For fetish and kink enthusiasts, it’s impossible to beat events and cons when it comes to opportunities for fun, learning, and exploration. More than giant parties, these multi-day extravaganzas offer a chance at meeting like-minded individuals educating themselves on their particular brand of sexy and shopping for toys and accessories that they may not be able to find otherwise. If you’re in North America, here’s a look at some of this year’s most incredible fetish events.
The Fetish and Fantasy Ball–Las Vegas, Nevada
For 21 years now, Sin City has played host to the sexiest get together in the western hemisphere. Robin Leach, who has certainly seen his fair share of decadence and debauchery, has called the Fetish and Fantasy Ball “one of the most bizarre, outrageous, and risqué Halloween parties in the countries.” And he isn’t wrong. If fun, raw sexuality, music, incredible vendors, performances and unbridled lust is your cup of tea, then the LA Times was right to call this “The one party you don’t want to miss.”
Voted one of the top 10 events in the world by the Travel Channel and one of 5 events to attend before you die by Maxim magazine, the Fetish and Fantasy ball is one of those see to believe kind of events. Hosted at a different hotel every year, this is one costume ball that not only lives up to its reputation, but exceeds it.
The International Mister Leather Competition–Chicago, Illinois
For their 25th year, the IML competition is doing something a little different–and a whole lot of fun: they’re adding an extra day. This May, the completion and festivities are set to begin on Thursday instead of Friday, which adds an extra 24 hours of exploration, music, shopping, and socializing.
IML is home to The Leather Market–the world’s best collection of leather and fetish vendors, along with activities like the Pecs and Personality competition and the Brut party–a hedonistic, sexually charged dance party where judgment flies right out the window and confidence and guilty pleasure is the name of the game.
Boundless–San Francisco, California
Not every kink event is about music and in your face hedonism. Sometimes, an intimate way to relax, play, and bond is just what you’re looking for. And that’s exactly what Boundless provides–a four day retreat, located at a breathtaking and secluded resort just north of San Francisco proper.
It’s the intimacy of a friendly get-together, combined with a great way to get to know new people within the BDSM, kink, leather, and sex-positive communities. Fully catered and inclusive, there are lots of options when it comes to the event. Classes, workshops, and playtimes can be combined with things like hiking, biking, camping and enjoying the grounds, hot tubs and simply taking in the serene and beautiful atmosphere of northern California.