(Also known as burning man festival , festival in the desert, blackrock city festival, burning man Nevada, nude festival, naked festival, Nevada festival, Nevada naked festival)
40,000 people none the same with 1 thing in common, changing their perspective. Entire life perspectives change in a glimpse as this herd of people converge on the nothingness of the desert. An entire city is built for 1 week each year, this is built on something different. Not the desert but the spirit that allows people to enter this festival and step back from the rat race. There is a new theme each year to ensure that none of the creative genius’s ever repeat themselves. The theme for 2007 is the green man……
When August 27 until September 3, it usually falls on the week before labor day.
Where Blackrock City Nevada at Playa of the Black Rock desert 90 miles North of Reno. However exact location can change from year to year.
Why It is can’t be explained only experienced. It all began on a beach in San Francisco in 1986 with a crew of about 80 burners.
Tickets can be bought at the gate (I did this and got ripped off) if you are looking to go then apply online (the website is below) it is a lot cheaper but buy early.
Self –expression is high on the agenda and people are encouraged to be as creative as possible. Most people build art, paint art decorate day to day objects and then burn them.
This is what separates Burning Man Festival from any other festival on earth. The artist must make a sacrifice. It’s real it’s raw. The line from the film Fight Club “I wanted to destroy something beautiful” come to mind. But the dancing of flames into the desert night at the festival can be the most beautiful art of all.
This desert festival is organised chaos. While you are told you can do as you please you must respect the health, safety, and experience of the community at large.There is no guidelines for this. It’s up to each burner to decide what their role will be in the community.
The event takes place on an ancient lakebed, called the playa. A month after the event has ended - there is no trace of Blackrock city. All the enthusiasts and volunteers have left.
Art is to the forefront of the festival. So much so that Founder Larry Harvey gives a new theme every year to bond the participants. The theme for this year is the green man.
Participants are asked to give life to the theme with large pieces of art and theme camps. Some of the most breathtaking art can be created by using everyday inanimate objects.
There are more then 2000 Burning Man Festival volunteers every year. If you have the time you can apply at
Burning Man Jobs
Who This applies to everyone, however under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Make sure you have explained what to expect because the shock of something so unique can have different effects on people, least of all adolescents. Drugs and nudity are everywhere so young ‘uns be warned.
What to bring I persuaded a girl to loan me her bike for a few kisses…and that made life very easy getting from A2B, I would strongly recommend bringing a bike (with a light for nighttime) to get around Blackrock City. Radical Self reliance is paramount to survival in the desert so make sure you have enough necessities and also gifts which you may want to give to people.
On the festival's official website there is a recommended checklist of what to bring. Also they won't let you in at the gates if you don't have an adequate food, drink and other supplies listed on the website.
What to wear Anything or nothing. Nudity is encouraged, not down with that ? body paint, costumes and any type of self expression is encouraged.
Some people go to extreme lengths to be safe & seen on their bicycles at night !
Where to drink Wherever you want. Walk around, float from bar to bar - the Deep End, The Purple Palace, it's all good.
In 2005 the bar known as The Sunrise Saloon took a lot of attention and changed it's name to the Tikila Sunrise Bar in 2006. The same crazy guys (Bojon see photo above) will be hosting the Siberian Sunrise Bar in 2007 - ask for Brian, tell him Conor from Ireland says HI ! or tell him you saw him on festivalpig.com !
The Gay Scene Homosexual activity is pretty high at the Burning Man Festival. Don’t look so shocked ! People are open to express themselves and experiment.
Getting There It’s possible to carpool ! go to the official website and apply to carpool to Burning Man Festival.
Blackrock city is at an altitude of 4000 feet so daytime temperatures can reach 100 degrees whilst it can drop to 35 degrees at night. Bring heavy and light clothes. Sunglasses are a must. Bring at least 1.5 gallons of water for each day and watch for dust storms.
Festival Pig Fact For 1 week Blackrock is Nevadas fifth largest city. Blackrock City also has America's only temporary post office for the duration of the Burning Man Festival.
There is also pizza delivery, an airport, 2 newspapers & radio stations.