Lamplighters offer an opportunity to serve unlike any other
Every night, hundreds of volunteers gather to perform a sacred ritual almost as old as the Man himself – lighting Black Rock City. We prepare hundreds of kerosene lanterns, dress in traditional robes, then process through the city, hanging lamps on spires where they will burn through the night. For over thirty years the iconic lamps have been beacons of the spirit of Burning Man, and one of the most recognizable symbols of community and participation on Playa.
What Lamplighters Do
Our pillars are Illumination, Navigation and Celebration.
When you volunteer with Lamplighters, you join a beautiful piece of participatory art, engage in a reverent and venerated ceremony, provide a valuable service to the City, and support a time-honored tradition – all as part of a proud and respected community. Lamplighters is a unique and special experience that we are confident you will find fun and rewarding.
There are two different ways to become a part of it: Volunteer or Join the Lamplighters Village.
Everyone is welcome!
It is incredibly easy to join the magic of Lamplighting, No signing up ahead of time, no shift schedules, no stress. YOU can light the City!
- No experience of any kind is needed, we are kid-friendly, and love Burgins and veterans alike.
- The whole process takes between 2-3 hours – depending on which route you are on – and you will be back before dark.
- You don’t need to bring anything other than what you would normally bring for a few hours out on the Playa
- There are different roles with varying levels of difficulty and physical demands, all involving walking and carrying. We will help you find the best fit.
- Robes are provided
How to Volunteer
Just show up at the Lamplighter Lounge
Come to 6:45 and Esplanade at around 5 PM, any night from Sunday to Saturday (on Burn night we start an hour earlier). You are welcome and encouraged to join our Procession Party that kicks off around 3. Always themed – check the WhatWhereWhen – there are drinks and snacks and it is a great way to get in the Lamplighter spirit!
If you have not yet done so, please fill out the Volunteer Questionnaire and select ‘Lamplighter’. If you already have and want more info you can email lightthecity@burningman.org
Lamplighting is a great camp or group activity
Groups can sign up pre-event. Find a time for your camp to join us.
or email lightthecity@burningman.org
You’re invited to join Lamplighters Village
If all of this sounds like something you want to take to the next level, then joining the Lamplighter Village might be for you.
In the spirit of Burning Man, we are a radically inclusive and wildly diverse camp. Lamplighters come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life and all over the world. We work hard to ensure that all of our Villagers feel welcome, included and safe. We are a family friendly camp, and while it is common to meet Lamplighters with 15 or more years with the camp, we welcome new Villagers every year.
We are a large camp, usually around 150 Villagers, located on the Esplanade in the heart of Black Rock City (BRC). Our camp includes a huge shaded Lounge with a bar, abundant comfy seating and an elevated viewing area. The Lounge is open 21 hours a day, staffed by Villagers, and hosts a variety of events and nightly parties throughout Burn week. Dinner is provided for all Villagers following the nightly procession and Villagers have full access to the bar.
Lamplighters is a service camp that provides a BRC utility and is expected to do so every night. Lighting the City is a massive undertaking that requires more than 100 people to happen, so all Villagers are expected to participate every night of Burn week. It is hard work and a lot of it, but some of the most enjoyable and rewarding work you will ever do. You will still have ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the Burn, but might find yourself spending lots of time in the best camp on Playa! For more information or to express interest in camping in Lamplighter Village email us at lamplighters@burningman.org.
Lamplighters is a dedicated, supportive and joyful community that takes pride in what we do. We have a saying:
Come for the lamps, stay for the people.