What is Burning Man?
Burning Man explained: History, Principles, Survival Tips, and more
Time to Read ~ 6 minutes
Article Summary: Burning Man is an annual gathering in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. It isn’t a traditional music festival—there are no official lineups or stages. Instead, it is a temporary city guided by the 10 Principles, emphasizing participation, creativity, and community. This guide explains its history, core values, survival essentials, and how you can attend.
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The Origins of Burning Man
Burning Man began in 1986 on San Francisco’s Baker Beach, when Larry Harvey and roughly 30 of his friends burned a wooden effigy. By the early 1990s, the gathering moved to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, where it has grown into “Black Rock City”—a temporary metropolis of nearly 80,000 attendees each year.
The 10 Principles of Burning Man
Burning Man is shaped by 10 guiding principles:
1. Radical Inclusion
2. Gifting
3. Decommodification
4. Radical Self-Reliance
5. Radical Self-Expression
6. Communal Effort
7. Civic Responsibility
8. Leaving No Trace
9. Participation
10. Immediacy
These principles influence everything from large-scale art installations to how participants interact.
What to Expect
Unlike mainstream EDM festivals such as Tomorrowland or EDC, Burning Man has no official lineup or headliners. Instead, participants create the experience through monumental art, themed camps, and mutant vehicles roaming the desert.
Music is a major presence, with sound camps and DJs playing around the clock—but they are organized by the community, not by official festival promoters.
How to Attend
Burning Man typically runs from late August through early September in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Tickets are released in several phases, requiring an online Burner Profile.
Attendees must prepare for full self-reliance: bring food, water (at least 1.5 gallons per person, per day), shade, and durable camping gear.
Planning to attend? Check out our Festival Camping Guide.
Survival & Safety Basics
The desert environment is part of the challenge. Key considerations include:
– Dust storms: Goggles and masks are essential.
– Extreme weather: Temperature can exceed 100°F; nights could freezing.
– Leave No Trace: Nothing can remain on the playa.
– Connectivity: Cell service is limited ; plan meeting points or consider radios.
See our festival safety guide for additional preparation.
Participation & Accessibility
Burning Man is not a spectator event—it is built by those who attend. Ways to participate include:
– Joining a theme camp
– Volunteering with groups like the Lamplighters
– Contributing to large-scale art projects
– Hosting workshops or performances
The event also provides resources for families and attendees with disabilities, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
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