 9, Beyond Darkness offers kinksters a variety of parties, masterclasses and events. Originally held as part of the Belgian Leather and Fetish Pride event, it has since grown into its own thing.
Seattle Fetish Ball
The third annual Seattle Fetish Ball is due to take place at Sodboz Sodo on March 28. The ball offers fetishists a space to gather and socialise, while enjoying world-class DJ sets and performances. This year, attendees can also sit back and enjoy a high-concept fetish fashion show.
OinK – Dublin, Ireland
View this post on Instagram
Out in Kink (OinK) hosts some of the hottest fetish parties in Ireland. With attendees encouraged to wear leather, latex, or rubber. Don your best outfit while dancing the night away to your favourite DJs. The party usually takes place in DV8 Bar and Venue in the heart of the city and close to plenty of fabulous hotels to stay. Keep your eyes on OinK’s socials to stay up to date with this year’s events.
Up Your Alley and Folson Street Fair
What sounds better than fetish parties and circuit events in San Francisco? From July 23 to July 28, Up Your Alley is taking the streets by storm, before Folsom returns from September 28. Stay up to date with the latest information available here.
SLM Copenhagen Fetish Pride Week
View this post on Instagram
Scandinavian Leather Men Copenhagen (SLMC) is a week-long festival in Copenhagen, hosted in Scandinavia’s largest gay fetish club. Between August 8 and 16, come along to celebrate all things leather and kink. Events have a dedicated window to enter the club, and no phones are allowed while there.
Maspalomas Fetish Pride
View this post on Instagram
This fun fetish get-together is happening from October 1 to 12 in sunny Gran Canaria. All fetishes will be celebrated here, from leather to sportswear. With the Spanish location being famous for its welcoming people and open atmosphere, the schedule can be made to make the most of your stay.
Bangkok Fetish Ball
Heading to Thailand next year? Come along in your fancy leather and latex to this fetish ball in Bangkok. Hosted by FORFUN, this annual party is a lavish celebration of kink, and you can stay in the know about next year’s event by following the Bangkok Fetish Ball on Instagram.
Dublin Leather Weekend
View this post on Instagram
Dublin Leather Weekend, one of Ireland’s most famous fetish events, is set to kick off on January 23, in a hunky celebration of, you guessed it, all things leather. Expect meet and greets, bingo, and, of course, the crowning of the highly coveted title, Mr Dublin Leather. You can stay up to date with the Leathermen of Ireland by checking out their website.
From balls to prides to peagenats, your 2026 is looking perfectly kinky with these nine fetish events and festivals. Grab your calendar and start pencilling them in today.
© 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity - Charity Number: 20034580.
GCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.
Supporting GCN for as little as €1.99 per month will help us continue our work as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.