Golden smoke over black — The Kink Workshop 2026 BDSM conference in San Diego

July 10–12, 2026 · San Diego

The Kink Workshop 2026 Conference

A three-day, education-first BDSM conference designed around learning, practice, and thoughtful integration. The weekend is intentionally paced — with clear differences between education, social time, and play.

The Craft — Kink as craft.


About the Conference

Education-Forward. Community-Centered.

The Kink Workshop Conference is a structured, education-forward BDSM and kink learning event designed for adults who want to deepen their skills, understanding, and communication in a consent-centered environment.

Our annual conference brings together experienced educators and engaged learners for a weekend of classes, demonstrations, and community connection. Programming is intentionally designed so attendees always know what kind of space they are entering and what is being asked of them.

Who This Is For

Adults 18+ who are curious, experienced, or somewhere in between. No specific background is required — only a genuine interest in learning and a commitment to the community agreements that make this space possible.


Conference Structure

Three Days. Three Rhythms.

The 2026 conference unfolds across three distinct days, each with a different focus and rhythm.

Day One

Friday — Arrival & Orientation

Open / Social / No Classes

Friday is intentionally light. This day is about arrival, getting oriented, and settling in at your own pace. Conference check-in, vendor marketplace opens, informal social time. No scheduled classes on Friday.

Day Two

Saturday — The Work

Education / Workshops / Evening Play

The main event. Classes and discussion sessions across multiple rooms, hands-on workshops, and the vendor hall open all day. Saturday night closes with an optional play party from 9 PM to 1 AM.

Day Three

Sunday — Soft Skills & Integration

Reflection / Communication / Closing

Sunday is intentionally lighter, with a focus on communication, reflection, and integration. Soft skills sessions on consent and negotiation. Emotional awareness and aftercare. No physical play on Sunday. Wraps at 2 PM.


All-Weekend Features

Available Throughout the Conference

Vendor Marketplace

A curated vendor space featuring gear, tools, and services aligned with kink education and practice. Open Saturday.

Relaxation Room

A quiet, dedicated space available throughout the weekend for rest, grounding, and nervous system regulation. Always open. No agenda.

Accessibility & Support

We prioritize flexibility, clear communication, and multiple ways to participate. Observation is always valid. No one is ever expected to engage beyond their comfort or capacity.


What You Can Expect

Across the Full Weekend

  • Structured BDSM classes across multiple educational tracks
  • Educators selected for teaching skill, clarity of scope, and consent discipline
  • A curated Vendor Hall featuring kink-affirming makers and businesses
  • Clearly defined social, educational, and play environments
  • An opt-in culture — nothing is assumed, everything is communicated
  • Staff and volunteers present throughout the weekend
  • Space to go at your own pace, engage as much or as little as you want

Vendor Marketplace

Meet the 2026 Vendors

Kink gear, toys, leather, rope, jewelry, and more from vendors who know the scene. Browse who’s joining us in the vendor hall.

Get Involved

Need Financial Support?

Scholarship Applications

We offer scholarships to help make attendance accessible. If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply here →

Want to Help?

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers are the backbone of the conference. In exchange for your time, you’ll receive complimentary or discounted admission. Sign up to join the team.

Sign up here →

Stay Informed

Updates Coming Soon

Full programming and complete educator lineup will be announced soon. Join the mailing list to be first to know about the 2026 BDSM conference in San Diego.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

2026 Conference Sponsors

These generous companies donated products for the 2026 conference — please show them some love.

FuckWater donated their premium water-based & hybrid lubricants.

shop FuckWater

Überlube donated their signature silicone lubricant.

uberlube.com

Wicked Sensual Care donated their award-winning lubricants.

wickedsensualcare.com

SheVibe donated the toys and goodies for our fundraiser.

shevibe.com

And to everyone who donated to our Empowerment Fund — thank you. Your generosity helps make this community possible.