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primal arts fest

2026

DARLINGTON, MARYLAND

5.7-5.11 

learn more about PAF26

  • Primal Arts Fest takes place on a private 200-acre campground in Darlington, Maryland.

    This site has welcomed alternative communities for over a decade, offering a safe, supportive space for self-expression.

    Privacy is a top priority and the exact address shared only with registered attendees.

  • Your camping experience can be as rustic or as comfortable as you desire: sleeping under the stars, in a private room, or in a dormitory-style cabin.

    Click here to learn more about camping at Primal Arts Fest

  • Sharing a meal is a time-honored way to connect, and at Primal Arts Fest, we make it easy.

    Choose from our Dining Hall Meal Plan for communal, delicious meals, or bring your own food and cook as you like. Indoor and covered outdoor seating available.

    Mixers and Happy Hours
    This event is for adults who are 21 and up only. Alcohol is welcome, but please use glass bottles mindfully and consume responsibly. Mocktails and alcohol-free options are always available at any mixer.

    RiTL Meetings
    Recovery in the Lifestyle is a fellowship of BDSM lifestyle people who are in recovery, or would like to be, and their guests. RitL follows the steps of recovery and respects the great importance of anonymity for many of us. Meetings during PAF events are listed on the event schedule and posted in the Discord.

    Click here for details on dining during PAF26

  • At Primal Arts, you get to shape your festival experience and our pricing structure reflects this.

    Arrive Thursday or Friday, stay in a cabin or bring your tent, join the full meal plan or handle your own meals. Whatever you prefer, we’ve got options for every pace and style.

    Admission
    The Admission rate varies based on how early you register. Join the mailing list for access to pre-sale pricing and the lowest rates, including first chance at the limited All-Inclusive Packages (these are few and go fast!).

    Whether you choose the comfortable and convenient options to settle in and dive into the festival sooner, or go for a more rustic, individual experience, it’s all up to you.

    Click here for admission rates and more information

  • People from every background and walk of life come together here to share in the spirit of creativity, expression, and community.

    We make it a priority that everyone feels welcome and able to fully be themselves.

    Our attendees include engineers, doctors, mechanics, teachers, lawyers, homemakers, scientists, and clerks, to name just a few. Agnostics, Christians, Jews, pagans, spiritualists, and more all join the gathering.

    Your beliefs are your own, and we do not tolerate discrimination or prejudice in any form.

    Sacred Mark Sanctuary and Primal Arts are not religious organizations. Participation in any activity or ritual is always a matter of personal choice.

    No matter who you are or how you choose to express yourself, you are invited to come as you are. Through participation in classes, fire circles, and connection with others, we hope you are able to dive into your core self and discover new layers of who you are.

    Primal Arts Fest is a space to experiment, connect, and grow, a place where curiosity, creativity, and expression come alive. We hope to see you there!

  • At Primal Arts Fest, you have the opportunity to attend workshops, experience hands-on learning, and create with your fellow attendees.

    Respected educators, artists, and guides from kink, sacred-sexuality, and alternative-lifestyle communities lead sessions and rituals that open doorways to deeper knowing, helping attendees awaken new aspects of body, spirit, and desire.

    Check back for details on this year’s presenter line up!

    Looking to present your specialist subject during PAF?
    More information and the application can be found here.

    We are proud to offer 201 and 301 level classes as well as core 101s.

  • Fire Players and Flow Artists kick off each evening with fire and movement.

    Performances, Spin Jams, and Fire Demonstrations take place outside the ritual fire circle, blending skill, spectacle, and education to bring everyone together after dinner in preparation for the rest of the night. Whether you join the fire circle or follow your own adventure.

    Interested in joining Primal Arts Fest as a Performer? Click here to apply.

  • When night falls, the Primal Arts fires come alive. Follow the call of the drums to the circle, where our ritual team facilitate opportunities for sparking connection, energy, and release.

    We call our fire evenings, “rituals” and rather than meaning specific rites, we mean this in the sense that we believe in honoring the human ritual of gathering around fire as we have been repeating worldwide for over 800,000 years.

    The fire circles at Primal Arts Fest can invoke pagan and spiritual practices as they shaped by facilitators and attendees bringing their own practices and beliefs. We celebrate this diversity — there is no single “right” way to be primal, and no one path is required. The circle is a space to explore, express, and connect on your own terms.

    Throughout the past decade, as people have come into Primal Arts, we have become a cauldron of beliefs, practices, and energies. We are proud of the legacy and lore embodied into our Primal Elements of Brain, Breath, Blood, and Bone.

    All fires and events hosted by PAF are optional, and every attendee is welcome to participate as much as they feel called.

    Some will test themselves through fire and hooks, or other daring experiences, others may find it daring enough to take up space and make noise. We welcome you at whatever stage of your journey you may be at.

    Whatever path you choose, the circle offers countless ways to release, recharge, and reconnect.

    All we ever ask is for your respect, your consideration, and for everyone to have the chance to let their primal selves be free.

  • At Primal Arts Fest, self-expression takes many forms, and that includes tattoos, piercings, and other body modifications. These practices aren’t just decoration; they’re ways of marking milestones, showing identity, and celebrating the body as a work of art.

    During the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to get tattooed or modified by professional artists right on site. All services are provided by experienced practitioners who follow safe, sterile practices. It is vital to us that you feel confident and cared for while making your mark.

    Are you a body modification artist or piercer?
    We’re now accepting applications from practitioners who want to bring their craft to Primal Arts Fest. Share your art with a community that values the body as sacred, expressive, and alive.

    Apply here to offer tattooing, piercing, or other modification services at PAF26

  • Three unique spaces for exploration and play await:

    • The Dungeon – an indoor space equipped by Studio 58, featuring hard points, interactive structures for intense exploration, and blood/wax-play areas. In the event of inclement weather, this space transforms into an alternative fire circle, maintaining the energy and intensity of the circle experience thanks to the ingenuity of the Studio 58 team.

    • The Pavilion – a covered, open-sided space, also equipped by Studio 58. While open to the elements, it can host experiences just as intense as The Dungeon in a fresh-air environment.

    • The Moonlight Den – a fireside shelter filled with soft textures, quiet corners, and intimate nooks, providing a cozy space for connection while remaining close to the fire circle.

    As well as these spaces, you’ll also have access to natural landscapes that provide innumerable possibilities to free your inner primal self. Immerse yourself in activities that will help you discover new aspects of your sexuality, including rope play, fire play, and more.

  • For those who crave the thrill of pursuit, Primal Arts hosts The Primal Hunt. Chase or be chased, test your stealth and speed, or surrender to capture. Multiple levels of play let you decide how far you want to push yourself, from teasing to full surrender.

    And for those who prefer the view, the hunt becomes a spectacle. Choose a side, predator or prey, and cheer, heckle, and revel in every takedown, dodge, and bold maneuver.

  • During PAF, all attendees are free to wear anything or nothing.

    No one will pressure you either way.

    All we ask is that you are respectful of everyone around you and their individual choices. We do not tolerate unwelcome commentary about anyone’s appearance.

    Once you are beyond the parking lot, anything goes as long as you feel comfortable. PAF takes place in a private campground, down a private road, away from onlookers.

    Campground staff are conscientious and considerate, and the venue has a long history of supporting free expression and has hosted every imaginable type of free-spirited and uninhibited gathering.

    Feel free to take it slow and do what feels right for you.

  • We value your privacy highly.

    The only photography allowed in public spaces of the campground is taken by our vetted photography team. You are welcome to take photos in your private areas such as your tent or private cabin.

    All photography is opt-in. Attendees are opted-out by default. If you do choose to opt-in, you then have the further choice to opt-in or out for any marketing usage of your image.

    Our photo policy for PAF25 can be reviewed here, check back for the PAF26 policy.

  • The Vendor Market is open daily and you’ll find an eclectic mix of artisans, merchants, and purveyors of high quality gear, toys, oddities, and more.

    You can even learn to make your own toys, instruments, and more at our Vendor Workshops led by skilled artisans.

    Check back to view the Vendor Market lineup for PAF26.

    Interested in Vending at PAF?
    We’re looking for artisans, craftspeople, and those with thoughtfully curated collections—folks who bring handmade work, unique creations, or special finds or services to share with the attendees of Primal Arts Fest.

    At PAF26, the Vendor Market is more than a place to sell, it’s where you can connect with people who truly value creativity and craft. Vendors here have the chance to showcase what they do best while being part of the larger Primal Arts experience.

    Click here to apply.

  • We encourage anyone interested in drumming to bring their instruments with them. We love to see a variety of drums and this includes, but certainly isn’t limited to, Djembe, Bodhrán, Bongos, Ashiko, Tabla, and Handpans. Acoustic instruments such as guitars are also a welcome addition!

    Sharing drums is a beloved aspect of our fire circles and we want to respect and honor these instruments and their owners. We do this by observing the following Drum Circle etiquette:

    • The owner of a drum has the final say about share and use of their drum.

    • If a drum is left upright and uncovered, you may use it respectfully.

    • If a drum is left on its side or has a cover, it is not for shared use at that time.

    • Remove rings, bracelets, and watches before using the drum as they can damage the drumhead.

    • Always ask the owner before using mallets or drumsticks with their drum.

    • Do not use a drum as a table or place anything on it.

    Are you interested in volunteering during PAF as a drummer?
    Submit a volunteer form here.

  • Primal Arts is shaped not just by the presenters, but by you. Embers are attendee-led creations. From parties and workshops to skill-shares and mixers, your Ember is your creation, born from your imagination and vision.

    Share your idea here for guidance and support, and we’ll help it become a reality.

  • Tucked away in its own cozy cabin, the Elemental Retreat is your spa-like sanctuary within Primal Arts Fest. Recharge your energy with restorative experiences offered by fellow attendees. Past retreats have featured massage, tarot, body paint, hair tinsel, and more.

    Want to contribute? Volunteer your skills and help create a space of magic, rest, and renewal for everyone. Step in, refresh, and when you’re ready, return to the primal world fully energized and alive.

    Head over to the discord and message Aara, our Elemental Retreat Coordinator, to offer your services.

  • At Primal Arts Fest (PAF):

    • Staff are individuals who commit to shifts or roles in exchange for a complimentary or discounted ticket to the event.

    • Volunteers are attendees who have purchased a ticket and choose to donate their time during the festival.

    We can’t wait to have you with us. Primal Arts Fest wouldn’t happen without the amazing people who help bring it all to life.

    Important Dates for Staff and Volunteers

    • Event: 
      Thursday, May 7 – Monday, May 11

    • Build & Create (Set-Up): Tuesday, May 5 & Wednesday, May 6

    • Closing & Breakdown (Strike): Monday, May 11

    Learn more and apply here.

  • To attend Primal Arts Fest 26, you must:

    • Be able to show proof that you have received at least one vaccination or vaccination course against COVID-19 since 2021.

    AND

    • You must test negative with a Rapid Antigen (Home Kit) upon arrival to the event.

    Your health and the health of others are our top priority.

    We reserve the right to update this policy as state and local guidelines evolve.

    The full policy and protocols are available for review here.

  • Thank you to everyone who participated in the PAF25 T-Shirt Contest by submitting a design, voting on a winner, or ordering a shirt or hoodie.

    We are doing it again for PAF26!

    Artists of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Silk screen works best with the following considerations:

    • No more than four colors

    • The thinnest lines should be at least .25 point

    • Whether digitally created or physical artwork that is scanned in- all final submissions must be at least 300 DPI and saved as a vector file or a high-resolution raster file with a transparent background, in one of the following formats: .AI, .PSD, .PDF, or .TIFF(We can help with this, if you have questions, please shoot us a message!)

    All we ask as far as content is that art comes from you and is not AI generated.

    Please email your contest entry to Primalartsfirefest@gmail.com no later than October 31st, 2025 with the subject line "PAF26 Design Contest"

    The winning design will be selected by a vote and the winning artist will receive their choice of either a complimentary ticket to PAF27 or $100 to spend at the Vendor Market during PAF26.

    We look forward to seeing your interpretation of Primal Arts!

  • If you can’t find what you’re looking for on this site, please email us at primalartsfirefest.com. We’re happy to help!

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A woman with body paint standing topless at night with a large group of people gathered around a campfire and bamboo tripods in the background.
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A man with a beard, wearing a tie-dye shirt, a hat, and glasses, adjusting hanging gong-like musical instruments outdoors on a grassy area.
A man with short hair and a sleeveless patterned shirt holding a ball of fire against a dark background.
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A fire performer lies shirtless on the grass with arms raised holding flaming torches, performing for an audience gathered in the background at night under string lights.
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A person wears a black BDSM hood and leans against a restraint platform.
A colorful painting of a woman with blue and yellow hair, surrounded by flames and a starry sky background, with the words 'Primal Arts' written at the bottom.
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Tattoo artist in black gloves tattooing a person's forearm while seated on a black chair.
A woman with curly hair and tattoos sits cross-legged on the ground with her eyes closed. She is wearing a black top and light-colored pants, with a lanyard around her neck. The setting appears dimly lit and peaceful.
A man with glasses and a beard, wearing a brown apron and black shirt, appears to be performing fire cupping on a persons back in a dark room with blue lighting.
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A man and a woman on the grass, with the man pinning the woman down; both playfully wrestling.
A man giving a shoulder ride to a smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a green shirt with yellow stripes on the sleeves, outside on a grassy area near a red barn, with a person sitting at a table in the background wearing a mask and sunglasses.
A man with a beard and short brown hair, wearing a brown jacket with a sherpa collar, is seen opening a zipper on a beige bag with a small silver object, possibly a tool or device, in his hand. A person with dark hair wearing a black shirt is partial
A man dressed in a colorful, layered costume inspired by a wizard or fantasy character, standing outdoors on grass with tents in the background.
Two people working with charred logs and wood in an outdoor setting.
A colorful, abstract painting on a canvas with swirling patterns and splashes of paint, featuring the words 'PAF' and the numbers '24'. The background of the image shows an outdoor setting with gravel and a red vehicle.
Two people performing a handstand on a wrestling mat. They are smiling and facing the camera upside down.
Two people with long hair wrestling on a grassy field, one appears to be a male and the other a female, both shirtless and wearing athletic shorts.
A smiling person with short dark hair, glasses, and a septum piercing, wearing a black spaghetti strap top. Their back is attached to a suspension rig. They are illuminated by colorful stage or party lighting, with a person in the background.
Man with red beard and glasses wearing a feathered costume and a mask resembling a lion's face, outdoors with a dark building in the background.
Tattoo artist with glasses and tattoos on arms giving a piercing to a woman with short brown hair, in a tattoo studio with tables and supplies in the background.
A stone labyrinth on a sandy ground in a grassy area, surrounded by trees with a white bench in the background.
A woman smiling outdoors at a festival, wearing rainbow sunglasses and a headband with rainbow pom-poms, holding a rainbow fan. She has a pink fanny pack and a black top with a lace pattern, with tents and trees in the background.
A topless young woman with long brown hair, and tattoos is outdoors in a park is getting a play piercing on her shoulder from an artist wearing black gloves. Tents and trees are visible in the background.
Two women standing close together outdoors, smiling and wearing summer clothing and sunglasses. They have bags over their shoulders and are standing in front of a building with stairs.
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A man with a beard and tattoos holding a fire bubble in a dark environment, with flames forming a tall column rising from his hands.
A woman lying face down on a massage table with tattoos, receiving a burning massage stick treatment from a man with a beard and tattoos, in a rustic wooden room, while another man watches nearby.
A person hangs from suspension hooks in their knees. A fire is visible in the background.
Person's back with four suspension hooks attached to their skin on the upper back.
A performer is spinning fire poi at night, creating flames with fire on both ends of a chain, with a dark background and some trees visible.
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A woman with curly hair wearing a dark cloak is crouching and tending a campfire with large logs burning, sparks flying, in the dark night.
A nude woman dressed in black thigh-high boots is performing a fire dance outdoors at night, holding a flaming object in her hand.
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Group of people smiling and enjoying a night-time event under a colorful tent or canopy, with warm lighting illuminating their faces.
A man wearing a mask, with a beard and glasses, holds smoke or vapor in his hands. The image is black and white and has a logo in the bottom left corner that says "PAF 25 Kanin".
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Piercing artist working on a shirtless client with tattoos in covered tent.
Person playing a hand drum, illuminated in blue lighting, wearing a long-sleeve shirt.
A man with a red beard, wearing a black cap with silver chains, tattoos on his shoulder, and a black glove on his hand, in a dark setting with hook piercing in his back.
A wooden cauldron with a question mark cutout on its side is burning inside a campfire, with flames and embers around it at night.
A young man sitting outdoors at night playing a djembe drum, wearing a black t-shirt with a forest graphic, with other people partially visible nearby.
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Decorative drum with a colorful illustration of a woman with red hair, surrounded by a blue lotus flower, placed on a wooden surface next to a metallic vessel.
A shirtless person standing outdoors on a paved surface, smiling, with colorful body paint resembling a heart and vines on his chest and arms, holding a red sweatshirt and wearing sunglasses and shorts.
Two people sitting at a table outdoors with a sketch of a feather and a small jar.
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