Community

Community Space at KinkFest

KinkFest values community! Check in late February to see the Community Schedule.

In the meantime, we encourage community groups and individuals to apply to host spaces for the many groups that attend KinkFest. The community application for KinkFest 2026 opens on November 23, 2025, and closes on February 1, 2026.

Click here to sign up for the KinkFest community mailing list and get notifications.

Request Community Space Timeslot at KinkFest

Community events are open to all KinkFest attendees and are a great way to connect with like-minded community members. These events take place across three locations: the Host Hotel and two designated spaces inside the Expo Center.

Past community-led events have included things like the Queer Tea Party, the BiPOC Social, and a gently-used gear exchange - and we're excited to support new ideas this year!

As a Community Event Host, you agree to:

1. Arrive on time to the event location agreed upon by the Community Team
2. Facilitate and "host" your event for the scheduled duration
3. Create a welcoming, inclusive environment for participants

Our team will be available to support you throughout the process. Please note: All KinkFest community events are volunteer-led, and we are unable to offer discounts or financial compensation for hosting.

Important Registration Requirement

If your application is approved, you must be fully registered for KinkFest by February 15th, 2026 in order for your event to be confirmed.

If this presents a barrier for you, please reach out, we want to help and may be able to discuss options, such as volunteering.

We're here to empower you to build connection and representation within our community and we can't wait to read your application.

Host Legal Name

Scene Name (this is the name you want on the KinkFest schedule)

Host Pronouns

Host Email

Phone Number (for urgent day of communications)

Link to Fetlife profile (if you have one)

Have you hosted an event in your community before? (a munch, play party, class, panel, other event). Please provide details.

Event Title

Event Description (a shortened version of this may be used for the Kinkfest program)

Is your event affiliated with a group or organization?

If so, what group or organization?

Preferred Location

If "other", describe below

What equipment might your event need? (e.g. tables with chairs, tables with no chairs, no tables or chairs, padded floor mats, other)

Approximate number of anticipated attendee expected?

Accessibility needs (e.g. first floor, quiet spaces, marked accessibility spaces, etc.)

Choose your top two preferred days and start times during KinkFest to host your event. We will work with you to get an official time and dates once all applications have been reviewed.

Desired length of time for event?

If "other", describe below

Are You Registered for Kinkfest?

If yes, please provide your registration confirmation number, otherwise please send once registered

Do you self identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Queer or under the transgender umbrella? (This is an optional question and helps us with scheduling so we can minimize overlap between events geared towards specific demographics).
BIPOC
LGBTQIA+
Queer
Transgender Umbrella (Non-binary, Transgender, Genderfluid, Agender, etc.)
None of the Above

Please provide two references from within community. These can be character references or references who are familiar with the event you're applying with.

Reference 1 Name

Reference 1 Email/Text

Reference 1 Context/Relationship to Applicant

Reference 2 Name

Reference 2 Email/Text

Reference 2 Context/Relationship to Applicant

Does this event follow the Kinkfest Code of Conduct?

Who is the intended audience? (We support identity-based applications, so please include who may be included or excluded from this event).

Anything else you'd like to share about your hopes for this event?

Enter the number shown above

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to run a community event?

Anyone registered for Kinkfest 2026 can apply to run a community event. All event applicants/facilitators will undergo vetting, so please provide us with at least two references in your application. Community directors will have access to the reference contacts to conduct vetting. For your application to be accepted, you must register for Kinkfest by 2/1/2026.

Is there compensation or discounts for running community events?

No, there is no compensation or discounts for running community events. Kinkfest does rely on volunteer support in a variety of roles, so if you'd like to be considered for either a half- or full-work study position for discounted registration, or as a goodwill volunteer, visit the Volunteer Page: https://www.kinkfest.org/forms.php?section=Volunteers

When do community events take place?

Community events take place throughout the weekend (Thursday evening-Sunday afternoon). Community events typically last 1-2 hours depending on the event. Where do community events take place?

Community events will take place on the first floor in the Community Hub (Hall D2), upstairs in the mezzanine rooms at the Expo Center (primarily evening), as well as offsite at the Courtyard Marriott.

Are community events accessible?

KinkFest is committed to providing universal access to all. On your KinkFest registration form, please indicate in the "Accessibility Needs" box if you require accommodations in order to fully participate. The Community Team will work in coordination with you and the Accessibility Team to support your participation in community events. Questions about accessibility can be sent to the Accessibility Director at accessibility@kinkfest.org.

How many people typically attend a given community event?

This depends on the type of event, timing, as well as how much marketing event applicants/facilitators do. On average, you might expect around 50 people. Smaller events geared towards intersecting identities and/or niche topics will have 10-30 folks, while our larger socials like the Queer Tea Party, Cigar Social and FemDom Social have seen upwards of 100-200 people.

When will I know about the approval of my community event?

Applications will close 2/1/2026, and approvals will be sent on a rolling basis with all notifications completed by 2/15/2026. For your application to be accepted, you must register for Kinkfest by 2/1/2026.

What types of Kinkfest community events have happened in the past?

In the past we have had events celebrating queer, BIPOC and other identity-based groups, as well events like fibercrafting, tabletop roleplaying, sobriety meetings and activities run by local Pet/Littles groups. We encourage everyone from the Whippersnappers to blood play enthusiasts, and those in different clubs and organizations in the community, to apply.

What types of events are you inviting this year?

Events that represent you! Belonging is a key part of our Community Team goals, and the event type is limited only by your imagination (and maybe some logistical details). We especially encourage identity-based events to provide safer and celebratory spaces for all Kinkfest attendees.

What if my questions are not answered here?

If you have other questions about community spaces, groups, or events at Kinkfest, please reach out to our Community Directors at community@kinkfest.org. If you don't hear back from us within 72 hours, feel free to send a followup email.