First-Timer’s Guide

Burning Man is not a festival. Burning Man is a community and global cultural movement guided by 10 practical Principles. Together, we build Black Rock City, a participatory, temporary city in Nevada, USA. The global Burning Man community also co-creates Regional Events in more than 35 countries around the world.

We don’t book acts or provide entertainment. What happens here is up to you! There is no corporate sponsorship. You are entering a “decommodified” space where participants value who you are, not what you have. There are no spectators! You are expected to participate, collaborate, be inclusive, creative, connective and clean up after yourself.

Wondering where to begin? Here are some resources to help you get started.


Get Involved

The power of every Burning Man experience is held by each member of the community. It requires everyone to do their part.

Trojan Horse; pull (Photo by Andy Pischalnikoff)

Ways to Participate

Burning Man is the sum total of the activities of its participants. How you participate is as unlimited as your imagination.

Connect with Spark!
Working on a project and looking for help? Got skills and resources and want to work on a project? Connect through Spark, our online system facilitating creative collaborations in our community.\

Connect in Burning Man Hive!

Burning Man Hive is a new virtual space for the Burning Man community and the Burner-curious to share their skills and knowledge, to learn from one another, and to support each other’s work in the world. Join from your Burner Profile and start connecting with other Burners now. Join for free using your Burner Profile! Some great places to start are the interactive orientation Touching Down Course, the Virgin Burner Guide created by a fellow newbie RayC, the Matchmaker Group to connect new Burners with existing camps, and Ask a Burner to seek guidance from seasoned Burners. There is also the Black Rock City 2022 Topic for all-things related to BRC 2022.


Survive and Thrive

Burning Man sets a high bar for creating community under extreme conditions. Learn how to meet it — or even raise it.

Burning Man Survival Guide

Mandatory reading for all Burning Man participants, this guide tells you everything you need to know about how to survive and enjoy the event. Read up and be prepared.

Marque Cornblatt’s WaterBoy project, 2005

Staying Informed

Subscribe to the Jackrabbit Speaks newsletter so you don’t miss out. The JRS is Burning Man Project’s official newsletter. In addition to year-round information about the growing community and culture of Burning Man, it includes important up-to-date information about preparing for Black Rock City.

You can also subscribe to the Burning Man Journal, which is the digital “paper record” for all of Burning Man culture. Beyond Burning Man is a collection of community musings on creative culture, impact, and innovation on Medium.

Leaving No Trace

Leaving No Trace and care for the environment are fundamental values of the Burning Man community. We have always believed deeply in leaving a place in better condition than we found it in.

  • Greening Your Burn
    Learn how to reduce your environmental impact at Black Rock City and beyond.

Explore the Culture

Our values and principles set Burning Man apart from other events and communities.

10 Principles — Radical Inclusion (Photo by Mario Covic)

The 10 Principles

The ten core guiding tenents of Burning Man.

Event FAQ

Important answers to frequently asked questions.

The Regional Network

Looking to get involved with your local Burning Man community? Explore the global Burning Man Regional Network and find out what’s going on in-person and virtually right near you all year round. Your local community may host Burner meet-ups or newbie events that can help you learn the ropes.