It’s time for the party boys put away their summer speedos and dress up in leather, latex, and whatever else fits their fancy. Did you hear the whoosh of those floggers swinging through the air? It’s kinky leather events season!
Starting at the end of September and leading up to Halloween, there are lots of chances to get down and dirty with thousands of fellow kinksters. We’re not just talking about Folsom Street Fair, aka kinky Christmas.
These travel-worthy events bring out a more hedonistic side of the queer community — leather, fetish, and any form of erotic self-expression coalesce in an act of liberation, as much as it is a celebration (and participants are very serious about having their fun).
If you’re looking for a walk on the wild side this fall, check out these lesser-known kinky events…
1. Mates Leather Weekend
Provincetown is not only one of the most popular summer destinations in gay USA, but it is a great place to visit year-round. This is especially true in the autumn months when the crowds have departed but the inns and guesthouses still welcome guests. Mates Leather Weekend features several events to raise money for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. Among the events are the Leather Market during the day, where you can find fetish and leather clothing, and guys competing for the title in the First Mate Contest.
2. Maspolomas Fetish Week
Translate your “safe word” into Spanish, because it’s about to go down in Gran Canaria. Imagine going to a fetish party on the beach! Just be careful not to get sand in the wrong places. For those who don’t have all of the gear to wear, the local gay resorts will host pool parties where clothing is optional. Over a week of events are planned, with lots of different scenes in play, so there really will be something for everybody.
3. Black & Blue Festival
There are many parties during the Black and Blue Festival week, but it is all about the main event on October 13. Thousands of people will descend upon Montreal, dressed in their most scandalous gear, and dance all night into the morning hours. Leather is generally the fashion statement of choice, but anything scandalous will blend in nicely. The theme this year is based on people wearing masks, which provides a bit of anonymity for anyone who wants to take their unspeakable behavior to new levels.
4. Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest is one of the biggest events in Key West. All of Duval Street is invaded by costumed revelers who go from party to party and to different bars testing the fortitude of their livers. And of course, there is a parade, where many people will bare more skin than what is typically legal in the state of Florida.
Many people at Fantasy Fest dress in “sexy” costumes, but there is another side of the festival, and it is found in the listings for the “Little Black Book,” which directs partygoers to fetish parties around town. Check the events listings for parties at New Orleans House and Bourbon St. Pub, which are for the gays and of course are clothing-optional. Dungeons of Dark Secrets, which will be at 801 Bourbon Bar, is the true BDSM event of Fantasy Fest and all gender identities are encouraged to attend. The Air Sex Competition will undoubtedly be a train wreck, which means it is a show that must not be missed.
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