the staff of the Ridgewood blog
BLACK ROCK DESERT, NV — The desert is alive again as Burning Man 2025 officially kicked off yesterday, launching a nine-day gathering of art, music, and radical self-expression about 120 miles north of Reno.
The event, which began in San Francisco in 1986, has grown into one of the world’s most iconic festivals, attracting tens of thousands of “burners” each year. At its heart lies the week’s signature ritual—the burning of a 40-foot-tall wooden man atop a 30-foot structure, scheduled for the festival’s final weekend.
Over the years, Burning Man has become a favorite escape for Silicon Valley elites, with tech moguls like Elon Musk, Eric Schmidt, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page frequently spotted among the crowds. Despite its popularity, however, organizers have struggled financially in recent years. Ticket sales have not always kept pace with rising costs, leaving the nonprofit behind the event facing mounting challenges.
This year’s theme, “Tomorrow Today,” sets the stage for futuristic and tech-forward art installations spread across the festival’s seven-square-mile temporary city, Black Rock City. More than 70,000 participants are expected, with ticket prices ranging from $550 to $3,000. Unlike past years, the festival did not sell out in 2025, echoing concerns about sustainability after operating at a loss last year.
Burners abide by 10 guiding principles—from radical inclusion and self-reliance to decommodification—creating a unique culture where money has no place, vending is banned, and art, music, and community define the experience.
With the massive wooden figure set to burn next weekend, all eyes are on whether Burning Man can reignite both its cultural spark and its financial stability.
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