Burning man is falling out of favor with Gen Zers.
As the annual counterculture festival kicks off in the Black Rock Desert of northwestern Nevada, the annual Black Rock City census survey, which tracks the demographics of festival attendees, shows that burners in their 20s hit a record low in 2025.
According to the study, about 10% of roasters surveyed will be in their 20s at the time of participation in 2025, compared to more than 30% in 2015. This number has fallen steadily over the past decade, but took a much steeper nosedive after the festival resumed in 2022 after a two-year pandemic hiatus.
The survey, which also asked respondents about their biggest obstacles to attending the festival, provided insight into why younger visitors feel put off.
By 2025, more than a quarter of respondents said the costs of participation was their biggest obstacle, while another 16% reported getting time off from work or school. More than 10% also said learning how to prepare for a week in the desert is challenging because participants are expected to bring their own water, food and camping gear.
The cost of admission to Burning Man has increased over the past decade and the Burning Man Project, the organization behind the festival, has faced financing shortfalls in recent years as ticket prices struggled to offset operating costs. According to the organization’s financial records, the organization lost $265 per main ticket sold in 2024.
Compared to the main ticket price of $390 in 2015, Burning Man tickets in 2026 started at $550, while a vehicle pass cost another $165. That brought the lowest advertised price for a solo driver to $715, excluding taxes and handling fees. Including camping gear, food, water, transportation, and camping fees, these costs can easily push the total price of attendance over $1,000, especially for beginners.
The Burning Man Project did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
