Black Rock Desert, Nevada, United States
Burning Man
A temporary city of about 70,000 people on a dry lakebed, built around art, gifting, and self-reliance, then packed out without a trace.
The straight answer
Burning Man runs for about nine days from the last Sunday of August through Labor Day Monday every year in Nevada's Black Rock Desert.
Burning Man runs from the last Sunday of August through Labor Day, about nine days, on the playa of the Black Rock Desert in northwest Nevada, a dry lakebed a couple of hours north of Reno. For that week, around 70,000 participants build Black Rock City, a temporary town laid out in a giant arc with streets, camps, art, and an airport, and then take it all away again.
It began on a San Francisco beach in 1986 with the burning of a wooden figure and moved to the desert in 1990. Today it is run by the nonprofit Burning Man Project and guided by ten principles, including radical self-reliance, gifting, decommodification, and leaving no trace. In practice that means almost nothing is for sale on the playa, and you must bring everything you need to survive.
The environment is serious. Days often reach the 90s F (32C or more) with intense sun, nights can drop into the 40s F (around 7C), and dust storms can create whiteouts. Rain is rare, but when it comes, the playa turns into sticky mud that can stop all vehicle traffic, as it did in 2023.
The event, explained
Art is the heart of it. Large installations spread across the open playa, many built to be climbed or burned, and hundreds of art cars, known as mutant vehicles, roam day and night. Theme camps offer gifts: music, workshops, food, bars, and experiences, all free.
The Man, a large wooden figure at the center of the city, burns on Saturday night in a huge celebration. The Temple, a place for grief and remembrance, burns on Sunday night in near silence, and for many it is the most powerful moment of the week.
The culture expects participation. Visitors are expected to contribute, to clean up after themselves, and to pack out every scrap, known as MOOP, matter out of place. Ice is the famous exception to the no-commerce rule.
How to play it right
- 01Get tickets in the main sale, usually held in the spring, along with a vehicle pass if you are driving. Demand varies year to year, so do not count on resale; a low-income ticket program exists.
- 02Plan for self-sufficiency: at least 1.5 gallons of water per person per day, food, shade structures, shelter that can handle wind, and dust protection with goggles and a mask.
- 03Expect long lines at the gate and at exodus. Leaving on Monday or Tuesday can mean waiting many hours in traffic; leaving early or late can save time.
- 04Consider the Burner Express bus from Reno or San Francisco to avoid driving, or fly into Reno and rent supplies there. Reno stores stock up on camping gear before the event.
- 05Join a theme camp for shared infrastructure, which makes it far easier for first-timers.
With kids in tow
- Children are allowed with tickets, and there is a dedicated family area, Kidsville, where family camps set up together.
- The heat, dust, noise, and adult content make it challenging for kids. Families should plan carefully with shade, hydration, and eye and ear protection.
- Many families go only with experienced campmates and bring bikes with lights for children to move around safely at night.
Book your stay for Burning Man.
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- Hotels for August
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Burning ManOpens a hotel search for Burning Man in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Burning ManWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Burning ManTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Burning Man for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Burning Man, quick answers
When is Burning Man?
From the last Sunday of August through Labor Day, the first Monday of September, about nine days in total.
Where is Burning Man held?
In the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada, a couple of hours north of Reno, on a dry lakebed known as the playa.
Can you buy things at Burning Man?
Almost nothing is for sale; the event is built on gifting and self-reliance. Ice is the famous exception. Bring everything you need.
What is the weather like at Burning Man?
Hot days, often in the 90s F (32C or more), and cool nights, sometimes in the 40s F (around 7C). Dust storms are common, and rare rain can turn the playa to mud.
When does the Man burn?
On Saturday night near the end of the event. The Temple burns on Sunday night, the final night before exodus.
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