Everything you need to know about Burning Man, from a seasoned three-time attendee

Burning Man offers an incredible blend of magic, surprises, profound experiences, and challenges unlike any other.

Trust me, I speak from experience—I've attended three times.

There’s truly no venue like “the playa,” the vast dry lakebed where the annual festival—a fusion of music, art, and spiritual awakening—unfolds.

Beginning in 1986 with just 10 individuals burning an 8-foot wooden figure on San Francisco’s Baker Beach, Burning Man has transformed into a colossal gathering of art and music, drawing around 80,000 participants each year to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert during Labor Day (August 25 to September 2 in 2024). It’s a common refrain that “Burning Man used to be cooler.”

I can assure you, it’s still absolutely incredible.

It's important to understand that Burning Man isn’t something you can decide on a whim. You’ll need a ticket (which you should have already since they sell out almost immediately each year) and enough supplies to last the week. All of this can be quite pricey: $575 (plus taxes and fees) for the ticket alone, along with transportation to the playa, lodging, and several days’ worth of food, water, sunscreen, and other necessities.

As someone who has experienced it and plans to return, I can say it’s worth every dollar. If my excitement is inspiring, here are some essential tips as you get ready for Burning Man 2024.

1. Don’t anticipate luxury camping

You may have seen stories about celebrities and tech moguls enjoying lavish experiences on the playa. However, arriving at Burning Man in a luxurious RV with gourmet meals is not just looked down upon; the organization now prohibits third-party deliveries of trailers and supplies, and has previously expelled some “plug-and-play” camps that offer all-inclusive amenities for a hefty fee. Be ready to embrace a bit of discomfort.

Choosing between an RV or a tent is your decision. I’ve experienced both: while an RV offers more comfort, it comes at a steep price, and rentals fill up fast. If you opt for a tent, ensure it has deep stakes to withstand dust storms, as they can easily blow away.

Before you head out, be sure to review Burning Man’s official Survival Guide.

2. Become part of a camp – and a community

A fantastic way to immerse yourself in the experience is by joining a camp; there’s one for just about everything. For example, my camp, Electric Cheese Land, hosts cheese-themed events, like Swiss raclette accompanied by yodeling. Other camps offer live concerts, free showers, or serve endless drinks in Old West-style saloons (don’t forget a reusable cup with a lid if you want to enjoy). In a single day, you might find yourself getting a portrait of your genitals, participating in a hockey tournament, and grabbing poutine at midnight. Anything truly goes.

While you can choose to set up your tent outside the city limits, joining a camp offers immediate community – and seasoned Burners enjoy experiencing it through the eyes of newcomers. Additionally, being part of a camp can make it easier to secure tickets in the future, as well-regarded camps (those that keep their area tidy and contribute to the event) receive direct group-sale passes for the following year.

If you’re interested in joining one, here’s the complete list (from 2023) of registered camps, complete with contact details.

3. Embrace the culture of gifting

I’ve lost track of how many times people unfamiliar with Burning Man have mistakenly claimed it’s a bartering system. You won’t need to trade favors for a beer, nor do you have to give a sticker to see Diplo DJing on an art car.

Burning Man operates on the principle that everyone is a participant—no artist or creator, regardless of their fame, is on a higher pedestal than anyone else. Some contribute by making art, delivering hot pizza at 3am (I’ve witnessed it), offering airplane rides, or misting you with lavender water.

If you plan to join in the gift-giving, embody the festival’s ethos by focusing on practical, consumable, and creative gifts that minimize waste.

4. The playa will provide everything...except water

One item that’s almost never gifted is water; you’re expected to bring your own. “Radical self-reliance” is one of the core Burning Man’s 10 Principles, so be sure to come with 1.5 gallons of drinking water for each day (more if you plan to shower). Always carry a bottle or hydration pack whenever you leave your camp. Electrolyte drinks like coconut water or Gatorade powder mixed in a jug can also aid in staying hydrated. As the saying goes at Burning Man: “Piss clear.”

5. You’ll need a bike

Burning Man is much larger than most people realize. It could take you hours to walk from your camp to the far reaches of “deep playa,” especially if you want to engage with all the stunning artwork along the way.

Rent or bring your own bike (preferably with thicker tires), and under no circumstances plan to leave it behind in the desert after packing up. Additionally, remember to bring a combination lock, as bike theft does happen during the festival.

6. Unleash your creativity

At Burning Man, you can be whoever you wish to be, so pack outfits that truly reflect your best self. Whether it’s a neon wig, a sparkly captain’s coat, or a sorcerer’s hat—anything goes! Just make sure to include a variety of clothing, especially warmer layers for chilly nights (fuzzy onesies are great since you can easily remove them when the sun rises). Avoid glitter, loose sequins, and feathers, as they’ll shed and create MOOP (“matter out of place”—essentially trash on the playa).

Looking to refresh your wardrobe while on the playa? Camps like Kostume Kult offer free outfits.

7. Illuminate your experience

The playa at night resembles a lunar video game: tens of thousands of people cycling around, mutant vehicles shooting flames, and music blaring from every direction. To avoid being labeled a “darkwad” (Burning Man lingo for those without lights), bring plenty of LED lights and EL wire to adorn your outfits, bags, and bike.

8. Embrace spontaneity

When you arrive at the event, you’ll receive a booklet detailing activities for the week—from salsa dancing to free ice cream to seminars on polyamory and BDSM. While it’s tempting to meticulously plan your week, make sure to leave room for spontaneity. It’s during exploration (especially solo!) that the real magic occurs, creating unforgettable memories.

9. Give your phone a break

There’s no cell service or Wi-Fi on the playa, so don’t expect to keep your family updated daily or check the news. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect from the “default” world.

Regarding your phone: avoid taking pictures of everything. The dust can reduce the quality, and some people may not want their photos shared online. If you want to photograph someone specific, always ask for their permission first.

10. Keep weed private and drink responsibly

While cannabis is legal in Nevada, it is forbidden at Burning Man since the event occurs on federal land. There are undercover officers posing as festival-goers who can remove you if caught.

And consider limiting how much alcohol you bring for yourself. If you plan to drink, there are many camps that offer free alcohol. Plus, overindulging can lead to dehydration.

11. Experience a sunrise set

No matter how much you try, you’ll never do or see it all at Burning Man. However, you should definitely catch a sunrise set at least once. I once spent the night dancing on the playa and witnessed a guy passionately singing “Hallelujah” on top of a yellow submarine as the sun rose. It was possibly the best moment of my life.

On mornings when I want to catch the sunrise, I prefer to take a late nap after dinner, when it’s cooler, then set my alarm to wake up around 11 PM.

12. Expect dust in unexpected places

The dust in the Black Rock Desert is unlike the sand found at the beach. This alkaline dust clings to everything and gets into every crack and crevice. The only way to remove it is with intense scrubbing or vinegar, and showers are limited during your week at Burning Man.

So take good care of your skin. Quality chapstick and high SPF sunscreen are essential. Some also bring eye drops (especially those with contact lenses) and essential oils or salves for dry noses and cuticles.

Goggles and face masks or bandanas can help shield you during inevitable dust storms. Always wear closed-toe boots or shoes—bare feet or sandals can lead to painful “playa foot” rashes.

13. Be prepared for a midweek meltdown

Even if you stay sober, the heat, dust, and constant social interactions can be overwhelming, often leading to a meltdown around Tuesday or Wednesday if you’re there for the full week. I’ve witnessed many tears and shed my own as well. When these tough feelings arise, make sure to hydrate and take some quiet time at your camp (or in a calmer one if yours is pumping music).

If your meltdown occurs while you’re on psychedelics or other substances, the Zendo Project offers a safe space with trained professionals who can help you navigate through it.

14. Leave a mark in the temple

On the final night, a hush falls over the playa as the magnificent Temple is set ablaze, signifying the event's conclusion. The Temple holds a solemn and spiritual significance for many, regardless of their beliefs, and visiting it before it is burned is often a highlight of the experience. If you wish to honor someone or something, bring a photo or write a note to leave on the Temple walls.

15. Practice leave no trace

Don’t just discard your beer cans or food wrappers in the dust, expecting someone else to clean up after you. You’ll face judgment. Burning Man is a privilege, and it won’t continue if the playa isn’t preserved in its original state each year. Bring out everything you bring in and dispose of it responsibly. Leave no trace – seriously.

Here’s a list of locations for disposing of your trash after the event.