Not Just for the Young
The point is, Burning Man does something to people that is inexplicable, but inescapable.  For those of us in the so-called twilight of our lives, it has the potential to add quality if not quantity to your days on earth.  In fact, seniors probably have the most to gain from attending [...]

Self-Reliance and Rugged Individualism

Going to Burning Man is like returning to the days when America was known for individualism, self-reliance and an antithesis to rules and regulations.  You prepare yourself as the pioneers did, packing all of your own food, water and supplies.  There are no landline services to the Playa, so power is [...]

It’s the Economy Stupid

Not since Adam Smith has an economic model been turned on its head so thoroughly.  Burning Man is a “gifting” economy.  There are only two things for sale – ice and coffee (or tea if you so choose).  Otherwise, everything is free – or gifted in the parlance of Black Rock [...]

What Is Burning Man?
Burning Man is a celebration of self-expression.  That makes descriptions of the Festival problematical since it leaves a unique impression on each of the 40,000 attendees (or citizens, as we were called).  For me, it first seemed mostly about the art.  But eventually it became an adventure in risk-taking and stepping outside [...]

A few hours after you arrive at Black Rock City, a new mood takes hold.  You pull on an outrageous outfit, set a propeller beanie cap on your head, and discard your inhibitions.  You’ve become one with Burning Man, the yearly anything-goes celebration of being whoever you want to be for one week in the [...]