What is MAL?

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL) is a vibrant, three-day celebration of the leather, kink, and LGBTQ+ communities, drawing thousands of participants annually. At the heart of the weekend is Leather Cocktails, a formal Saturday evening social that serves as the cornerstone event from which all other activities evolved.

MAL features a range of official events organized by the Centaur Motorcycle Club, including the bustling Exhibitor Hall, Sunday brunch, the prestigious Mr. MAL Contest, and the exciting Sunday night closing party. Beyond these, the event has become a beloved annual reunion for the leather-loving community, fostering connection and camaraderie.

MAL is open to anyone age 21 and older who is interested in celebrating leather, kink, and the LGBTQ+ culture. It welcomes people of all gender identities, orientations, and levels of experience in the community.

What is included in the Full Run Package?

The Full Run Package offers attendees access to key events that define the MAL experience, including:

  • Leather Cocktails: The formal Saturday evening social that is the heart of the weekend.

    Sunday night Closing Dance organized by KINETIC.

  • Weekend Access to the Exhibitor Hall: Explore booths featuring leather goods, fetish wear, and other unique items throughout the weekend.

  • Mr. MAL Contest: The prestigious competition celebrating the leather community.

  • Sunday Breakfast: A chance to connect and unwind with fellow attendees.

How do I pick up my Full Run package?

Full Run packages will be available for pickup in the Capitol A Room on the lobby level, located behind the north tower elevators. If you are staying at the host hotel, you will go down the escalators to the check-in desk on the right. The registration pickup hours are as follows:*

  • Thursday: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM 

  • Friday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

*Please remember: the Full Weekend does not start until Friday January 9th at 4:00 PM 

Can I still attend if I didn’t purchase a Full Run Package?

Three-Day Pass*

$45 + fees

Your Three-Day Pass includes:

  • Access to the Exhibit Hall for all three days of MAL

  • Admission to the Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest on Sunday

*Access to the hotel will be determined by

Fire Marshal Capacity restrictions and may

limit access to the hotel at peak times.

MAL Weekend is a 21 and older ONLY event. All attendees, exhibitors, volunteers,and guests will be required to provide proof of age  and will need an approved wristband in order to gain access to the Hyatt. Wristbands must be picked up during posted registration hours in order to enter the hotel. No one will be granted access to the hotel without an approved wristband, no exceptions. Those not staying at the Hyatt  will be able to enter the hotel with a wristband until 10 p.m. each night but will only be allowed to remain onsite until midnight.

As always, those with rooms at the Hyatt will only be allowed to take a maximum of two (2) guests at a time up to the guest room levels.

Reservation Link Coming Soon!

Where can I find the schedule for all the weekend events?

The weekend schedule of events can be found on the Weekend Schedule page of LeatherWeekend.com. You can also find the Hyatt floor plan here.

This year, KINETIC takes things to the next level with brand-new venues and exciting play zones at all four events, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Discover even more exciting local events by checking out MetroWeekly.

Is there a shuttle service for MAL Weekend?

There is only one location for MAL Weekend, the host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. Overflow properties are all within walking distance. Bus transportation is arranged for the KINETIC events on Thursday and Sunday. For any other transportation needs, attendees should arrange their own taxis or ride shares.

What is the Exhibitor Hall?

The Exhibitor Hall is a highlight of MAL, featuring booths with leather goods, fetish wear, toys, and other accessories. It’s a great opportunity to shop and connect with artisans and businesses that cater to the leather and kink communities.

The Exhibitor Hall hours are as follows:

  • Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Exhibit Hall is located downstairs on the ballroom level of the Hyatt.

What is Leather Cocktails and how do I attend?

Leather Cocktails is a time-honored tradition that takes place in the hotel on Saturday evening, bringing people together for drinks, food, and camaraderie. Attendance for Leather Cocktails is only available with the purchase of a Full Run Package.

Is there a dress code?

We welcome all types of dress, from leather to rubber, to furries and even regular street clothes. However, while in publicly accessible spaces (lobby, hallways, ballrooms, exhibit halls), nudity is not allowed. Men may walk around the hotel shirtless, in a jock, or in chaps with a jock. Women are not permitted to be shirtless or have their nipples exposed. If you are dining, your buttocks must be covered, and at least a vest must be worn. 

For the Leather Cocktails event on Saturday night, attendees are encouraged to honor the time-honored tradition by wearing their best formal leather, boots, jeans, or similar attire. To maintain the event’s decorum, bare chests and exposed buttocks are not permitted. Guests should ensure their outfits align with the event’s guidelines for an enjoyable experience.

What should I do if my wristband gets damaged or breaks?

If your wristband breaks, bring the damaged band to the registration tables at the entrance, and we will happily exchange it for a new one.

I am not staying at the host hotel. Can I go take the elevators up to a hotel room?

Non-registered guests can only access host hotel rooms if they are escorted by a registered guest with a valid wristband. Registered guests are permitted to escort only one non-registered guest at a time. Non-registered guests with a wristband who are already in the hotel before 10:00 PM may remain until midnight. However, non-registered guests without a wristband will not be admitted after registration closes.

Will there be a Recovery Group Meeting?

Yes! Join us for a welcoming and supportive Recovery Group meeting in the Yosemite room on the second floor of the Hyatt south tower.

Time To Be Determined

What about security and safety?

The hotel provides its own security and works with local law enforcement to provide additional coverage outside the hotel. To ensure everyone’s safety, we require all participants to wear a wristband to identify themselves as an attendee of MAL.

What accessibility accommodations are available for attendees with disabilities?

The host hotel offers a ramp from the outside to an elevator with access to the lobby level. For the Mr. MAL contest on Sunday, interpreters are provided for those who may be hearing impaired. If there are any other needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make necessary arrangements to accommodate everyone.

How can I learn more or stay updated?

Visit the official MAL website or follow their social media channels for updates, announcements, and additional information.

Can I book a room at the host hotel without buying event tickets?

No. Hotel rooms at the host hotel are only reservable in conjunction with event ticket purchases and are coordinated by event organizers. Room reservations made through third-party websites or made without the purchase of event tickets will not be honored.