Burning Man

Burning Man builds Black Rock City, a temporary city on the playa of the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, from Sunday 29 August to Monday 6 September 2027 (Labor Day). The 2027 theme is Spellbound. The event runs on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, under a Special Recreation Permit.

Tickets

Ticket sale dates for 2027 have not been announced. In 2026 the sales were the Main Sale (registration required), the Stewards Sale, the OMG Sale and Ticket Aid for people on limited incomes, with prices from $550 plus tax and fees and a Vehicle Pass at $165. Tickets resold above face value are cancelled; use the official STEP exchange. Children aged 12 and under go free with a ticketed parent but need a free Kids Ticket, and under-18s must be with a parent or guardian over 21.

Radical self-reliance

You are responsible for your own survival. Bring at least 1.5 US gallons (about 5.7 litres) of water per person per day, plus goggles and a dust mask for sudden whiteouts; days routinely top 100°F (38°C) and nights can fall to the 40s°F. Nothing is sold except ice, there is no rubbish collection (pack out everything: Leave No Trace) and dogs are not allowed. It is camping and RVs only, with no hookups.

Accessibility

Burning Man describes Black Rock City as wheelchair friendly, with accessible portable toilets and ASL interpreters at Playa Info; Mobility Camp lends wheelchairs, crutches and scooters, and accessibility vehicle permits are handled through dmv@burningman.org.

• Black Rock City itself: camping and RVs only (no hookups, no outside RV delivery); bring everything you need, as only ice is sold.
• Reno: the usual supply stop and the Burner Express departure point, about 3 hours' drive from the playa.

Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), about 127 miles away; the drive takes roughly 3 hours via I-80 east to Wadsworth and SR 447 north through Gerlach, with Black Rock City 8 miles beyond. Burning Man's own Burner Express Bus leaves from the Reno airport terminal and San Francisco (BRC ticket and photo ID needed), and Burner Express Air flies from Reno, the Bay Area and Southern California; 2027 sales usually open in May. Reno is the usual supply stop; we don't have a Reno guide yet, see our USA guide.

Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights.

• Before you go, read the UK government's FCDO travel advice for the United States (entry requirements, safety and local laws).
• Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights and live alerts.