Black background with a large looped spiral design on the right side.

primal arts fest

2027

DARLINGTON, MARYLAND

5.5-5.9 

learn more about PAF27

  • 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.

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

    Arrive Wednesday, 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.

    There are no day passes for this event.

    Admission Rate Info can be found here.

  • 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

  • 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.

    Dress Code

    The main exceptions are areas visible from public roads, the Parking Lot, and the Registration Gazebo, where you must be “street legal,” and the Dining Hall, where at least your genitals must remain covered.

    “Street legal” is shorthand for being dressed appropriately for an ordinary public setting and complying with applicable law. Maryland’s common-law indecent exposure rules address deliberate exposure of the breasts, buttocks, or genitals in circumstances where the person knows or should know they can be observed by others. 

    PAF welcomes all forms of gender expression and identity. In the parking lot and areas visible from public streets, please dress and behave as you would in an ordinary public setting, such as a grocery store.

    You are also welcome to wear fetish or kink clothing or gear throughout the event, but be mindful of footwear, terrain, and weather conditions.

    It is best practice and we ask that you wear bottoms or use a clean towel, cloth, or other barrier when sitting on communal furniture or furniture that belongs to someone else. 

    Clothing-Optional Etiquette

    PAF is clothing-optional, but clothing-optional does not mean anything goes. A few basic courtesies help keep shared spaces comfortable for everyone.

    Look, don't stare. Nudity is not an invitation to stare, comment on someone's body, or assume they are interested in you.

    Use a barrier when sitting. When nude, use a clean towel or other barrier before sitting on communal furniture or furniture that belongs to someone else.

    Being nude is not consent. Nudity is not an invitation to sexual attention, touching, conversation, or play. Follow the same consent expectations whether someone is clothed or nude.

    Keep something handy to cover up. Some areas of the campground (such as the dining hall) require clothing, and weather or circumstances may make a cover-up useful.

    Keep it hygienic. Please be mindful of hygiene when using shared spaces, furniture, pool, dining areas, and other communal facilities.

  • 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 Plans 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 PAF hosted 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 PAF27

  • 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!

  • 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.

    Fire Tenders and Ritual Fire Safety 

    Primal Arts has a dedicated team of Fire Tenders responsible for managing the ritual fires throughout the event. If you wish to assist, approach a Fire Tender or a MOD for consideration. Do not interfere while they tend the fire. 

    Fire Tending is physically demanding and can be dangerous, so it is important to follow their instructions immediately and respectfully.

    Be mindful and respectful of others sharing the fire. Fire Tenders and Ritual Facilitators may ask you to make room for dancers or drummers. Please comply with their requests.

    For safety reasons, no glass is permitted inside the ring of tiki torches or where the sand/dirt circle begins at the Fire Circles. Aluminum containers are also discouraged. Drinking horns, wood, leather, plastic, or ceramic containers are allowed.

    Do not throw cans, bottles, cigarette butts, or other trash into the fire or on the ground. Trash and recycling bins are provided, and all waste will be sorted offsite.

    If you would like to make an offering to the ritual fires, ask an available Fire Tender for guidance. Only organic items that burn cleanly, such as paper, wood, small cloth bags, or small amounts of human hair, are permitted. Cigarette butts, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and other trash are strictly prohibited. Fire Tenders have the final say on what may be burned and when.

    Do not step into the fire pits or attempt to jump the fire.

    Anyone who does will be removed from the Fire Circle and could face immediate removal from the event without a refund.

  • 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?

    We are currently accepting applications.
    Learn more and apply 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? Learn more and apply here.

  • 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.

  • 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 created by PAF.

    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.

  • 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.

    Check back for the PAF27 policy.

  • To attend Primal Arts Fest 27, 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.

  • 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.

  • PAF also has attendee-led programming known as Embers.

    Embers are activities hosted by attendees rather than part of the primary presenter program. They can include informal skill shares, gatherings, parties, workshops, and other activities.

    If your idea is more appropriate as an attendee-led activity than a scheduled presenter class, an Ember may be the better fit.

    We recommend that you attend PAF at least once to get a sense of the rhythm and flow of this event before submitting an Ember.

    Share your ideas on Discord and the form to submit your Ember for approval, guidance, and support opens soon!

  • 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: 
      Wednesday, May 5 – Sunday, May 9

    • Build & Create (Set-Up): Monday, May 3 & Tuesday, May 4

    • Closing & Breakdown (Strike): Sunday, May 9

    Learn more here and apply here

  • 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.

    Learn more and apply here.

  • 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 PAF27.

    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 PAF27, 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.

    Learn more about how to apply here.

  • From arrival and accommodations to safety, consent, and campground guidelines, visit the full Event Info and Campground Rules to find answers to common questions and prepare for Primal Arts Fest!

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

A peaceful lake scene with calm water reflecting the blue sky and clouds, surrounded by lush green trees and plants.
A blue cabin with a porch with stairs, located along a tree-lined street with benches, shaded by green trees in sunlight.
A man with short hair and a sleeveless patterned shirt holding a ball of fire against a dark background.
A person with their back to the camera wearing a colorful blanket, standing near a bonfire at night. Other people are gathered around the fire, some sitting and some standing, in a wooded outdoor setting with trees and city lights in the background.
A woman with pink hair, wearing a patterned dress and black flats, standing outdoors on a paved pathway, holding a large homemade sword prop, with trees and tents in the background.
Two people hugging near a campfire at night, with a group of people in the background.
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.
Person lying on a black mat, in a BDSM mummification suit, with a person's hand visible on the right side of the image.
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.
Decorative dreamcatcher with a painted design of a fairy-like figure and dragons, hanging inside a white tent at an outdoor festival
A leather leaf-shaped sign hanging from a wooden frame with the text "WELCOME TO PRIMAL ARTS" handwritten on it, set against trees and sky in the background.
A person holding a fire torch in a night scene with a large fire and burning logs in the background, illuminating the area. The person is silhouetted against the flames and appears to be wearing glasses.
A person performing a fire dance or fire spinning outdoors at night, with flames and sparks around them, under a wooden pavilion decorated with string lights.
Close-up of a person adjusting a wooden drum, sitting outdoors, with natural background.
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.
Wooden carved skull with exaggerated facial features and open mouth, hanging outdoors with blurred green background.
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.
Two women aiming toy darts at naked man against a May day pole outdoors.
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 woman with wavy hair sits outdoors at night, with some string lights and a fire visible in the background. She is wearing a black top and appears to be focused on something in front of her. A patterned cloth is draped over a surface on the right si
A woman peering over a colorful, floral mask with two bees on the upper center of the mask. Her eyes are visible through holes in the mask, and she has light brown hair. The background is blurred greenery.
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.
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.
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.
Two people standing near a campfire at night with sparks flying in the air.
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 woman with long hair holding a staff and a clipboard standing at night at a festival or outdoor event, with other people and tents in the background, illuminated by string lights.
A woman with long hair, a floral crown, and tattoos stands at a nighttime beach gathering; she wears a white crop top and a long, floral skirt with lace-up details, and is illuminated by firelight with other people 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.
Three people at a night event with tents and others in the background. The person on the left is shirtless with body paint, glasses, and a choker, smiling and flexing muscles. The person in the middle has long hair, glasses, and is wearing plaid pant
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".
Woman with long hair in a flowing dress holding a staff on stage illuminated by orange lights, with a decorated tent and blurred background visible.
Woman with long curly hair in a floral dress standing in front of a bonfire at night, with people sitting and standing in the background.
Piercing artist working on a shirtless client with tattoos in covered tent.
A person hangs from suspension hooks in their knees. A fire is visible in the background.
A person's arm with a red hen-shaped tattoo, resting on a wooden floor, partially covered by a yellow and red patterned fabric.
Person playing a hand drum, illuminated in blue lighting, wearing a long-sleeve shirt.
A nude woman dressed in black thigh-high boots is performing a fire dance outdoors at night, holding a flaming object in her hand.
Person performing fire spinning at night outdoors, with flames on both hands and a fire staff, illuminated by the fire against a dark background.
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.
A man with glasses, wearing a black mesh shirt, is pulling a person dressed in a rainbow-colored tutu and black top, who is lying on the grass during an outdoor event. The background shows tents and people sitting at tables.
An outdoor scene with a table set for an event near a body of water, decorated with lanterns, a bowl, and greenery. Behind the table, a woman with a floral dress is kneeling, and a large artistic banner depicting swirling trees, roots, a tent, and a
A man standing around a campfire at night, wearing a kilt and dark hoodie, with a calm expression on his face. There are other people in the background and logs on the ground.
A person with curly red hair styled in a bun, wearing glasses, a red plaid mask, and a revealing red and black costume with fishnet stockings, black knee-high boots, black wings, and green armbands, running on a grassy field during daytime.
A woman and man tying shibari together under a wooden shelter in a green outdoor setting, with colorful mats on the ground.
A person with long hair and a sleeveless dress raising their arms in celebration at night, surrounded by other people and bright lights, possibly at a festival or celebration.
A man wearing glasses, a red cap, and a dark jacket, in a simple bondage harness , smiling indoors with a wooden roof structure and a woman partially visible in the background.
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.
Person with long brown hair wearing a crown of thorns, having red marks on face and arms, looking into a mirror at a costume or performance prep area.
A woman with tattoos on her arm and red socks performs a fire spinning act at night, holding fire poi and swinging them in a circular motion.
A person with body paint, glasses, smiling at a festival with bamboo torches and a fire in the background.
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 woman performing a fire-breathing act outdoors at night with flames coming from her mouth, against a dark background.
A person wearing dreadlocks, a skull, pine cones, and horn accessories on their face and head, with face paint and tattooed arm, standing in a room with a window.
A person with curly blonde hair, glasses, and earrings is taking a photo with a smartphone in front of a large, abstract artwork. The artwork features various swirling patterns and is predominantly brown and beige. There appears to be another person
People standing around a large bonfire at night, holding long sticks or poles, some with flaming tips. The scene is illuminated by the fire, and the individuals appear to be participating in a traditional or communal activity.
Silhouette of a person with horns, possibly a costume, standing in front of a large fire with bright flames at night.
A shirtless man with glasses, a beard, and a hat is holding a large flame in his hand at night. The background is dark, and the flame illuminates his face and upper body.
A person with tattoos on her arms, wearing a red dress, is working on a craft project at a table filled with watercolor paints, paint brushes, and art supplies. The person is leaning over the table, engaged in their work.
A man with a beard wearing a hooded gray coat and black shirt with a geometric pattern, holding a staff, standing outdoors at night with trees in the background. A logo with the text 'PAF26 bigpinktank' is at the bottom right corner.
A woman with curly hair applying makeup to her eyes using a small brush while looking into a handheld mirror.
A person wearing glasses with a skull mask that has sharp teeth is holding a lit candle in a dark room. There are some lights or light sources in the background, creating a dim atmosphere. The bottom right corner features the text 'PAF26 bigpinktank'
Back of person with red hair showing tattoos and painted designs on upper back, arms, and shoulder, flexing their biceps. The person is wearing a white towel with purple ribbon tied at the waist, multiple bracelets on right wrist, and a bead necklace