Burning Man is a commitment—of time (a week-plus), planning (camping gear, costumes, food, etc.), cash (tickets starting at $575 each, not including taxes and fees), and your very body (to the elements: wind, dust, heat, and cold of the remote, northern Nevada desert affectionately dubbed ‘the playa’).
However, Burners (as they call themselves) will tell you that the commitment is rewarded in abundance once you arrive at Black Rock City, Nevada, the temporary metropolis that houses 70,000 souls each year around Labor Day. Because, as they say, the playa provides.
The storied festival returns this year after two long years dark due to the pandemic. This year’s theme is Waking Dreams. Read on to discover what you’ll find on the playa.
What Does Burning Man’s Playa Provide?
A Culture of Gifting
Two paradoxical refrains often heard at Burning Man are ‘radical self-reliance’ and ‘the playa provides.’ Radical self-reliance encourages you to bring everything you need and leave nothing behind. Conversely, the playa providing embodies the festival’s spirit of giving. No money exchanges hands at Burning Man (with rare exceptions for ice and coffee). Thus, nearly anything you might want could surprisingly appear when you need it most. Whether it’s a physical, spiritual, or psychological need, the playa has your back.
Pro-tip: Think of something you’d want to gift and bring plenty of it. Hand sanitizers, Pop-Tarts—the choices are endless, and participating in the culture of gifting enhances the experience.
Music
Whether up close or resonating from a distance, the techno rhythm is so ubiquitous that silence can feel odd. Burning Man caters to all musical tastes, from intimate gatherings to large makeshift clubs hosting thousands. Dance is a significant part of the experience, with many Burners grooving day and night to famous DJs and bands.
Alternatively, you might enjoy music performed by lesser-known DJs on roaming ‘art cars’ styled like pirate ships or giant sheep, cruising the playa like ocean liners in the desert.
Pro-Tip: Bring earplugs if you want to catch up on sleep amidst the music.
Art
With around 410 official art installations and many more unofficial creations spread throughout the festival, there’s an abundance to witness at almost every turn. Artists range from world-renowned figures to eager newcomers, with creations often themed around the yearly festival theme.
The festival’s most iconic art piece is the namesake man, situated at the geographic center of Black Rock City. This multistory wooden effigy is set ablaze at the festival’s end, enveloped by fire dancers, art cars, and nearly the entire population of Black Rock City.
Pro-Tip: Bring a bike to fully experience all the art and music—after all, the playa is vast!
Food
Experiences like finding an omelet offered by a stranger are common at Burning Man, showcasing the spirit of gifting that permeates the festival. The offerings range widely, from crêpes to ramen, enhancing your daily sustenance amidst the desert environment.
Pro-Tip: When rationing your own non-perishable food for the week, remove excess packaging and prepare what you can ahead of time for easy reheating. Remember, you must take out all trash you bring in.
Drink
The playa offers diverse drink options, as many camps host bars as their contribution to the community. Some may rival upscale bars back home, with unique offerings like torched bacon for Bloody Marys. It’s vital to bring your own cup adhering to Burning Man’s ‘leave no trace’ ethos and proof of age if you hope to partake in the communal drinking experience.
Pro-tip: Remember, there is no running water in the desert. Each person must bring a minimum of one gallon of water per day, not just for drinking but also for occasional washing.
Clothing and Personal Care
Even if you believe you’ve packed enough clothing, there is always room for more expression. Many camps host clothing exchanges, allowing participants to take items they desire or leave what they no longer need. Dust can be overwhelming, so bringing a bandana or dust mask and protective goggles is crucial. Don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
Companionship, Spirituality, and Freedom
If you gain nothing else from Burning Man, these insights are fundamental. The very ethos of Burning Man revolves around shared experiences, radical acceptance, and self-reliance.
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Be kind. You never know who you might connect with or share a profound moment. These encounters may linger with you long after.
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Respect others. The Temple, a significant structure at the festival, invites participants to leave behind their worries, often culminating in poignant expressions of release during the Temple Burn.
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Put down your phone. This is perhaps the festival’s greatest gift: the freedom to detach from daily life and reinvent yourself without judgment.
Pro-tip: Embrace the freedom of the experience—you’ll truly understand the essence of Burning Man.
This article reflects experiences and insights relevant to Burning Man, focusing on creativity, community, and expression in an unparalleled environment.
