ABOUT CRITICAL

What is Critical Northwest, anyway?

Critical Northwest is an official Burning Man regional event sponsored by Ignition Northwest.

For over a decade and a half Critical Northwest has been dedicated to championing the spirit and principles of Burning Man in the Pacific Northwest. Every July we gather together to embrace the spirit and vision of the playa as we build something new right here in the woods and mountains of home.

2024 THEME: AS ABOVE, SO BELOW

This year we focus on the interconnection and balance of all things. As atoms cast from dying stars arise eons later in new life, we model the dynamic energies of cosmic equilibrium. Night and day, sky and earth, flower and decay. “As Above, So Below” is a reflection on who we were and what we become, our connection to all cycles, and the illusion of contrast. We look forward to seeing what interpretations of the theme you bring this year.

THE TEN PRINCIPLES

Plus one with with a local twist.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Let’s be awesome together.

Conduct is expected to be of the highest standards and must at all times be appropriate for a family setting. The following are strictly prohibited and may result in expulsion from the grounds and/or revocation of ticket:

  • Unwanted, harassing or inappropriately lewd behavior or language
  • Over-intoxication
  • Use of illegal substances
  • Any conduct that is criminal
  • Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening injury or damage of another person or their property
  • Use of firearms or fireworks
  • Photography or video camera use without permission
  • Transphobic, Homophobic, Sexist, Ableist, Racist, or Hateful actions, threats, or acts against any person

Ignition Northwest / Critical Northwest, at their sole discretion, reserve the right to revoke the ticket of and/or require any person to vacate the premises for reasons of nuisance, improper conduct or other rule violations, without refund of ticket fees.

Don’t forget to check out Ignition NW’s Code of Conduct as well.

TICKETS

2024 ticket sale dates will be announced soon!

PARTICIPATE

How to get involved.

Critical NW Sound Policy

Sound plays an important role in how we interact and communicate with each other. A part of this is understanding amplified sound and how it impacts those surrounded in a shared auditory space. The purpose of the CNW Sound Policy is to have a respectful environment for each other and our hosts, the Masons. It is our shared responsibility to create an event which sustains positive experiences for all participants.

Sound Policy Breakdown:

  • Daytime Hours:
    • Weekdays:  8 a.m. – midnight
    • Weekends (Friday – Saturday nights):      8 a.m. – 2 a.m.
  • During Daytime Hours, registered sound camps’ amplified sound levels may not exceed 90 dBC at 20 feet from the source. 
  • During Daytime Hours, all other camps’ amplified sound levels may not exceed 70 dBC at 20 feet from the source.
  • Night hours:
    • Weekdays:   12 a.m. – 8 a.m.
    • Weekends:    2 a.m.  – 8 a.m. 
  • During Night Hours, registered sound camps’ sound levels may not exceed 80 dBC at 20 ft from the source (approximately the loudness of a vacuum cleaner or garbage disposal). We do our best to place registered sound camps so as to direct sound away from quieter areas. 
  • During Night Hours, all other camps are expected to limit all noise levels to conversational volume (60 dBC at 10 feet from camp boundary), and may not use powered subwoofers.
  • Loudness will be measured with a C-weighted SPL meter
  • No sound source, regardless of camp or time of day, may exceed 90 dBC at 20 feet from the source. 
  • Rangers and production team members will have access to audio measuring equipment and will be available to assist with questions or concerns about sound levels and policy.
  • Quick Reference laminates will be given to registered camps as they check in.

Apply for Theme Camp Placement & Frontage Grants

Attention Theme Camps! Ready to show us what you got? We are so excited to see the amazing things our community has planned this year! Theme Camp and Frontage Grants are officially open!

We encourage tiny theme camps too! How big does a theme camp have to be? One person with an idea & a plan! Creating a small theme camp with interesting interactivity can also be a good way to get a vehicle spot!

Every Theme Camp needs to apply for placement. If you wish to be part of a village or to be placed adjacent to another camp, you can indicate that on the application. Should it be helpful, you can find a PDF of the application questions HERE. You will additionally be required to provide a camp layout and footprint plan, and can find guidelines for that HERE.

Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a link to edit your submission, in the event that you need to make any changes. Applications close Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:59pm.Apply Now »

Apply for Art Placement, Art Grants, and Workshops

Applications are also now open for art placement and art/workshop grants! Y’all blow us away every year with your creativity and knowledge. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to Critical NW this year, so get your applications in today!

You can find a handy PDF of the application form questions HERE. Remember to keep your confirmation email, as it contains a link to edit your submission in the event that you need to make any changes. Applications close Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Contact spacement@criticalnw.org with placement questions or grants@criticalnw.org with questions about grants.Apply for Art Placement/Grants »

FAQS

Questions frequently asked.

CONTACT US

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