Local Burns

Contemplating going to a couple Burning Man mini gatherings. There is at least one in New Mexico and another in Colorado, but close to Taos. They seem like the most accessible and reasonable options for a basic experience. Planning on using my truck and just adding a tent to the truck bed along with an inflatable mattress.

Apogaea is one located in Valdez, CO. It seems like a pleasantly scaled option. It is an annual collaborative outdoor arts and music festival held as Colorado’s regional counterpart to the Burning Man event. The 2025 event, themed “DISCO DYSTOPIA,” is scheduled for June 4–8 in Valdez, Colorado.

Apogaea embraces the Ten Principles of Burning Man, including radical inclusion, self-reliance, and self-expression. Participants engage in various forms of artistic expression, such as art installations, performance art, music, and theme camps. The event fosters a temporary autonomous zone where creativity and community thrive.

The festival is organized by Apogaea Inc., a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the arts. The organization is entirely volunteer-run, with proceeds from ticket sales supporting event infrastructure and funding for art grants. These grants assist artists in creating visual art, performances, workshops, art vehicles, and theme camps for the event.

Apogaea has a history of adapting to various locations within Colorado. Since 2016, it has been held near Valdez, offering a landscape suitable for art cars, bicycles, and diverse artistic expressions.

For those interested in attending, tickets are required for participants aged 13 and over. Ticket revenue supports event infrastructure and art grants. Additionally, all participants must sign a liability waiver upon entry.

Apogaea is one of many regional Burning Man events held worldwide, each reflecting the unique culture and community of its location while adhering to the core principles of Burning Man.

SunBurn is another that is close to me. It is set up in New Mexico. SunBurn is New Mexico’s officially sanctioned regional Burning Man event, embodying the Ten Principles of Burning Man, including radical inclusion, self-reliance, and self-expression. Participants create a temporary village, engaging in themed camps, art installations, music, and performance art, all within a gift economy that emphasizes collaboration and creativity.

The event is organized by NMSPF90 LLC, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to fostering this cultural movement. SunBurn is a “Leave No Trace” event, encouraging all participants to clean up after themselves to maintain the environment.