DCompression 2025 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the DCompression, the DMV region’s first officially sanctioned Burning Man Decompression event! 

Whether you’re a seasoned playa veteran, or just burning with curiosity, this FAQ is here to make your experience smooth, sparkly, and stress-free.

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FAQ Sections 

Event Basics

What is this event? What is a Decompression?

Decompression is a post-Burning Man celebration where the community reconnects, recharges, and relives the magic of Black Rock City — but right here in DC (our first in the region)! Decompressions are inclusive, community events celebrating burner culture and values. You’ll see art, performances, theme camps, mutant vehicles and people just beautifully being themselves. 

Think of it sort of like Burning Man Lite, but without the camping and dust. Based on the 10 Principles guiding the Burning Man culture, the event is about participation, creativity, and connection. You do not need to have attended Burning Man to enjoy this event.

When is the event?

Saturday, November 15th
3pm–3am
At BERHTA 

  • Free & family-friendly from 3pm–8pm
  • Paid & 18+ from 8pm–3am
  • Furloughed federal workers with a government ID get in free. 
  • You can purchase tickets here.

Who is putting on the event?

The local DC-DMV Burning Man community, a couple dozen planners, 100+ on-site volunteers, 100+ artists and participants, and the newly formed DC Burners non-profit organization, in partnership with BERHTA, have collaborated to create this event.  

Where is the event?

At BERHTA, 1237 W Street NE, Washington, DC 20018 

What is ... a BERHTA?

Pronounced “Bear-tah,” and formerly home to Black Entertainment Television’s headquarters and production studios, BERHTA is now a venue unlike any other. This multi-acre, indoor and outdoor club and art space contains several large stages, a sound system described as “a sonic pilgrimage,” and the type of lights and video technology you might expect to see at a high-end European club. And with outdoor space large enough to host art cars and flame-effect art, it might just be that much betteh. 

With numerous spots for chill spaces, jam sessions, fire circles, immersive art, poetry and storytelling workshops, live music, DJ dance parties and more; and with wide areas to move around in, high ceilings, great air circulation, the option to go outside, and lots of custom art integrated into the design of the space, it’ll be a club experience like no other. 

Who can attend?

Everyone is welcome! The event is free and family-friendly from 3pm–8pm, after which tickets are required for the 18+ portion of the event from 8pm–3am.

Do I have to have been to Burning Man before?

Not at all! The DC-DCompression is the perfect way to dip your toes into burner culture. Come curious, open-minded, and ready to play. 

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Burner Culture & Community Guidelines

The 10 Principles

Burning Man is a community built on the principle of consent. Our culture is guided by The 10 Principles: Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-Reliance, Radical Self-Expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leave No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy. None of these 10 Principles could exist without Consent being their backbone.

Consent & Respect

Burning Man events are wonderful opportunities to go beyond our comfort zones with self expression and engagement with others. In such exuberance, it’s always important to be mindful and respectful of each person’s comfort levels. Whether that’s offering a gift, a friendly hug or some groovy moves on the dance floor. Ask first. 

Participation

This isn’t a spectator sport! Whether you’re dancing, volunteering, participating in an activity, join in—be a part of it. 

Photography

If you take pictures, please first ask for consent from anyone who is in your photos. Add #DCburners and #BERHTAclub to your social posts to share wider and more the memories and moments.

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Tickets

How much are tickets?

Ticket pricing for the paid and 18+ portion of the event (8pm–3pm) are tiered and range from $28.38 to $51.08. Grab your Early Bird ticket now while they’re at the lowest price! Purchase tickets here. 

Free tickets (3–8pm) are also available on the ticket site, but if you stay past 8pm, you will be asked to purchase a ticket, if you do not have one already.

Will tickets be available at the door?

Yes, Fashionably Late Bird tickets ($51.08) will be available at the door.

Do kids need to purchase tickets?

No, from 3–8pm, the event is family-friendly, free and open for anyone to attend. However, those who are in attendance during this time will still need to go to the ticket site and reserve a free ticket. 

If I arrive in the 3–8pm range, do I need to purchase a ticket to stay later? 

Yes, the venue will be cleared of all guests who do not have an “after 8pm” wristband.

What about refunds, transfers, and reselling tickets?

There are no ticket refunds, and, as always, be on alert for scammers. For reselling and transferring tickets, please use the ticket platform’s system.

Is the venue accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The first floor of the venue is accessible. The second floor where the chill spaces and acoustic music will be played is currently not accessible by elevator.

I am a federal furloughed employee, is there any accommodation?

Our event is all about giving back to the local community, and who is more “DC” and “DMV” than our federal worker friends? Furloughed employees who show a federal ID at the door will be comped a ticket. 

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Access & Logistics

Where can I park nearby?

Parking for about 200 cars within BERHTA’s parking lot is free and first-come, first-served. Nearby street parking is free. Rideshares are encouraged.  

How accessible is the venue by other means of transportation? 

Quite accessible. You have options. 

  • Bike: Many a bike rack can be found at BERHTA. 
  • Metro: It’s a 12-minute walk from the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station. 
  • Amtrak: It’s a 10-minute rideshare trip from Amtrak's Union Station to the venue. 
  • Uber, Lyft & Rideshares: Make sure to give your driver this address—1237 W Street NE, Washington, DC 20018—so you get dropped off at the front (and not the loading area)!

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Food & Drink

Will there be any food available to purchase? 

Yes, Lala Enchilada’s food truck will be outside and serving up authentic Mexican enchiladas and side dishes. Vendors interested in selling food or non-alcoholic drinks at the Dcompression can send an email to info@dcburners. There will be no additional fee to vend at the event, but they are responsible for their own licensing, permits and POS.

Can I purchase alcoholic drinks there?

Most certainly! BERHTA has a full bar offering a wide range of drink choices. 

Is drinking water accessible—and free?

Absolutely. At BERHTA you’ll find two water dispensers with chilled, filtered water. Refreshing, plentiful and free. Water coolers with ice are on the bars, too. Bring your refillable water jugs (and put your name and phone number on them, lest you put it down somewhere and forget to take it with you).

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Safety & Amenities

Is there a coat check and bag check offered? 

Even better! Medium and large lockers are available for rent, onsite, via a QR code. Drop off and access your coat, bag or gear any time. No waiting in line to store or retrieve your items. Easy peasy. 

What’s the bathroom sitch?

Glad you asked! At BERHTA, you’ll find 40 gender-neutral bathroom stalls (including four ADA-compliant stalls), easy-access handwashing areas and some big mirrors with good light to check yourself before heading back out. 

What kind of security is there? Will Burning Man Rangers be there?

Yes, Burning Man Rangers will be walking the event, and experienced rangers are encouraged to volunteer for a Ranger shift. BERHTA will be providing some security, and, just because it’s wise, you’re encouraged to store your personal items in the lockers for rent. 

Will there be a first-aid station? 

Yes, we will have first-aid folks who will be on call as needed. 

Can I vape indoors?

Nope, and please don’t. :-) But vape away outside.

Can I bring my dog, or any animals?  

Outside and during the family-friendly portion of the event, from 3–8pm, you’re welcome to bring friendly, leashed dogs, and you’re responsible, of course, for cleaning up after them. After 8pm, only disability-related service animals are allowed.

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Volunteers

How can I help or sign up to volunteer? 

The DC-DCompression, like all Burning Man events, relies on participation and a DO-ocracy ethos—and volunteers are the heart of it. Most shifts are two hours long. Grab a friend, and sign up to volunteer today.

What kind of volunteers are needed? 

There are opportunities to help during the event, such as —

  • Cat herders (people moving)
  • Greeting and ticketing 
  • LNT (leave no trace) 
  • Staffing a burner-info booth
  • Parking guides 
  • First aid 
  • Fire circle support
  • Rangers 
  • Decor

How can I get involved in build, setup and the behind-the-scenes work?

Just like at any burn, the DPW (Department of Public Works) will be behind the scenes, doing what needs doing—especially Saturday day, helping camps and art projects get set up... and then, on Sunday, reversing directions with strike and getting it all taken down. 

There are bigger roles with communications, admin, tech, finances, logistics and such. If you’d like to help beyond a shift or two, email info@dcburners.org with a short statement of how you’d like to contribute, before, during and even after the dcomp. 

I heard some art projects need help with transportation. How can I help?

You heard right. Especially with larger art projects, some artists and theme camps need support with transportation. If you have a box truck, van or large vehicle to ferry some big loads of stuff (to, fro or both), and/or if you are capable of lifting and moving larger and heavier items and can help before the event or the day after, please send an email to info@dcburners.org.

Do volunteers get comped tickets?

Some do, yes. While all local Burning Man community events rely on volunteers, with no paid staff, as well as dozens of on-site volunteers, for this event only “super volunteers,” those volunteering 10 or more hours will receive comped tickets. If you are one of those super volunteers, reach out to info@dcburners.org for the comped-ticket form. No ticket registration code will be sent. Completing the form and the information, then being verified by the event organizers, will add someone’s name to the comped-tickets list. 

All artists, performers, workshop hosts and participants need to request a comped ticket. Project POCs received an email with the comped-ticket form link to complete. Project POCs can submit a list of “super volunteers” for their project, or they can ask each participant to complete their own form.

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Presenters, Artists, Performers & Participants

Can I bring art, an activity, a camp, a workshop or a band (or more)? 

YES, and we hope you do! Decompressions thrive on your creativity. Bring your art, sound installations, interactive spaces, and performances to share with the community. As with any burn, the event organizers create the stage, the community fills it. 

Particularly as BERHTA is a multi-acre, indoor-outdoor space with several stages, many rooms and even studio spaces (the location’s previous owner was BET-Black Entertainment Television) the diversity of places and spaces available are many. And with plentiful protected indoor space for art installations, prepare to have your mind blown with the array of art installations many dc-dmv burners are bringing. 

  • Need an outdoor area for a fire performance, live music or mutant vehicle? You got it!
  • Need a quiet room for a workshop, singing circle or meditation? All yours! 
  • Need a stage, an aerialist rig or a sound system? On it!

But you gotta complete this participation form by November 9th at 12noon, to express your interest in bringing your art, workshop, performance, mutant vehicle, or music. (The sooner we get your form, the better placement you’re likely to get.)

Fire spinners and aerialists, you can skip the form and contact Sunset & Chill directly. 

What kind of art are people bringing? 

Lots, and we hope you’ll add to the mix. To date, people have expressed bringing —

  • Fire circles and aerialists
  • Large art installations such as murals and paintings
  • Art cars and flame-effect art
  • A speakeasy, peakeasy and Meow Mobile
  • Live bands and jam sessions
  • DJs, a range in music styles and lots of dancing
  • Chill spaces, cuddle puddles and a healers’ corner 
  • A station for writing letters to be mailed ... or sent to the other side
  • Fire and flow skillsharing 
  • And a whole lot more ... this is just a sampling 

What’s going on during the day-time, family-friendly portion of the event? 

In addition to all the art installations, you’ll find —

  • Engaging activities for kids and workshops for adults
  • An area to try different flow props in a safe, fun environment
  • A collaborative poetry wall and a community-made 3d mural
  • The Kid Zone with a family-friendly glow-in-the-dark dance party 
  • A mix-it-yourself dirty-soda bar and a milk-n-cookies lounge
  • An opportunity to make tiny art in a tiny museum 
  • Acro yoga performances and skill-sharing
  • A radical self-expression art station for kids 
  • A fire performance from 6–6:30pm
  • And much more ... let us know if you’d like to bring a day-time activity

What is the cut-off date for bringing art, an activity or performance?

All art and activities need to be submitted on the participation form by Sunday, November 9th at 12noon, to give the Art Placement team and workshop/event schedulers time to figure out who and what goes where and when. 

Do artists get comped tickets?

The lead artist or project organizer receives comped entry. Additional team members who contribute 10 hours or more of support to an activity (including planning, transportation, setup an on-site engagement) are eligible. If you believe you should get a comped ticket, please reach out to info@dcburners.org for the form. 

Please note that those receiving a comped ticket will not receive a free-ticket code. Instead, if they qualify for a comped ticket and have filled out the form that was sent to them their name will be on the comped-ticket list when they arrive. 

Can artists and participants apply for art grants? 

Yes, and many have, though the window for art grants closed on November 1st at 12 noon. Art-grant recipients were notified November 4th. As with any Burning Man-related event, supporting artists and participants through art grants is part of the community culture, and we’re encouraged by the diversity and depth of participation submissions received to date.

Is there special parking for art crews?

We will have available artist load-in access for installations and performance gear. If you are with an art project and need to unload, please check in at ticketing and let us know you have arrived and then we will help direct you to the best location for unload based on your placement. Parking can be guaranteed for all artists setting up before 6pm. 

Is this a protest or political event?

Nope! DCompression is a participatory, non-political celebration of creativity, community and connection. 

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Fire & Aerialists! 

Who is leading the fire circle and aerialist performance show? How do I reach them?

Sunset & Chill is coordinating all fire spinning and performances. Contact Kyle and Sam by email, FB or IG; or contact Cody on IG. 

Will there be a scheduled fire performance? 

Yes, there will be a fire showcase from 6–6:30pm.

I want to spin fire, to participate. What do I need to know?

First, great and yay! There is an open fire circle from 7–11pm. You don’t need to complete the participation form other performers do, just show up the day-of and make sure that you are present for one of the short safety-trainings. There is one at 6:45pm and another at 7:45pm. 

Make sure your props are in good shape, serviceable, and wicks are trimmed. Fire circle staff will be checking them, and any props deemed unsafe will not be allowed access to the fuel depot. 

What levels of fire spinners can participate?

All levels are welcome, and all fire spinners, regardless of experience level, will need to be present for a short safety-training first. 

Will fuel be provided? Safeties? Duvatynes?

Yes, white gas (Crown) will be on hand, though beathers will need to bring their own lamp oil. Please do not bring other fuels or your own fuel dumps to be used. If you have something special you want to bring, please contact the fire circle leads so plans can be made.

Will there be a place to store my fire flow toy when I’m not using it? 

Space is limited, but we can do our best to carve out an area to store props and gear. Neither Sunset & Chill, DC Burners, BERHTA, nor any organizers are liable for lost or stolen items. Some small props and gear may fit in a medium or large locker for rent at the venue.

I’ve never lit my prop before and really want to. What do I need to know? 

Excellent! We love helping first-time spinners through their first burn. Please be sure to attend one of the safety briefs at either 6:45 or 7:45pm.

I’d like to perform as an aerialist. How can I get involved?

An aerialist rig will be part of the fire circle. Contact Kyle of Sunset & Chill to join the growing lineup of aerialist performers. 

I have more questions about the fire circle or aerialist performance opportunities. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact the fire-circle organizers directly with any questions or concerns! You can reach Kyle and Sam of Sunset & Chill by email, FB or IG; or Cody on IG. 

Can I bring an outdoor art installation or mutant vehicle with flame effects?

Yes, with specific qualifications met first. Send an email to info@dcburners.org to get your fiery I’s dotted and T’s crossed. 

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Connect with DC Burners around the DMV

Follow DC Burners on social media for updates, volunteer calls, and ways to participate before, during, and after the event. Use #DCBurners on relevant social posts. 

Baltimore Burners

Upcoming Burner Events

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A confession: most parties are lies.

They promise connection and deliver small talk. They advertise fun and deliver obligation in fancy clothes. They're exhausting exercises in pretending you're having a better time than you are.

And then there are burns.

DCompression 2025. November 15th. The DMV's first official Burning Man decompression, which is really just a fancy way of saying: remember when you believed gatherings could be transformative? When art didn't need a gallery and music didn't need a playlist and the best conversations happened with strangers around a fire?

Let’s build that. For twelve hours. At BERHTA Club.

All ages 'til 8PM—workshops, fire art, interactive installations, space for wonder. Adults only after 8PM —dance floors, DJ sets, the kind of night that becomes a story.

Tickets are very-reasonable—considering. Food will be available. Colors will be more vivid than normal. Mutant vehicles cautiously encouraged.

Come help us prove parties can still be magic.

~ A piece by Pope

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