These regionals give out grants for art, though the creations are not as monumental or abundant as at the Big Burn. People do wear fantastic costumes, but more for their own fun, not to get a pic for the ‘gram.
For shelter, people tent camp, stay in yurts, or bring RVs. “It’s a gifting, interactive amusement park for adults,” Levy says of these regionals. “If you want to meet cool people and have interactive experiences and dance, it’s perfect. Because it doesn’t have the challenges.”
Pacific Northwest Burns
Latimer, who lives in the Seattle area, favors SOAK, held over Memorial Day weekend outside Portland in the Tygh Valley for about 2,500 people, and Critical NW outside of Seattle in July for about 1,300 people. The weather for both is usually gorgeous.
This past year, Latimer brought her “typical retired boomer” dad to SOAK to help build the effigy structure for burning. “He was blown away to see that many people of all ages and all walks of life are drawn to burns, which goes against the typical, young, rich, attractive stereotype that’s prevalent on social media.”
At both, it’s easy to walk around and see all the art and meet up with local burners that are active in Seattle and Portland. “You can easily plan multi-camp shenanigans and events ahead of time, which makes it all the more fun,” Latimer says.
On the site for Critical NW, she says, “you literally get to frolic around the forest with your fellow weirdos and not have to deal with cleaning up massive amounts of playa dust once you’re home.”
Element 11
Even though it’s small—about 2,000 attendees—this event has an excellent reputation among burners. “The vibe deserves a standing ovation,” says Candice Snow.
Element 11 is held on Stargazer Ranch, private land that was bought for this purpose by a group of burners, so there are year-round structures, instead of everything being dismantled and burned at the end. “The landscape of Stargazer very closely resembles the conditions of Black Rock City,” Snow says. In fact, there is only one effigy burn, because of the arid, brushy conditions.
Attendees also report that curious current and former Mormons find their way to the festival. “I noticed quite a few are ex-LDS,” says Rowdy. “They tend to let loose their inhibitions.”
“Watching their transformation over the week is kind of magic,” Snow agrees.
There’s less prep to do for the five days of Element 11, though you do need to bring shelter, food, and plenty of hydration. While a bike can add to your experience, you don’t need one to get around.
Fuego Austral
“I would definitely recommend Fuego Austral to someone who is burnt out from Burning Man,” says Daniel Hugo Miceli, who is based between Buenos Aires and Berlin. “FA is the best of Latin America mixed with a burn—the people are super warm, friendly, and there is plenty of maté, asados [grilled meats], and an overall welcoming atmosphere that starts to feel a bit like a family.”
