First Timer to Burning Man

[blauerisse]

Hello all,
This is going to be my first time at Burning Man and I am not quite sure what I will need on my trip. So I was wondering if there are any experienced Burning Man goers who could give me some insider information on what would make this trip go smoothly. Any tidbit would be helpful.

I am also wondering where are some good places to find costumes and light up stuff, or if anyone has any if they would be willing to sell or donate any items.

And if anyone has a bike that would work for Burning Man let me know

-Dominique

[Barry]

To start with, in addition to Goodwill and the Hospice salvage store in Sebastopol, I'd check out Funk 'n Flash near the Sebastopol Post Office and Aubergine near McDonald's, south of downtown Sebastopol.

I not aware of local store that specializes in blinky things or el-wire. Anybody know of one? Otherwise the internet or SF may be your best bet.

[Tars]

If you visit the Burning Man Website (https://www.burningman.com/), you should find some tips on what to bring.

Bring lots, and I mean LOTS of drinking water. The weather on the playa is highly variable, from baking hot to cold rain, mostly the former. I suggest you take some dust masks as well. When the wind gets to blowing, there's a fine desert dust that gets everywhere. Although there are numerous places to get out of the sun, you may want to bring something to make shade. BM festivities go 24 hours per day; most likely you'll be up late. If you want a quiet shady place to nap during siesta, you should bring it.

Bring lots of food, including some items to share. The closest places to get a variety of food are many miles away. There's one little crossroads store somewhat nearby, but that's about it. Attendees are discouraged from leaving and returning to the BM site. Best food types are those that don't need much refrigeration, ice is in short supply.

If you plan to imbibe, bring your own. Also, be subtle about imbibing. Nevada isn't Cali; it's a fairly conservative state in someways. Assume law enforcement will be present.

If loud music keeps you awake, bring some earplugs. It's a 24/7 party.

[blauerisse]

Thank you!



To start with, in addition to Goodwill and the Hospice salvage store in Sebastopol, I'd check out Funk 'n Flash near the Sebastopol Post Office and Aubergine near McDonald's, south of downtown Sebastopol.

I not aware of local store that specializes in blinky things or el-wire. Anybody know of one? Otherwise the internet or SF may be your best bet.

["Mad" Miles]

Last summer there was a discussion here of the positives and negatives of BM (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccoreader/56093-reflections-burning-man.html#post94738).

Many years ago I read the website. I doubt I could attend without airconditioning and noise reduction during the day. Haven't the scratch for that, and I'm not a fan of EDM (Electronic Dance Music).

But for those who aren't as sensitive to sun, heat and repetitive beats, I hear it's a transformative blast!

[rikwiz]

Ha My first time at burning man was for the Greenman a couple of years ago it was anything but green..lol They blew off about 32 thousand gallons of liquid propane gas to show us how we worship petroleum too much. That and a long time burner set the man on fire the very night i got there.
As far as what you will need a very good face mask for small particles, a very good pair of goggles for the same, a car full of water, camping gear.. Make sure you have all of your things strapped down tightly before reveling or you could come back to find it has blown away in a windstorm ...no joke. Bring as much non parishable food as you can lug as well there are going to be food stands and drinks on hand but comfort foods and a tight bin to keep them in will be key to your happiness..don't forget a can opener ... When looking for a bike you will want one with a comfy comfy seat as you will be riding a bike more than you ever have in your life.

Hello all,
This is going to be my first time at Burning Man and I am not quite sure what I will need on my trip. So I was wondering if there are any experienced Burning Man goers who could give me some insider information on what would make this trip go smoothly. Any tidbit would be helpful.

I am also wondering where are some good places to find costumes and light up stuff, or if anyone has any if they would be willing to sell or donate any items.

And if anyone has a bike that would work for Burning Man let me know

-Dominique

[jitterbug]

You might be able to find blinky things at DISGUISE THE LIMIT - COSTUME RENTALS (https://disguisethelimit.com/) in Railroad Square.


To start with, in addition to Goodwill and the Hospice salvage store in Sebastopol, I'd check out Funk 'n Flash near the Sebastopol Post Office and Aubergine near McDonald's, south of downtown Sebastopol.

I not aware of local store that specializes in blinky things or el-wire. Anybody know of one? Otherwise the internet or SF may be your best bet.

[Lisa W]

For every burner you ask, you will likely get 10 more items or ways to go there prepared. The bike is very important to get across the expanse of the playa & see more mindblowing art/people/camps etc., so I suggest a spare bike tube & tirer and a larger basket or saddle bags to carry extra H2O, sunscreen, mask, goggles, food, a shawl to shield you from the sun and maybe something to share with others. It is a gifting economy, and all you will pay for there is coffee @ center camp and ice. I've never found ice to be in short supply, but it can be a hell of a haul to get it back to your camp if you're far from the truck. You can also find rideshares on the website, worked for me last year, rode in style in an RV. BTW, if you take a tent, be aware that the dust will blow into it unless you have a solid wall army style tent. A small tent in a larger tent can reduce that somewhat. Have a wild and crazy time, I'll be there too!! Think up a playa name for yourself.

Happy Playa Dancing. . . . Lisa :thumbsup:


Hello all,
This is going to be my first time at Burning Man and I am not quite sure what I will need on my trip. So I was wondering if there are any experienced Burning Man goers who could give me some insider information on what would make this trip go smoothly. Any tidbit would be helpful.

I am also wondering where are some good places to find costumes and light up stuff, or if anyone has any if they would be willing to sell or donate any items.

And if anyone has a bike that would work for Burning Man let me know

-Dominique

[sjcgibbs]

PS - I think all "Burning Man goers" are called Burners.

[CowGal]

\\


I hear you. Who wants to go to the desert to listen to loud music and breath in smoke and debris. I will stay in the mountains and make my own music.

Last summer there was a discussion here of the positives and negatives of BM (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccoreader/56093-reflections-burning-man.html#post94738).

Many years ago I read the website. I doubt I could attend without airconditioning and noise reduction during the day. Haven't the scratch for that, and I'm not a fan of EDM (Electronic Dance Music).

But for those who aren't as sensitive to sun, heat and repetitive beats, I hear it's a transformative blast!

[CowGal]

The Church Mouse Thrift Store on the square in Sonoma has some very unusual clothing, like furs and feather boas, flashy shoes and boots and loads of costume jewelry. You will pay much less for this stuff here and it benefits a local Catholic School. So if you don't hate Catholics, and you don't have a lot of money to spend, go there and you will find what you need. You can find tons of stuff for your house as well. I found Zuni sand paintings and carved ivory from Japan the last time I went.
To start with, in addition to Goodwill and the Hospice salvage store in Sebastopol, I'd check out Funk 'n Flash near the Sebastopol Post Office and Aubergine near McDonald's, south of downtown Sebastopol.

I not aware of local store that specializes in blinky things or el-wire. Anybody know of one? Otherwise the internet or SF may be your best bet.