9 Alternatives For Burning Man Lottery Losers

John Halcyon Styn

So you couldn't get a ticket. Join the club. Burning Man has been a rich man's game for a while now, and since BMORG, the group behind it, can't seem to figure out any way to prevent scalpers (such as, say, printing your name on your ticket), prices surely will be jacked up even higher between now and August (until they suddenly drop again at the last minute).

Maybe it's time to explore alternatives, like:

ignightfestival.com

9. IgNight Fire Flow Celebration

Will satisfy your craving for:
[ ]Art [ ] Hippies [x] Fire [x] Dust [x] Music [ ] Drugs

When: April 27-29

Where: Joshua Tree

The website says: "At least seven classes going on simultaneously at all times of the day and an awesome DJ lineup for a nightly spin jam. Flow enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited."

Notes: It's the first year for this promising-sounding event held in Burner-rich Joshua Tree, at the same site that hosts the beloved Joshua Tree Music Festival. Get in on the ground floor so you can lord it over the huge throngs of noobs sure to crowd year two.

Tickets cost: $125

The Upside: It's a short drive and it's educational.

The Downside: If poi spinners frighten or annoy you, pencil in a full-scale panic attack.

Flickr user Steve Hopson

8. Burning Flipside

Will satisfy your craving for:
[x]Art [x] Hippies [x] Fire [x] Dust [x] Music [x] Drugs

When: May 24-28

Where: Austin, Texas

The website says: "Burning Flipside is a Texas regional art and music festival inspired by Burning Man. It is a place for radical self expression and an experiment in temporary community building. The theme for 2012 is Freaky Deeky Time Machine!"

Notes: Ticket registration for this event just closed, but we'd be remiss not to mention Flipside, the longest-running and best-loved regional burn. It's probably one of the biggest, too, but not so much so that it's not still cozy. Said one participant, "You say 'See you later' to someone, and you actually do see them later!"

Tickets cost: $90

The Upside: A river runs through it.

The Downside: Texas-sized fire ants.

7. That Thing on That Holiday Somewhere in the Desert

Will satisfy your craving for:
[x]Art [ ] Hippies [x] Fire [x] Dust [x] Music [x] Drugs

When: Ask around.

Where: I can't tell you, or they'll kill me.

The website says: There isn't one.

Notes: Burners hate media coverage of this "Second Burning Man" because they fear growth will mean its demise -- even as they invite more and more of their friends, year after year.

Tickets cost: No ticket, so free!

The Upside: With tickets to the big Black Rock burn so hard to come by, this may be a stellar year for this alternative event.

The Downside: This may also be the year the Bureau of Land Management cops finally get fed up with dealing with a second Burning Man.