Submit Your 2027 Theme Idea

Every year, Interfuse has a theme, and every year that theme comes from someone in this community who had an idea. That someone could be you!

Theme submissions are open now and will close on June 24. Once submissions close, we’ll open a community vote so everyone gets a say in what we’re burning toward next year.

If you’ve been sitting on something, now’s the time to let it out!

Tell Us How We Did!

We want to hear from you. What worked, what didn’t, what you loved, what drove you up the wall. All of it is useful and all of it is welcome. Fill out the feedback form and help us make next year even better.

Form will close on July 21st! Please get your submissions in by then.

Survival Guide Updates

The Interfuse Survival Guide is the multi-page document that helps virgins and veterans alike prepare for the burn. It just got a major update, and you just came back from the event with fresh eyes and probably at least one “why did nobody tell me about this” moment.

So tell us. If something caught you off guard, something was missing, or something just needs to be said better, now is the time to put it in writing. Click the button below to access the Google Doc and leave suggestions!

Media Submissions

Got photos or videos from the event? We want them. Send your submissions to ifimp@midwestburners.org.

One important note: if any photos include identifiable faces, please confirm in your email that you have the consent of the people pictured. This is non-negotiable. When in doubt, leave it out or ask first.

Burns Run on Volunteers

Every shift, every department, every late night and early morning was a volunteer. Especially to our virgins: you just experienced what that looks like. Come be part of it next year.

Volunteerism By The Numbers

Every year this event happens because people show up and do the work. Here’s what that looked like this year:

• 534 people volunteered in some capacity
• 368 people qualified for a direct sale or discounted ticket for next year
• 92 people earned a volunteer discount ticket
• 49 people earned a leads discount ticket

That’s not a small thing. We literally couldn’t do any of this without all of you!

Thank You, Volunteers!

None of this exists without you. Every shift, every department, every late night and early morning was a volunteer. If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, start thinking about where you want to plug in. Signups aren’t open yet but keep an eye on future InfoBots for when they are.

Why Volunteer?

In the meantime, here’s what volunteering gets you:

• 4+ hours: Access to the direct ticket sale, bypassing the general sale entirely. Tickets sold out this year. Just saying.
• 8+ hours: $10 off your 2026 ticket.
• Leadership role: $20 off your 2026 ticket.

Tell Us How We Did!

We want to hear from you. What worked, what didn’t, what you loved, what drove you up the wall. All of it is useful and all of it is welcome. Fill out the feedback form and help us make next year even better.

Form will close on July 21st! Please get your submissions in by then.

Media Submissions

Got photos or videos from the event? We want them. Send your submissions to ifimp@midwestburners.org.

One important note: if any photos include identifiable faces, please confirm in your email that you have the consent of the people pictured. This is non-negotiable. When in doubt, leave it out or ask first.

Loved It?
Help Make It Happen Again.

Especially to our virgins: welcome. You just experienced something that exists entirely because people in this community chose to show up and do the work. Every shift, every department, every late night and early morning was a volunteer.

If you want to be part of that next year, start thinking about where you want to plug in. Every department has something different to offer, and there is a place for whatever you bring to the table, whether that’s your hands, your people skills, your design eye, your medical training, or your ability to tell cars where to park with a smile.

Volunteer signups aren’t open yet and won’t be until we get closer to the event next year, but getting familiar with the departments now means you’ll be ready to move when they do. Keep an eye on future InfoBots for department info and when signups go live.

In the meantime, here’s what volunteering gets you:

• 4+ hours: Access to the direct ticket sale, bypassing the general sale entirely. Tickets sold out this year. Just saying.
• 8+ hours: $10 off your 2026 ticket.
• Leadership role: $20 off your 2026 ticket.

The Community Events Committee

The burn doesn’t have to end here. We want to keep this energy going all year long, and the Community Events Committee is how we do it.

Every Midwest Burners Association event puts 5% of ticket sales into Regional Development funding. This committee is how that money gets put to work in your city. We’re looking for 1-2 local reps in the following areas to organize community gatherings between burns. BBQs, meetups, service days, whatever fits your city’s vibe:

• Kansas City Metro
• Columbia
• St. Louis
• Topeka
• Wichita
• Northwest Arkansas
• Tulsa

If you’re connected in your local scene and want to help keep the community together between burns, apply!

What’s Next: TEIC 2026

Still riding the high and not ready to be done? Good news. Our next burn, TEIC (This Event is Cancelled) is coming up and the theme is “For the Birds”. Whether that means build a giant nest or just finally feel seen as someone who wakes up at 5AM, we are formally and sincerely requesting that you do not wear feathers.

This Event Is Cancelled 2026
For The Birds
Topeka, Kansas
June 4 – June 7

This Event Is Cancelled is a Regional Burning Man event presented by the Midwest Burners Association, which means it runs on Consent and the Ten Principles, just like home. Tickets are $60 and a few important deadlines to keep in mind:

• Ticket sales close: End of day May 23rd
• Transfers close: End of day May 30th

Head to TEIC on Volunteeripate  to grab yours. When you’re checking out, make sure you select T.E.I.C. as the event in Volunteeripate or you’ll end up buying tickets to the wrong burn. Ask us how we know

See You Tomorrow!

We’re in the final stretch, and there’s a lot happening. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your car and head to the site.

IF YOU SEE AN UNDERLINE, IT IS A LINK

Entry Info & Gate Hours

Gate will be open during the following hours:

• Thursday 5/14: 8am to 10pm
• Friday 5/15: 8am to 10pm
• Saturday 5/16: 8am to 5pm

A few things to know before you roll up:

• Do not arrive before the gate opens. We know you’re excited. Arrive when we say arrive.
• When can you arrive? Check your Volunteeripate account for your entry date. If it says Thursday, that’s your first day and you do not have early entry. If it says Wednesday, you have early entry. Note that regardless of your entry date, no one gets in between Wednesday midnight and 8AM Thursday. That window is closed for everybody.
• Have your government-issued ID ready before you get to the front of the line. Not in your bag. Not in your other bag. In your hand.
• Gate staff are volunteers doing their best. Be kind, be patient, and be prepared.
• As you approach the entrance, please drive slowly and respectfully. The speed limit throughout the campground is 5 miles per hour.  5 miles per hour is only slightly faster than walking. Unless it’s an emergency you should be able to have a casual convo with pedestrians.

Conclave Performers:
No Sign Up Needed

Heads up to all fire and flow performers: you no longer need to sign up for Conclave through Volunteeripate. Performer hours aren’t tracked through that system anyway, so we’ve simplified the process.

What you DO need to do:

Show up to a safety meeting on either Friday or Saturday at 2PM at the FAST Pavillion.

Bring any props you plan to perform with

That’s it. See you at the fire.

Giving Back
Community Donation Drive

Interfuse lives on land that belongs to a community, and this year we want to give something back to it.

We’ve connected with Good Samaritan of the Ozarks, a nonprofit based in the area that runs a food pantry and resource center supporting individuals and families in need. We’re hosting a donation drive this year, and we’d love for you to bring something along if you’re able.

Donations will be collected at the gate and delivered to the organization at the end of the event.

Here’s what they need:

Food:

• Canned vegetables, fruit, tuna, and meat
• Dry milk, pancake mix, cereal
• Peanut butter, ramen, mac and cheese

Toiletries:

• Deodorant, toilet paper, lotion
• Shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent
• Feminine hygiene products, diapers

A quick note of transparency: Good Samaritan of the Ozarks is a Christian nonprofit. That said, they serve everyone regardless of background or beliefs, and their focus is on supporting anyone who needs it. If you have thoughts, concerns, or suggestions for other local organizations we should consider, we’re genuinely open to hearing them. Nothing is set in stone yet and we want the community to feel good about this.

7 Days Out

We’re in the final stretch, and there’s a lot happening. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your car and head to the site.
IF YOU SEE AN UNDERLINE, IT IS A LINK

Entry Info & Gate Hours

Gate will be open during the following hours:

• Thursday 5/14: 8am to 10pm
• Friday 5/15: 8am to 10pm
• Saturday 5/16: 8am to 5pm

A few things to know before you roll up:

• Do not arrive before the gate opens. We know you’re excited. Arrive when we say arrive.
• When can you arrive? Check your Volunteeripate account for your entry date. If it says Thursday, that’s your first day and you do not have early entry. If it says Wednesday, you have early entry. Note that regardless of your entry date, no one gets in between Wednesday midnight and 8AM Thursday. That window is closed for everybody.
• Have your government-issued ID ready before you get to the front of the line. Not in your bag. Not in your other bag. In your hand.
• Gate staff are volunteers doing their best. Be kind, be patient, and be prepared.
• As you approach the entrance, please drive slowly and respectfully. The speed limit throughout the campground is 5 miles per hour.  5 miles per hour is only slightly faster than walking. Unless it’s an emergency you should be able to have a casual convo with pedestrians.

Conclave Performers:
No Sign Up Needed

Heads up to all fire and flow performers: you no longer need to sign up for Conclave through Volunteeripate. Performer hours aren’t tracked through that system anyway, so we’ve simplified the process.

What you DO need to do:

Show up to a safety meeting on either Friday or Saturday at 2PM at the FAST Pavillion.

Bring any props you plan to perform with

That’s it. See you at the fire.

Giving Back
Community Donation Drive

Interfuse lives on land that belongs to a community, and this year we want to give something back to it.

We’ve connected with Good Samaritan of the Ozarks, a nonprofit based in the area that runs a food pantry and resource center supporting individuals and families in need. We’re hosting a donation drive this year, and we’d love for you to bring something along if you’re able.

Donations will be collected at the gate and delivered to the organization at the end of the event.

Here’s what they need:

Food:

• Canned vegetables, fruit, tuna, and meat
• Dry milk, pancake mix, cereal
• Peanut butter, ramen, mac and cheese

Toiletries:

• Deodorant, toilet paper, lotion
• Shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent
• Feminine hygiene products, diapers

A quick note of transparency: Good Samaritan of the Ozarks is a Christian nonprofit. That said, they serve everyone regardless of background or beliefs, and their focus is on supporting anyone who needs it. If you have thoughts, concerns, or suggestions for other local organizations we should consider, we’re genuinely open to hearing them. Nothing is set in stone yet and we want the community to feel good about this.

14 Days Out

We’re in the final stretch, and there’s a lot happening. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your car and head to the site.

Entry Info & Gate Hours

Gate will be open during the following hours:

• Thursday 5/14: 8am to 10pm
• Friday 5/15: 8am to 10pm
• Saturday 5/16: 8am to 5pm

A few things to know before you roll up:

• Do not arrive before the gate opens. We know you’re excited. Arrive when we say arrive.
• When can you arrive? Check your Volunteeripate account for your entry date. If it says Thursday, that’s your first day and you do not have early entry. If it says Wednesday, you have early entry. Note that regardless of your entry date, no one gets in between Wednesday midnight and 8AM Thursday. That window is closed for everybody.
• Have your government-issued ID ready before you get to the front of the line. Not in your bag. Not in your other bag. In your hand.
• Gate staff are volunteers doing their best. Be kind, be patient, and be prepared.

If you need mobility assistance on site, the Abilitease department has you covered. Sign up for shuttle priority through your Volunteeripate account and they’ll make sure you’re flagged and taken care of.

Ranger, Effigy, and Sanctuary Updates

Effigy Load Help

Before the burn even starts, the burn needs to get there. Andy and the effigy team are loading up in St. Louis on Sunday, May 10th and could use some extra hands to make it go smoothly.

Join the Facebook group to see the event listing, or check out the event directly. You can also reach out to Andy at ifeffigy@midwestburners.org with any questions.

Last Virtual Ranger Office Hours

One final virtual Rangers office hours session is happening on May 3rd from 6–7PM local time, led by Tanto. Whether you’re still on the fence about becoming a Ranger, freshly trained and full of questions, or a veteran who wants to put faces to names before we’re all dirty and squinting at each other on site, come hang.

Sanctuary Volunteers

If you’re volunteering with Sanctuary this year, check your email. Training info has been sent out and you’ll want to read it before you show up.

Giving Back
Community Donation Drive

Interfuse lives on land that belongs to a community, and this year we want to give something back to it.

We’ve connected with Good Samaritan of the Ozarks, a nonprofit based in the area that runs a food pantry and resource center supporting individuals and families in need. We’re hosting a donation drive this year, and we’d love for you to bring something along if you’re able.

Donations will be collected at the gate and delivered to the organization at the end of the event.

Here’s what they need:

Food:

• Canned vegetables, fruit, tuna, and meat
• Dry milk, pancake mix, cereal
• Peanut butter, ramen, mac and cheese

Toiletries:

• Deodorant, toilet paper, lotion
• Shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent
• Feminine hygiene products, diapers

A quick note of transparency: Good Samaritan of the Ozarks is a Christian nonprofit. That said, they serve everyone regardless of background or beliefs, and their focus is on supporting anyone who needs it. If you have thoughts, concerns, or suggestions for other local organizations we should consider, we’re genuinely open to hearing them. Nothing is set in stone yet and we want the community to feel good about this.

ERRATA

Didn’t link the correct form last week, our bad!

20 Days Out

We are less than 3 weeks out and there is a lot to cover. Grab a coffee, read this whole thing, and then do the things it tells you to do.

LAST CHANCE for Tickets

No ticket yet but still want to come? We might be able to work something out.

1. Fire Sale Tickets

Here’s the deal: we need bodies on certain shifts, and if you’re willing to be one of those bodies, we’re willing to talk tickets. Specifically, we’re looking for volunteers for Ranger, Perimeter, DPW, and Sunday Earth Guardians shifts.

Send an email to interfuseecs@midwestburners.org with a quick intro about yourself and which shift you’re interested in. We’ll chat, figure out what works, and get you squared away.

One very important disclaimer: if you take a ticket through this program and don’t show up for your shift, you will be publicly and enthusiastically humiliated. We’re not joking. Show up for your shift.

2. Leadership Exchange

If you’re a lead from a burn outside the Midwest, there may be a ticket in it for you. Available while supplies last.

Note: Not applicable for leadership of any Midwest Burners Association burn, Gateway Burners, Resonance, or Topeka Area Burners.

3. Beacon Scholarship

Beacon scholarships are still being awarded. If you are Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, don’t wait on this one. Available while supplies last.

4. Ticket Transfer Sale

Someone out there has a ticket and can’t use it. You want a ticket. This is a love story waiting to happen. See the section below for how the transfer sale works.

Need to Sell Your Ticket?

Life happens. If you can’t make it and need to offload your ticket, don’t panic and don’t eat the cost. People are out here desperately looking to buy.

Head to either of these spots to connect with buyers:

• Interfuse Ticket Transfers facebook group link
• [Interfuse Discord Ticket Transfers channel link

Both locations have mods who can help verify sellers as legitimate and buyers as serious and ready to participate. Use those resources. They exist for a reason.

Gate Hours and Entry Info

Gate will be open during the following hours:

• Thursday 5/14: 8am to 10pm
• Friday 5/15: 8am to 10pm
• Saturday 5/16: 8am to 5pm

A few things to know before you roll up:

• Do not arrive before the gate opens. We know you’re excited. Arrive when we say arrive.
• When can you arrive? Check your Volunteeripate account for your entry date. If it says Thursday, that’s your first day and you do not have early entry. If it says Wednesday, you have early entry. Note that regardless of your entry date, no one gets in between Wednesday midnight and 8AM Thursday. That window is closed for everybody.
• Have your government-issued ID ready before you get to the front of the line. Not in your bag. Not in your other bag. In your hand.
• Gate staff are volunteers doing their best. Be kind, be patient, and be prepared.

Volunteer

hifts are open and we need you! Head over to Volunteeripate to browse available shifts and sign up for the ones that fit your schedule. Not sure which department is right for you? Check out the department and leads list in our previous newsletter or reach out to Volunteer HQ for guidance.

Check Out DUST

DUST is our digital WhatWhereWhen guide, and it is your best friend for navigating the event. Before you arrive, poke around and get familiar with:

• Theme Camps and where they’re located
• Events and workshops happening across the event
• Art installations on site

One good thing to know: DUST can be updated all the way up to and including on site, so check back as we get closer. The one thing that won’t change once we’re there? Map locations. Those are locked in (mostly because they’re not easy to update on mobile).

All About DUST

Speaking of Dust, Here’s where things stand right now.

What’s already in the app:

• All approved theme camps have been added
• All granted art installations have been added
• All granted mutant vehicles have been added

Camp registrations are closed, so if you’re looking to add your camp at this point, that ship has sailed. But if your camp or art submission is already in there, now is the time to log in and manage your listing.

You should have received an email inviting you to manage your camp, art, or mutant vehicle submission on Dust. If you haven’t seen anything, reach out to us at ifimp@midwestburners.org and we’ll get it sorted.

Have art that wasn’t grant-funded but still deserves a spot in the guide? You can still get it listed. Click the button to submit unfunded art for Dust.

A few things you can do once you’re in:

• Add events to your camp page
• Update your camp’s, art’s or mutant vehicle’s description and photo.
• Add a co-lead’s email so you’re not managing everything solo
• Decide whether the public can submit events to your camp, or keep your schedule locked down

Where things stand on public submissions:

• General public event submissions are open. If you’ve got something happening that doesn’t live under a camp, you can now submit it directly.
• Art installations and Mutant Vehicles have the same event management abilities as theme camps. Get in there and update your info.

New to DUST or blacked out everything from last year? The creator put together very detailed instructions that will walk you through it.

Questions? Email ifimp@midwestburners.org and we’ll sort you out.

28 Days Out

We are 28 days away from Interfuse and things are getting real, but let’s take some time first to remember how exactly this thing gets put together.

This Event Does Not Run Itself!

Interfuse is built, run, and broken down by volunteers. Every shift, every department, every late night problem-solve and early morning setup is handled by people in this community who chose to show up and do the thing. There’s no corporate backbone here, no hired event staff, no wizard behind the curtain. Just your people, doing the work, because they love this.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can be more involved, or if you’ve been meaning to plug in but haven’t yet, volunteering is where it starts. You can sign up on Volunteeripate, the same platform where you bought your ticket.

Why Volunteer? Glad You Asked !

Look, we’re not going to pretend the main reason is anything other than the warm fuzzy feeling of contributing to something you love. But there are also some genuinely good perks, and they stack.

When you’re on shift, you eat free at the Volunteer Kitchen, lovingly run by the one and only Mother Unit. That alone is worth showing up for.

And while this year’s volunteers will see their perks reflected on next year’s ticket purchase, here’s how it breaks down:

• 4 hours volunteered: Access to the direct ticket sale for 2027, meaning you’re guaranteed not to miss out if we sell out again (and we probably will)
• 8 hours volunteered: $10 off your 2027 ticket
• Leadership role: $20 off your 2027 ticket
• Any hours at all: Pats on the back, accolades, and the knowledge that you are personally part of why this event exists

Meet Your Department Leads

Have a department specific question, or just want to know who’s running what? Here’s your roster. Reach out directly to any department that interests you.

Want to volunteer but not sure which department is the right fit? Volunteer HQ Coordinator can help point you in the right direction.

The theme camp application window is closing soon, on April 18th. If your camp hasn’t submitted yet, now is the time to stop talking about submitting and actually submit.

2026 Updated Survival Guide is Live

Radical Self-Reliance starts long before you arrive at the gate. We have officially released the new and improved 2026 Survival Guide, and it is recommended reading for everyone, from first-year burn-gins to ten-year vets.

We’ve overhauled several sections, including updated departments like First Aid (formerly Medic) and new insights on site-specific logistics. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you and your campmates have a safe and successful burn.

Please keep in mind that the Survival Guide is a living document and will always be in flux as our community grows and our needs change. If you see something that needs a tweak or have a suggestion to make it better, please feel free to leave a comment!

The State of Things: A Quick Dispatch

A lot is happening and we want to make sure none of it slips past you, so here’s the rapid-fire roundup.

Tickets

We currently have 28 tickets left. That’s not a lot. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is the sign, and it is blinking.

Beacon Scholarship Tickets

We are actively awarding Beacon tickets. If you’re expecting one or think you might be eligible, log into your Volunteeripate account. At the top of every page will be a banner saying that you have a ticket offer waiting. Click that!

Volunteer Shifts

All volunteer shifts are open and ready for you to claim. Go do that. The Effigy build team is the one exception: those spots are full, so if you missed it, there’s always next year! Don’t worry, there are many other ways to contribute your labor and efforts to this event.

Theme Camp Applications

The theme camp application window is closing soon, on April 18th. If your camp hasn’t submitted yet, now is the time to stop talking about submitting and actually submit.

Whether you’re Ranger-curious, freshly motivated, or have been putting this off for years, there are several opportunities coming up in the Midwest to get trained, get questions answered, and get your boots on the ground.

Virtual Office Hours with Tanto

Tanto is hosting virtual Rangers office hours on April 22, and May 3, (HINT, THOSE ARE ALL LINKS TO THE CALENDAR EVENT!) from 6–7PM (central). These are open to everyone: curious newcomers, freshly trained Rangers figuring out what they’ve gotten themselves into, and veterans who want to put a face to a name before we’re all dirty, tired, and squinting at each other on-site.

Come with questions, come with enthusiasm, come in your pajamas, we don’t care. Click dates above to add the event to your calendar!

Black Rock Ranger Training

PsyJam is hosting a full Black Rock Ranger Training on May 9th in Tonganoxie, KS, followed by a Green Dot Ranger Training in Overland Park, KS. Midwest training opportunities don’t come around often, so if you’ve ever been even a little Ranger-curious, this is your chance.

To become a Black Rock Ranger you’ll need to have attended Burning Man at least once in the last 10 years, complete the Ranger application process, attend a full day of training (hi, that’s this), and pass an on-playa mentoring shift. Anyone can audit the training, though you’ll still need to go through the same sign-up process.

A quick note worth making: being Black Rock Ranger trained is genuinely valuable experience for Interfuse Rangers, even though it doesn’t count as Interfuse Ranger trained status. The skills translate. The culture overlaps. It’s not a shortcut, but it’s not nothing either.

B.U.R.N. Burn 2026: Spring Solace

New to Rangering and not quite ready to be thrown into the deep end but want some on the go training? B.U.R.N. Burn has been a Midwest Ranger training ground for years, known for shorter shifts and a lower-pressure environment that’s great for getting your first shift under your belt.

Interfuse 2026 is Live on Dust!

By popular demand, we are using the DUST app (and website) again this year to host our digital WhatWhereWhen guide, and all currently approved theme camp submissions have landed in the app. Welcome back, Mayors!

Quick note on process since we know someone will ask:

1. camp registration and placement approval still go through the Camp Registration Form first. That part hasn’t changed.
2. Once your camp is officially approved, it gets ported over to DUST, where you can take the wheel on your own details and event schedule.
3. If your camp has already been approved and see an invite in your inbox right now, please click it.
4. Once you’re in, you can add events to your camp, add a co-lead’s email if you want, and decide whether the general public can submit events to your camp page or whether you’d prefer to keep a tighter grip on your event schedule.

You can use a computer to manage your camp; don’t feel like you need to do it all on a phone. That would be annoying!

DUST is genuinely the easiest way to keep track of theme camp events, workshops, and art installations across the community, so we’re glad to have it back. Never used it before or forgot everything from last year? The creator put together very detailed instructions that will walk you through everything.

As of today, anyone has the option to create an event! Camp Mayors have the option to allow the public to submit an event to their camp. Contact a camp mayor if you don’t see the camp you wish to host an event at.

Approved Mutant Vehicles have been added! Art Installations will have the same abilities as Theme Camps, but not yet! Coming soon, please sit tight!

Questions about any of this? Shoot us an email at ifimp@midwestburners.org and we’ll sort you out.

Red Light District!

The Red Light District (RLD) is not new. You may have wandered through it, wondered about it, or pretended you didn’t know what it was while absolutely knowing what it was. But this year, things are getting a little more intentional over there.

Ordinarily managed by the Placement lead, this year, the RLD has its own dedicated lead. Pinkie is stepping into the role of Red Light Czar and taking full ownership of the district to give it the care and attention it deserves, with a vision to make it an actual destination rather than just the vibe people stumble into at 2AM when they’re seeking… extracurricular delights (don’t worry, it’s still that too ).

The goal is to grow it into a more vibrant, curated area with art and camp experiences that belong there. If you’ve got a camp concept, an art piece, or an experience that would feel right at home in an 18+ environment (or for legal reasons cannot be done outside of an 18+ environment), now is a great time to get involved while things are still taking shape.

Reach out to Pinkie at ifrld@midwestburners.org to learn more or pitch what you’ve got.

2026 Updated Survival Guide is Live

Radical Self-Reliance starts long before you arrive at the gate. We have officially released the new and improved 2026 Survival Guide, and it is recommended reading for everyone, from first-year burn-gins to ten-year vets.

We’ve overhauled several sections, including updated departments like First Aid (formerly Medic) and new insights on site-specific logistics. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you and your campmates have a safe and successful burn.

Please keep in mind that the Survival Guide is a living document and will always be in flux as our community grows and our needs change. If you see something that needs a tweak or have a suggestion to make it better, please feel free to leave a comment!

FIRST ROUND of Tickets Sold Out!

First batch of General Sale Tickets is gone. Poof. Dust in the wind, much like you will be come event weekend. But don’t panic! The next batch goes on sale March 25th, but it’s the last one, so this is not a drill. Set an alarm. Tell your work calendar something “came up.” Do what you need to do. Tickets will be on sale until May 1st or until they sell out.

Prices remain $75 for adults and $1 for children under 13.

Selling or Transferring a Ticket

Everyone MUST have their own unique Volunteeripate account to be transferred a ticket. Each Volunteeripate account will only be able to hold ONE ticket per account. If you would like to purchase a ticket for another person, you will need to transfer it before you can purchase another ticket for yourself.

1. Log into your Volunteeripate account
2. Click Menu
3. Click Your Account
4. Click Tickets
5. Click the blue banner that says Ticket Options
6. Enter recipient’s email and click Free (gift) Transfer

You will not be able to SELL your ticket through Volunteeripate, only transfer, so be sure to coordinate financial aspects between yourselves outside of the Volunteeripate space. This process may be repeated indefinitely (until tickets sell out).

Interfuse 2026 is Live on Dust!

By popular demand, we are using the DUST app (and website) again this year to host our digital WhatWhereWhen guide, and the first wave of theme camp approvals has landed. Welcome back, Mayors!

Quick note on process since we know someone will ask: camp registration and placement approval still go through the Camp Registration Form first. That part hasn’t changed. Once your camp is officially approved, it gets ported over to DUST, where you can take the wheel on your own details and event schedule.

If your camp has already been approved and see an invite in your inbox right now, please click it. Once you’re in, you can add events to your camp, add a co-lead’s email if you want, and decide whether the general public can submit events to your camp page or whether you’d prefer to keep a tighter grip on your event schedule.

This can all be moderated from a computer, don’t feel like you need to do it all from your phone if that’s difficult for you!

DUST is genuinely the easiest way to keep track of theme camp events, workshops, and art installations across the community, so we’re glad to have it back. Never used it before or forgot everything from last year? The creator put together very detailed instructions that will walk you through everything.

Right now, only Theme Camps have the ability to create an event. They have the option to allow the public to submit an event to their camp. We will alert the community when the public is able to submit events without a camp location.

Art Installations will have the same abilities as Theme Camps, but not yet! Coming soon, please sit tight!

Questions about any of this? Shoot us an email at ifimp@midwestburners.org and we’ll sort you out.

Thinking about becoming a Ranger? Already a Ranger and want to actually know the people you’ll be out there with? Missed the Ignition class and just want to ask Tanto questions for an hour? Same, honestly.

Tanto is hosting virtual Rangers office hours on March 25, April 22, and May 3, (HINT, THOSE ARE ALL LINKS TO THE CALENDAR EVENT!) from 6–7PM (central). These are open to everyone: curious newcomers, freshly trained Rangers figuring out what they’ve gotten themselves into, and veterans who want to put a face to a name before we’re all dirty, tired, and squinting at each other on-site.

Come with questions, come with enthusiasm, come in your pajamas, we don’t care. Click dates above to add the event to your calendar!

Radical Self-Reliance starts long before you arrive at the gate. We have officially released the new and improved 2026 Survival Guide, and it is recommended reading for everyone, from first-year burn-gins to ten-year vets.

We’ve overhauled several sections, including updated departments like First Aid (formerly Medic) and new insights on site-specific logistics. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you and your campmates have a safe and successful burn.

Please keep in mind that the Survival Guide is a living document and will always be in flux as our community grows and our needs change. If you see something that needs a tweak or have a suggestion to make it better, please feel free to leave a comment!

Tickets Now Available!

Our General Ticket Sale officially opened on March 7th.

These tickets are first-come, first-served, so we recommend being ready when the link goes live. If you miss the March 7th sale and they sell out, don’t panic! There will be a second batch of tickets available on March 25th. Prices remain $75 for adults and $1 for children under 13.

Art Grant determinations

The IFArt Grant Committee has officially finished reviewing this year’s submissions. All determination letters have been sent via email to the primary contact for each project.

That letter will explain whether your project was fully funded, partially funded, or not selected this year. Please check your inbox (and your spam folder!) for your official notification. If you haven’t received an email, please reach out to ifart@midwestburners.org so we can look into it for you.

Deadline to accept your offer is March 23rd!

Seeking a (Paid) Medic Lead

While our First Aid department handles the day-to-day scrapes and minor needs, we are currently seeking licensed professionals for our Paid Medic positions. If you are an EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, or have some related certification, and are looking to support the community in a professional capacity while on the land, we want to hear from you.

These roles are vital to our safety infrastructure and ensure we have high-level care available around the clock. Please contact star@midwestburners.org for more information on requirements and compensation.

Applications & Registrations for 2026

It’s time to get your plans on (digital) paper! We have several forms live across two different platforms. Please ensure you are using the correct link for your specific needs:

Volunteer Portal (VP) Forms

Log in to your Volunteeripate profile to access these:

• Abilitease: For those needing accessibility support or accommodations.
• The Beacon Scholarship Application: First-time BiPoC attendee ticket requests.
• Leadership Exchange: For leads from other regions interested in knowledge exchange.
• Art Car Registration: Get your mutant vehicle cleared for the land.
• Vehicle Camping: Reserve your space for on-site vehicle camping.
• Ranger Training: Get training to be able to sign up to walk the perimeter and support the community.
• Sanctuary Volunteer Application: Apply to help provide a safe harbor for participants.

Google Forms

These forms do not require a VP login and are found at the google forms links attached:

• Placement & Theme Camp Submissions: Register your camp and request your spot on the map.
• FAST (Fire Art Safety Team) Approval: Essential registration for any projects involving flame effects.