No never been. No not interested in ever going. I don't like big crowds like that any more. Too difficult for me to get around. We enjoy being around our friends and neighbors and our home. Back in my younger years I probably would have considered it.

No I am not interested in it now. Once things become mainstream and commercialized I lose most interest in attending. I believe DS went they were still at Black Rock. He would have been around 17/18 when he was into that stuff during the final Black Rock years.

I find myself not liking any of these commercialized venues. I have never been to Sturgis for example. Never will, zero desire. I have even given up on more local events. What used to be a gathering of the clans be it art, music, sport or hobby has been corrupted by the event producers the over-regulations etc. Crowds, gawkers, who needs them?

In my younger years we created happenings. Now they are created by local politicians and businesses. I am so grateful I grew up when I did.

My sons go and like it a lot. It is apparently the epitome of a non commercial venue: although it is true that one must buy tickets, that's it. There is nothing for sale at a Burning Man- one brings and shares food, etc. and volunteers help with cleanup, and so on.

When I speak of commercialism I am not talking about onsite sales. You have to understand the back story. There has been a wealth of online discussion on the issue over the past several years. Not hard to find the debates if you are interested.

It's like anything else. Those who are newly exposed to something think it's great. After all, a whole generation grew up believing that what McDonald's serves up is a "classic" hamburger. Now places are capitalizing on introducing new improved burgers, most of which are simply throwbacks to what those of us who ate burger pre-McDonalds were exposed to. Aside from the crazy reinventions that dress up burger with unnecessary non traditional toppings like grape leaves and feta.

No.

I would have loved to have gone in the early days when it was less crowded. I'm just not a crowd person and I don't feel I'd have a chance to "get away" and recharge my personal introvert batteries at night. Mind you, I love going to New York City, but that's for the museums and the foods from around the world. I go back home at night (or at least to a friend's apartment).

It also sounds like a real hassle bringing stuff in and out. I would be an absolute minimalist. Less to transport!

I do enjoy watching some of the videos, to see the structures people have built.

I have been at various festivals that existed here and there before I ever heard of Burning Man. Enjoyed them pretty much. Different settings: we had woods (good)and rain (not so good).

A recent airplane seat-mate had been there for the first time, at the behest of her good friend. Said lady was in her 50s or early 60s and had a blast. She was even accidentally pushed over by a running girl onto a recently-replaced knee, but was ok with that. She seemed like a generally happy person so maybe she's up for anything. They were there the whole time (three days?) and she said she'd definitely do it again. Her husband wasn't interested so she left him at home. :)

Have never heard of it until this thread. After reading the posts, I still wasn't sure about what it is, so I Googled it. And I'm still not sure I understand exactly what it is, but it doesn't sound like anything I would care anything about. The name itself is pretty off-putting to me. I admit, I didn't read everything Google brought up about it completely, so maybe I missed something important about it.

Rusty

We've talked about going, especially in the early days. At this point, it's grown so big that I'm not sure we'd enjoy it. It is fun to look at videos and photos of the Burning Man village/camp though. The attendees are very creative and I like to see the end results of their vivid imaginations.

I saw a documentary on it years ago and came away from it feeling like I had been witness to some huge group hallucinogenic trip, and not a very good one, either.

I'm under a rock too. I just read a little about it https://burningman.org/  and I guess I got maybe overwhelmed but I just don't understand it. I would love if someone could just say in your own words in a sentence or two - what's it all about? Sort of like "Burning Man For Dummies".

Glad to know I'm not the only one who's been under a rock, thanks for speaking up, JoAnn & Mary.

Rusty

Burning Man got up and running after I was married. Judging from people I've known who have gone and what they've told me, its core group seems to be single or otherwise open-minded 20- or 30-somethings looking to increase their lifetime consumption of sex, drugs, and off-beat quasi-counter-cultural activities. And older people who go as voyeurs to watch the younger ones. All of that and some number of days of "camping" at a very hot, dusty desert playa lacking in infrastructure and services of any kind. It appeals to many people. Have fun!

Wow, Elmer, my friend just likes the different art pieces and hasn't ever mentioned the things you did...and she goes every year. She doesn't stay there overnight, though, so maybe that's when all the sex and drug thing happens?

Kathsgrdn- I'm surprised you hadn't heard of those things. I have never been and have no interest in going but my understanding of burning man has always been a very free love, free drugs, communal living, modern day Woodstock.

No, I think at this age, that ship has sailed. I mostly wear clothes, don't like crowds, no longer enjoy primitive-style camping and I could have sand in my food just 20 minutes from home should I like that ;0)

My niece went 2 or three years ago. I saw a couple of photos, did not encourage her to confide her entire experience with me. I already fight gray in my hair and was fairly confident I didn't want to know all.

I first read about it a couple of years ago when I started researching how to build a vardo. My dream is to build a 'gypsy wagon' on my rusty, 14', single axle trailer. I'd love to walk around, just to look at the structures and campers, but at this point in my life I would not enjoy the crowds, dust, and extracurricular activities. Had we been close enough to the venue, it's probably something my late husband and I would have tried in our pre-children motorcycle camping days. (But not the drugs.)

It's like anything else. Those who are newly exposed to something think it's great.

And it is, for them. My sons enjoy themselves immensely and I am happy for them. Me? I smile to myself and remember Woodstock :)

Considering their principles, I'd love to go see "why not" in action. Well, I would've until they were featured in Wire magazine (1996) and the ticket's price doubled and the crowds began to hit five figures. This year is on target to be over 70,000. No thanks now!

even after reading about it I still don't know what it is. I don't think its something I would be interested in at all.

JoAnn, I'm just curious, if you don't know what it is, how do you know that you would not be interested?

Texas Gem, nope, never heard those things but it was coming from my one friend who takes her daughters with her.

Well, I just googled, "what really happens at burning man". I've decided I don't want to go now. lol.