FAQs

Do I need to register every year?

Yes. Registering is required each year, as it automatically enters you into the ticket lottery.

How many tickets can I buy?

You can buy one (1) ticket for yourself as well as for any minors who will be coming to the event with you.

Why do I need to use my legal name?

We will use your ID to confirm your identity at the gate. If the name on your ID does not match that on your ticket, you will not be allowed in. It’s important for us to have an accurate list in advance of everybody who is attending our event. Examples of identification include: a valid driver’s license, provincial IDs, and passports. The gate does not accept student IDs, dental cards, library cards, etc.

What if my ID is my dead name?

When you check in, if your legal name on your ID is different from your preferred name, you can hand our gate volunteers a note (or put a post-it on your ID) with your preferred name so they know how to address you properly.

What if I’m part of a theme camp?

Theme camp tickets will be issued before general sale. They’re for people who will contribute essential work for theme camp projects. If you’re an essential contributor to a theme camp, you will hear from your theme camp lead about how to receive your ticket. Theme camp leads will be contacted by City Department following their theme camp application.

What if I’m part of an art project?

Arts grants will be awarded by Feb 21, 2025. Art Grants tickets will be issued before the general sale. Artists will be able to purchase directed tickets for themselves and can submit the name of 1 additional artist/support person to receive a direct purchase link. You will be contacted by the Arts team regarding advanced tickets. Artists bringing art but NOT receiving a grant may also receive a directed ticket and a +1 ticket. This will be part of our Art Registration Form (coming soon), and you will be contacted by the Art team regarding advanced tickets.

Does my child need a ticket?

All participants, regardless of age, must have a ticket. All minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants aged 12 and under can attend for free, so ensure you select the appropriate ticket type. Minors aged 13-17 are $75 + fees. These tickets can be purchased at any point during or after the initial sale. ID is not required for minors, but all minors must arrive at the gate with their guardian. Any minor who does not arrive at the gate with their guardian will be turned away.

Can I buy a ticket at the gate?

No. You absolutely cannot buy a ticket at the gate. Do not show up if you do not have a ticket.

What additional ticketing fees should I be aware of?

Our credit card processor, Stripe, charges a small fee for each transaction.

Can I give my ticket to a friend?

No. If you cannot attend when you get a ticket offer you can “reject” and turn down the offer. That ticket will go to the next person on the waiting list.

Can I get a refund?

If you cannot attend, release your ticket back into the system for someone else by clicking the link in the email you receive. May 7, 2025 at 6pm is the last moment to be eligible for a ticket refund. Until this time you can generate your own refund within the system and cancel your ticket in the system. The last ticket vouchers will be issued that evening (May 7th) and will not be refundable.

Do I need to volunteer?

We encourage ticket holders to volunteer if they can. You are SideBurn’s lifeblood and through your efforts you get to truly embody the Burning Man principles of Communal Effort and Participation. Our ability to run this event depends on volunteers showing up. As you go to buy your ticket, you will be prompted to log into our volunteer system and indicate at least one period and area of SideBurn where you can join and contribute. Consider taking on more than one shift!

Do I need a vehicle pass?

Every vehicle through the gates of the event needs a vehicle pass (motorcycles excluded). You will have the opportunity to purchase one (1) vehicle pass when your ticket offer is made and can be purchased alongside your ticket or added later. We do not guarantee that your vehicle will be able to be driven or parked in the event area. Access will be weather permitting, large vehicles are very likely to damage the road in bad weather, or worst of all – get stuck in the field. All vehicles large or small assume the responsibility of paying their own towing fees if their vehicle becomes stuck. All vehicles must be removed from the site no later than three hours past the end of the event.

How do I get an RV pass?

Due to high RV pass in previous years, we’re trying a new system where staff, theme camps and general sale tickets should all have equal access. When buying or registering for your ticket, you’ll be prompted to email ticketing@sideburn.ca to include yourself in the RV lottery/waiting list. On April 7th, we will randomly select entrants from the list to issue RV purchase vouchers to. Only people who have purchased a ticket or are registered for a ticket will receive an RV purchase voucher. It’s essential to use your same ticket email address when you sign up for an RV pass. People can join the list after April 7th to join the end of the RV pass line.

How do I add or remove an add-on to my ticket (like a vehicle pass) after I purchase my ticket?

You can modify your ticket add-ons, such as Pay It Forward tickets, minor tickets, and vehicle passes, anytime after purchase and up until the event begins. Simply log into our ticketing system using your email and password, and follow these easy steps.

1. Press "View or Change Order" from the link at the top.
2. Press the order code (a five-letter code on the left-hand side).
3. Press the "Change Order" button.