If you belong to one of the 70.000 lucky people who scored a ticket for Burning Man – one of the most popular art festivals in Nevada, USA – you are in for a treat! Yet, with so much happening 24/7 in Black Rock City, it can feel a little overwhelming to choose your activities. To prevent burning Man FOMO – here’s an overview of the top 10 experiences NOT to miss at Burning Man.
And for those who want to get an overview first and learn what Burning Man is all about and why you should go – then this article is for you!
1. Watch the Man Burn
Join the crowds on Saturday night, filled with anticipation and excitement for the man to burn. You may want to jump on one of the art cars that line up in a big circle or get closer to the centre of the action. While waiting, enjoy the entertaining fire ceremony – showcasing fire-twirlers, music and fireworks before the man is set on fire. You will feel the heat building up as the man catches fire and then watch the flames reach high into the sky. Security will let you know when it’s safe to approach the ashes. Time to take off your clothes and dance around the remainder of the man. One year someone offered us yummy s’mores grilled over the ashes – what a treat!
2. Get up into the air to see the festival from above
Trust me, it is so worth getting up before dawn (or simply staying up a bit longer) and head straight to the airport. Make sure you have a bicycle available to cover the distance to the airport which is located outside the outer skirts of the main area. Even if you get there before 5 am, chances are that you may find other burners waiting for the pilots to arrive. These incredible folks generously gift the experience of seeing Burning Man from a bird’s perspective. While on the ground, it may be at times difficult to find your way around and make sense of it all. Yet, once in the air, you recognise the clock like structure with the man in the centre point that the festival is built around. What a thrill to see the different camps, art installations from above. Be prepared for the happy hormones to flood your system. And please leave any sense of entitlement behind – there will be days where flights simply won’t happen. So just come back the next day!
3. Let the silence speak on the night of the temple burn
On Sunday night the vibes visibly shift from party mood to a more reflective, contemplating mood. This is the time to remember those who are no longer with us. Time to let go of things that no longer serve us. In silence, watch the temple burn and feel a sense of completion, coming to a full circle after 8 days of craziness.
4. Explore the deep Playa on a bicycle
Grab a communal bike and ride out into the deep playa (Spanish for beach referring to the open space beyond the campground) until you reach a fence. Yes, there’s a massive fence marking the festival area. Well, the reality is that its main purpose is to keep people out (but you may attract security if you attempt to jump the fence as there are high tech cameras monitoring the area). Go there at night to stare into nothingness, contemplating the beautiful stars. Also highly recommended when looking for peace and (almost) quiet when in need to get away from it all for a little while.
5. Climb on top of one of the structures at sunset
Pick your favourite tower or other (stable!) structure and make yourself comfortable while watching the mountains change colours. Experience the change of atmosphere when the sun bathes the festival into a warm light. And don’t hesitate to join the howling crowds when the last rays of light disappear behind the mountains.
6. Freshen up in a steam bath, sauna or head to the foam party
After days and days without showers, it’s time to wash off those layers of dust and sweat and rejuvenate your body. There are a few options on offer: My all-time favourite is the popular foam party where one gets hosed and rinsed in groups of 50+. Expect to wait in line for some time before being admitted to the party. Yet, it is so worth the wait and also a lot of fun to stay for the after party – clothing optional. If you opt for the more relaxed version, head to the lavender lounge where you get pampered with lavender spray and lotion while waiting to enter the steam room. For those who love the heat, opt for the original Finnish Sauna that reaches temperatures of more than 90 degrees Celsius (close to 200 Fahrenheit)! If you are lucky, the Finnish guys may run a special Vodka edition (with the alcohol instantly entering your system which I wasn’t aware of at the time). It’s such an incredible feeling when you exit the sauna and the ‘cooling’ winds of “only” 40 degrees Celsius hit your body.
7. Listen to the Burning Man Symphony Orchestra
Imagine yourself sitting in the shade of the temple on a sunny day. With your eyes closed, you listen to the magical sounds of a symphony orchestra playing the most wonderful songs. You are invited to sing along and enjoy an angel like sound filling the playa. Be prepared to be moved to tears.
8. Expand your horizon and join one of the many workshops
When entering the festival, you will be handed a booklet that shows all the events and workshops. Take your time to flip through it and pick the classes that spark your interest. This is your opportunity to learn new things and grow. There are countless activities on offer ranging from yoga, meditation, dance, massage, sound healing to tantric workshops. Push your boundaries and tap into a new world.
9. Gather at the temple for sunrise
Welcome the new day at the temple along with other sun-gazers. You will notice straight away who has been up all night and who has just risen. Let the first rays of sun warm up your body after a long and cold night (yes, it can get very cold at night – after all, you are in the desert where the temperature reaches its low just before dawn). I personally love these moments where most of the music goes silent for a little while.
10. Dance the night away
Hop onto an Art Car and drift into the deep playa while dancing the night away. Or join the ballroom dancing stage where you Segway to the next dancer if that’s more to your liking. I guarantee that you will find your favourite music playing – whether that is going to be in the Jazz basement, Rock Club, Blues Cafe, Salsa venue or Techno stage.
