Survival Guide

This Survival Guide is essential reading for every participant- Read it carefully!

The POrtalBurn Survival Guide is a resource to help participants prepare for and enjoy the event.
It is our handbook to help you understand the rules, expectations, supplies needed, as well as other information about POrtalBurn and our interpretation of Burn culture.

While we strive for unity with Burning Man and other regionals, like every regional POrtalBurn has unique challenges and, therefore, its own unique policies.

Please review this Survival Guide often, it is updated regularly as we adapt to the ever changing needs of our Burn.

DON'T ASSUME ANYTHING.

The Basics

  • POrtalBurn is an officially sanctioned Regional Burn and is our main, yearly event! POrtalBurn is not a festival, but a 100% not-for-profit charity operating under the name Upstate New York POrtalBurn Arts, Inc.

    We aim to enrich the community by providing opportunities for artistic expression, human connection, and education. The activities of the Organization are guided by the ten principles of Burning Man and include an annual event modeled after the Burning Man event.

  • POrtalBurn, an officially sanctioned Burning Man Regional Burn, follows the 10 Principles of Burning Man. We ask all participants to familiarize themselves with the principles before the event, practice the principles during the event, and help us build our communities by sharing the principles with new participants.

    Burning Man co-founder Larry Harvey wrote the 10 Principles in 2004 as guidelines for the newly-formed Regional Burn Network. They were crafted not as a dictate of how people should be and act, but as a reflection of the community's ethos and culture as it had organically developed since the event's inception.

    View the 10 Principles HERE!

  • POrtalBurn is typically held the last weekend of July, at Hummingbird Hill in Almond, NY. Dates, times, and exact location can be found on the About page.

  • You may arrive during gate hours, listed on our Tickets page.

  • The Radical Self-Reliance principle states; “The individual should aim to discover, exercise and rely on their inner resources”. Bring whatever it is you need to camp and play comfortably in a variety of weathers. Some Burners keep it real simple, and some glamp it up!

    Our event space is a natural area that consists of a hilly, mowed field and wooded areas, with a swimmable pond in the center.

    Bring your own food, enough water to get you through the weekend, bug spray, sun block, sleeping supplies, clothing and costumes, etc. Bring clothing appropriate for warmth, protection, and your own radical self expression.

    If you are a first time camper or burner, check out the Radical IDEA links on our Community page for how-to videos and helpful advice.

  • Burning is about Radical Self-Expression!

    People find all kinds of fun and creative ways to express themselves. On-site you will see naked people, painted people, puppy people, shinny people, BDSM people, and some of the most creative outfits you can imagine.

    Just be yourself, and say hello! Remember Nudity is NOT consent to touch. Photos can ONLY be taken with consent! Please see the Media Policy in our Waiver.

    Be aware of ticks, and do daily tick checks. Learn what poison ivy looks like, and don't touch the fuzzy vines…

  • Burners LOVE it when new people discover our culture. You will likely be welcomed with open arms. However, many Burners are very protective of the culture and have the expectation that you have at least glanced at the 10 Principles.

    Remember, POrtalBurn and Burns in general are NOT festivals! There is no main stage. No one is being paid to be here. What is here is here because someone like YOU worked to bring it. Please respect that and figure out how you might contribute!

    Get involved, and don't be afraid to ask questions in the POrtalBurn discussion groups linked on our Community page. Since you're reading this, you're off to a great start!

Volunteering

  • Glad you asked! Every person that comes to POrtalBurn is a participant. Volunteering is what makes POrtalBurn function. There are zero paid staff and we as community work together to make POrtalBurn happen.

    Volunteering is a great way to contribute and to get to know your community! Volunteer sign-ups & information can be found on our Volunteer page.

    Once on-site, you can also visit the TIT – The Information Tent, to see the volunteer schedule and sign up for open shifts.

    Repeat: POrtalBurn is a volunteer driven event. Without YOU, it just cannot happen. Just do it. You know you want to. C'mon… click it and sign up!

Vehicle Stuff

  • Many of us drive a very long distance to get there, some less so, but we all need to get on site somehow. Parking is limited (and our environment is hurting y’all) so we strongly encourage CARPOOLING!

    An awesome member of our POrtalBurn community created a Rideshare Group on Facebook. Check it out and start a post if you have room in your car or if you need a ride!

  • All vehicles that drive and park on site are required to have a Parking Pass. If your vehicle fits in a standard parking spot, get a standard parking pass. If your vehicle is an RV or doesn’t fit in one parking space, get an RV pass. If you have a trailer, get a trailer pass. Parking passes give us a sense of how many vehicles will be on site so we can prepare an amazing parking plan. Thanks!

    When you are ready to park, parking volunteers will guide you. Thank them!

  • If the weather allows, you may be allowed to drive into parts of the event site to unload, then move your car to a parking area. Please drive slowly through the event and obey the one way streets. Some camping does not have vehicle access and will be 'walk in' with a load/unload zone not far away. There may be wagons available to help make it easier, but you are encouraged to bring your own wagons or handcarts.

    Most placed Theme Camps will have vehicle access for loading and unloading.

    Once unloaded, vehicles will need to be moved out of the event space to the primary parking area, unless they have been granted permission by our Placement Lead to park onsite.

    PLEASE NOTE: if there is heavy rain in the days leading up to the event, we may not be able to drive any vehicles onto the hill.

  • All RVs and campers MUST have have a pass (theme camp or not). If you do not have a pass for your RV, trailer, or camper pass, DO NOT BRING IT. We have extremely limited space on site.

    If you would like to park your vehicle in your camp, please note this on your placement application. PLEASE NOTE: if there is heavy rain in the days leading up to the event, we may not be able to drive any vehicles onto the hill, and you may need to park in the designated RV area.

    There will be areas for car camping that are first come, first serve.

    Find placement info on the Map page.

I’ve Made it! What Now?

  • When you arrive at PortalBurn you will first stop your car at gate and check in.

    DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR. GATE VOLUNTEERS WILL COME TO YOU!

    You will need a Valid ID and a ticket in your name.

    A gate or greeter volunteer will check you in, put a wristband on your wrist, and a gate or greeter volunteer will instruct you on what to do next. (where to unload, and where to find parking.)

  • Everyone attending POrtalBurn will be given a wristband that must be worn at all times during the event.

    Wristbands colors denote the participants age group and are different from year to year.

    Please see the signs posted throughout the event for wristband information.

    If your wristband is lost or damaged, please contact a POrtalBurn BOD member. Anyone found without a wristband will be ejected from the event.

  • There are designated areas for theme camps, open camping, and some 'quieter' spaces, but it can still be loud. If you want quiet, you should bring earplugs. Good ones. Most camping is in field areas though there are also spots available in the woods.

    There is a primary field that will be used mostly for theme camps and another field for big art. To apply for Theme camp placement, please fill out the placement request form on the Map page.

    Open camping is first come first serve. Some will be on the hill while some open camping will be available in flatter areas.

    Some Burners are “glampers” and some keep it real simple. You do you!

    We highly encourage you to light up your camp to make it magical. Use flashy lights or laser strobes, or be as extra as you like! Illuminating pathways invites participation!

    If you are using rebar to stake anything down, you must cover the exposed end. Golf balls are your friend! Make them visible at night! Do your part to avoid bloody tripping accidents or popped tires please….

  • Humming Bird Hill has a large lodge and deck that we affectionately call the Burrow. It is central to the event space with an indoor area, a porch overlooking the pond, and a sound system donated by past BOD member Nataraj.

    Time slots can be reserved ahead of time on our Art & Events page. Any remaining slots may be booked at The Information Tent during the event. All events in the Burrow must be appropriate for children.

    Remember to LEAVE NO TRACE in the Burrow. Don’t leave anything behind and clean up after yourselves. Thanks Burners.

    No camping in the Burrow. It is a shared community space. Thanks!

  • POrtalBurn does not provide on–site electricty. If you need it, please bring it! Please be considerate of your neighbors and do whatever you can to mitigate generator sound. We recommend baffle boxes for this purpose. If a neighbor is bothered by your generator, be graceful and work it out.

    Do not run generator/power cords across walking/driving paths, and be conscious of positioning your generator safely if it's in a wooded area. If you're able to share gennie power with neighbors, it's a beautiful thing.

    There is electricity in the pavilion, however it will not be available for general camp use. We will need those outlets for our Safety Core volunteers, like Rangers and Medics.

  • Please bring potable water for all your personal consumption and camp needs.

    Potable water will not be available on site.

  • Yes, they will be there! If it didn't come out of your body, don't put it in the potty. Single-ply TP only. Please use them responsibly. Wanna decorate one to make the potty experience better for everyone? Apply for a grant on our Art & Events page!

  • There will be a communal, co-ed, open air (no walls) shower. It is generously provided by our hosts. In keeping with POrtalBurn tradition, it is often cold! You are welcome to set up your own shower system near your camp. Please be aware of any water runoff and how it may affect the environment and other participants.

    Principle reminder: Leave No Trace! Soaps or shampoos MUST be environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Please do not leave your shower supplies behind as a 'gift'. That's just MOOP. Leave No Trace!

    DO NOT wash your dishes in the shower. Showers are for washing Burner hair and Burner bodies only.

  • YES! Hummingbird Hill has a pond for swimming!

    Swimming is AT YOUR OWN RISK!

    Bring your floaties, and be sure to take those floaties home with you after the event. Thanks!

    ALL CHILDREN IN THE POND MUST BE WITH A SOBER ADULT AT ALL TIMES!

    NO SWIMMING AFTER DARK. Those in violation will be removed from the event.

  • Ice is the only thing for sale at POrtalBurn. It is available in the freezers below the Burrow. The ICE cost will be posted on the front of the freezers. We use the honor system for payment and accept cash or PayPal; please don't ruin it for everyone.

    Any extra proceeds will benefit POrtalBurn Art Grants!

  • This is a 100% LNT (Leave No Trace) event. Pack it in, pack it out. There are no dumpsters or trash receptacles available on site. You are responsible for every piece of trash you generate. It is our Civic Responsibility to ensure our event does not negatively impact the land or local community. DO NOT dump your trash at local businesses. It jeopardizes the future of our event.

    Have a 'camp trash plan'. Discard product packaging before arrival. Bring trash bags. Embrace reusable supplies. Burn your burnables. Avoid glass containers. Collect your recycles. Bring your portable ashtray. Keep trash and food in your camp covered and closed to avoid attracting wildlife.

    Please uphold the Burner Principles to keep our community and relationship with the landowner strong.

  • We recommend disconnecting for the weekend. We understand that times have changed, and cell phones have become integral to our lives. However, a break from the digital world can be refreshing and beneficial.

    Service on site is limited.

    If you have an actual emergency, contact a BOD member, and they will help.

  • As Burners, we strive to Leave No Trace and leave spaces nicer than we found them. You are responsible for getting your stuff together and removing it all in time for exodus on Monday.

    The organizers will be on-site after the event restoring the property and ensuring we have left no trace. Please do your part! After you pack up ALL YOUR THINGS, do a “MOOP sweep”. Comb your camping area and pick up any “Matter Out Of Place” (MOOP), meaning anything that does not belong there.

Fire!!!

  • Propane grills for cooking and other camp stoves are allowed at the event.

    Any fires at campsites must be raised off the ground in a burn barrel or elevated fire pit and must be monitored at all times. DO NOT leave a fire unattended.

    Camps with fire must have a fire extinguisher (5 pounds, ABC type) or 5-gallon filled water bucket readily available.

    There will be a designated ash dump in the effigy burn field. When you leave, you must responsibly dispose of any ashes from your burn barrel or fire pit. Do not discard any ashes or embers anyplace other than the designated ash dump.

    As part of your ticket price, POrtalBurn will provide locally obtained wood for the effigy burn, camp burn barrels, and fire pits. DO NOT bring outside firewood. This region is highly sensitive to the Emerald Ash Borer (a disastrous invasive species that is tightly monitored) and wood from outside of the immediate area is prohibited.

  • Of course, you can! And there are tons of money in art grants to help you do that and encourage all to apply.

    Contact the Fire Lead before the event if you don't need a grant and want to burn your art! Our leads will also help you ensure your project meets fire safety guidelines.

  • NO.

    Fireworks and Pyrotechnics and BANNED from the event, and anybody who violates this will be ejected. POrtalBurn has zero tolerance policy.

  • We are working diligently to be able to allow LPG flame effects for 2025, but please STAY TUNED for further information. Thank you for your patience while we sort this out!

  • Hell yes! If you would like to spin fire, you must register with Conclave to be part of POrtalBurn’s Fire Guild. More information about the Fire Guild and how to register will be available closer to the event.

    Fire spinning is ONLY allowed in pre-designated areas. Do NOT spin fire outside these areas. If theme camps wish to host a fire circle, they must have approval from Conclave or the FAST team.

    Fuel must be stored safely outside the fire circle in an appropriate fuel dump. Every fire performer is expected to have a designated safety spotter, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher.

  • The Fire Conclave is a composition of select fire performance groups from around the world who create choreography dedicated to honoring the Man

    Do to insurance only five performers can be lit at one time. Every spinner MUST use a designated safety spotter!

    If you need more information please contact our Conclave or Fire lead @ safety@portalburn.org!

  • The Effigy and Temple are the core of the Ten Principles. We are not worshiping anything.

    Together, we create a temporary town for each other to enjoy. We work hard to uplift and help each other out.

    Some say Effigy symbolizes the city we created together, the effort, the art, and our temporal place together. No matter what we do, all good things must come to an end. For many, the effigy burn is a night of revelry and celebration!

    Others have said the Temple symbolizes our love for each other, our acceptance of each other, and our acceptance of what has been lost. For many burners, the temple is a more somber and reflective art piece. Please respect other’s experiences around the Temple.

  • Check out our Fire Policy here. You'll find guidelines for Fire Safety, Inspections, and Burn Barrels, and more.

    Please note that we are in the process of updating the Fire Policy, so please be sure to check back often as it is subject to change!

Art, Events, & Theme Camps

  • You are encouraged to make and share art and events for others to enjoy. It is why POrtalBurn exists and is part of our mission.

    If you want to apply for an art grant to bring art to POrtalBurn, or want more information, please visit our Art & Events.

    If you have any questions about bringing your art to POrtalBurn, please email art@portalburn.org.

  • For the finer details about selection and funding for projects, please see the Art Grant Guidelines.

    ALL artists are asked to provide an 'Artist's Statement' in our HELP Guide and be open to discussing their art with attendees.

  • We have an Art Committee comprised of awesome volunteers from the POrtalBurn community! If you are interested in being on the Art Committee, please fill out the form on the Volunteer page!

  • Yes, though vehicle traffic throughout the event site is limited and weather-dependent. If you would like to bring an art car, please email DPW@portalburn.org with the subject “Art Car” and your project name. We'll need to understand the nature of your art car and talk about safety.

  • Every year, POrtalBurn’s HELP Guide volunteers assemble a guide of all the events Burners like YOU bring to the event, along with other POrtalBurn information.

    For more info on how to list your event in our HELP Guide, check out our Art & Events page!

    Note that POrtalBurn just started using the Dust App to list events! While we will try to print a few simple event listing documents, we encourage you to download and use the Dust App to check out events, Art, our Map, and Theme Camps.

  • If you are a theme camp and would like to receive designated placement on our map, please fill out the Theme Camp Placement Application on the Map page. Placement applications will open after tickets go on sale.

    If you do not want to be placed or included on our Map, open camping is first come, first serve.

  • Any camp with amplified sound must apply for theme camp placement, available on the Map page. Sound camps are expected to honor the following guidelines:

    Position speakers and adjust levels so the sound is contained to your camp and doesn't bleed into other camps or open camping. Consult with your neighboring camps when positioning speakers to avoid conflict.

    Bass often travel farther than the event. If a neighbor complains, we will ask you to turn down your bass at night or possibly turn off your subs.

    If a neighboring camp asks you to lower your sound, we expect you to resolve the issue amicably. If you are not able to resolve it, contact a Ranger, the Sound Lead, or a BOD member.

    During the event, the sound will be carefully monitored by our dedicated team of event volunteers. If you are asked to adjust your sound by someone in an official capacity, you are expected to comply. Rest assured, our volunteers are here to assist if needed.

    Sound turndown is between 2 am and 10 am (74 decibels measured at 50' from the sound source).

    Check out our Sound Policy, here.

What Should I do if…

  • We welcome all participants, however we cannot guarantee accessibility to all areas of the venue. The site is a large hilly field with unpaved roads! The fields for large theme camps and RVs are somewhat flat and accessible, weather permitting. There are also some established paths through the woods, but most are fairly rugged with inclines. Open camping is generally walk-in, in wooded areas.

    If you would like your camp to be placed in a more accessible area, please fill out a placement request form on the Map page and note your reasons for the request.

    We will have at least one wheelchair accessible POrtalPotty, and will do our very best to accommodate specific needs. If you have a need or concern, please email contact@portalburn.org for additional information.

    Also, check out of Community page for Radical IDEA initiatives and other ways to get in touch with burners who have experience navigating hummingbird hill or who may have resources to share.

  • All POrtal Burners are expected to be self-reliant. This includes bringing any and all supplies you might need, such as OTC medication, first-aid supplies, sunscreen, etc.

    If your radically self-reliant first aid kit wont cut it, POrtalBurn has 24 hour first aid available to those in need. The first aid tent is know to burners as the MASH: “Mobile Area Supporting Health". MASH is loosely based on "Mobile Army Surgical Hospital", however, if you have yet to figure this out, POrtalBurn's MASH is neither part of the army nor a hospital. It is just an essential First-Aid area, and that is why we call it the "Mobile Area Supporting Health."

    Due to the nature of emergency services, the POrtalBurn BOD has opted to contract our medical needs with a licensed independent provider. These people may not be Burners (yet) and may not be familar with the 10 principles. Please treat them with respect.

    The nearest hospital facility is St. James Hospital 7329 Seneca Road North Hornell, NY 14843

  • Self Check-in. Remember the 4 F’s: Food, Fluids, Fatigue, and Friends.

    Sanctuary

    Seek a Ranger

    MASH Tent

    Call 911 in other life-threatening emergency

  • De-escalation

    Remove yourself from the situation

    Seek a Ranger

    Speak to Consent Lead

    Speak to a BoD Member

    Report a Code of Conduct Incident

  • Non-intervention strategies

    Attempt dialogue

    Seek a ranger

  • Let's get this straight: BURNS ARE LOUD. One more time for those in the back: BURNS ARE LOUD.

    There are quieter areas, but there are no quiet areas. You may hate them or love them, but sound camps do not give AF. If you have ever had the opportunity to attend Burning Man, you will quickly understand that horns, bass, alarms, and every other sound are part of Burner culture tomfoolery. POrtalBurn does have a sound policy, but trust me, it's still loud. We highly suggest bringing a good pair of earplugs to sleep.

    Sound turndown is between 2 am and 10 am, but a turndown is not a turnoff. If you think that someones music is still too loud during turndown hours, you can kindly ask the DJ to turn it down. If that doesnt work, you can track the sound volunteer on duty who will be able to make sure that the noise is within the limits of the sounds policy.

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  • Rangers are helpful, clear-headed participants and non-confrontational volunteer mediators. They are not cops and not your mom, but good people to find if you need help!

    You can spot a Ranger by their super swanky khaki clothing. They will be patrolling the event continuously! Offer them goodies when they stop by. Blue Light Polls and The TIT (The Information Tent) can also radio a Ranger if one is needed.

  • The BoD and the Volunteer Leads are the Event organizers. They are in charge, so please comply if they ask you to do something! You can see who they are on the Org and Contact pages.

Rules and Policies

  • The POrtalBurn waiver is subject to change at anytime. Every participant is bound by the rules of this waiver. Please read it!

    POrtalBurn Waiver

    Accidents happen. Maybe you missed the landing on that triple swan dive and need to be airlifted to a hospital. Like all situations in life, there is risk of personal and property damage involved in POrtalburn. In order to mitigate potentially expensive accidents, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS OBTAIN TRAVELER’S INSURANCE for the duration of the event. The cost of traveler’s insurance is surprisingly low, and could end up saving you thousands of dollars in a worst-case scenario. Be sure to speak to your insurance professional to understand your policy.

  • I can't believe we need to say this. Yes, all New York State laws, including those regarding drugs and alcohol, apply. Upstate New York POrtalBurn Arts, Inc. (UNYPA) does not condone any illegal activity. While creating a space outside the normal constructs of the default world, this community must follow New State Laws.

  • Parents and guardians are always responsible for monitoring minors in their care. Please refer to Waiver.

  • If you or your camp serve alcohol, you are responsible for checking the wristbands and potentially verifying the IDs of anyone you serve. This is worth repeating: If you serve alcohol, you MUST check wristbands; if there is any doubt, verify their ID. Do not serve minors, period.

    Wristbands colors denote the participants age group and are different from year to year. Please see the signs posted throughout the event for wristband information, at the TIT and at the Greeter station.

  • Pets are not allowed at POrtalBurn. Please see our Pet and Service Dog Policy for more information.

  • Please review the PortalBurn Sound Policy here!

    If you are passionate about sound compliance, Volunteer for a sound patrol shift!

  • Yes. Nudity is allowed within the event space only. Nudity is not permitted at the gate, entrance road, parking area, or any area visible to the general public outside of the event.

    Nudity Does NOT imply consent.

    Public sexual acts are strictly prohibited outside of the Red Light District.

  • Consent must be obtained for all photography, film, or video to which a participant may be clearly identified. Any person that is identifiable in a photographer's work can demand a photograph destroyed, even if prior consent was granted.

    Participants understand that taking photos or videos of a camp or person is prohibited if a 'No Photos' sign is posted or at an event where a 'No Photos' policy has been announced.

    POrtalBurn owns all images taken at the event and will use legal means to protect the community members. Please see the media policy in the Waiver.