The History of Burning Man
Burning Man is organized by the Burning Man Project, a non-profit organization that, in 2013, succeeded Black Rock City LLC (formed in 1999 to represent the event's organizers). The organization provides the essential infrastructure of Black Rock City and works year-round to bring Burning Man culture to the world through programs such as Burners Without Borders, Black Rock Solar and Global Arts Grants.​
1986
In honor of the Summer Solstice, Larry Harvey conceived the first Burning Man. Together with Jerry James he constructed the first wooden figure and burned it on Baker Beach, California, with 20 participants.
1989
After three years the participants grew to 300 and the crowd attracted the park police, who attempted to stop the solstice ceremony.
1990
The park police was able to ban the burning of the man on Baker Beach. A compromise was found with the San Francisco Cacophony Society to move Burning Man to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. There were 90 participants.
1991
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) required a recreation permit and filed an environmental impact report regarding the condition of the camp site, - Participants: 250
1993
Burning Man established community media services with a radio station onsite. Danger Ranger brought the first art car: the “504 PM Special". Peter Doty created the first theme camp by dressing as Santa, giving away free fruitcake and eggnog at “Christmas Camp.” - Participants: 1000
2022
Participants: 80,000