Burning Man 2026 Schedule
Key dates, events, and the daily rhythm of life in Black Rock City.
Key dates, events, and the daily rhythm of life in Black Rock City.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 24 (Sun) | Gate Opens | General admission begins. Expect long lines — arrive with patience and supplies. |
| Aug 24–25 | Early Arrival & Setup | Set up camp, explore the city layout, meet neighbors. Theme camps begin activating. |
| Aug 25–29 | Full Festival | Art installations open, sound camps active, workshops, performances, and community events throughout the city. |
| Aug 30 (Sat) | The Man Burns | The iconic burning of the Man structure. Massive fire performance, fireworks, and celebration. Typically begins at dusk. |
| Aug 31 (Sun) | Temple Burn | A solemn, emotional ceremony. The Temple is burned in silence as participants reflect and release. A deeply moving experience. |
| Sep 1 (Mon) | Exodus | Pack up, clean your camp (Leave No Trace!), and prepare for the long drive out. Expect 6-12 hour exodus lines. |
Sunrise yoga sessions on the playa. Early risers explore art installations in the cool morning air. Center Camp Cafe opens for coffee (one of the few things you can buy). Many camps serve breakfast to passersby.
Peak heat — seek shade and hydrate heavily. Workshops, talks, and interactive camps are active. Dust storms are most common in the afternoon. Art cars cruise the playa. Many participants rest during the hottest hours.
Golden hour brings the city to life. Art installations illuminate, sound camps start pumping, fire performances begin. The playa transforms into a neon wonderland. This is prime exploration time.
The deep playa comes alive with massive sound systems, art car parades, and spontaneous gatherings. The Milky Way is visible overhead. Some of the most magical experiences happen in these hours. Dress warmly — desert nights are cold.
Burning Man does not have a fixed schedule like a traditional festival. There are no headliners or set times. Events are organized by participants and listed in the annual "What Where When" guide, distributed at the gate. The beauty of Burning Man is in the spontaneous discovery.