The Nevada Burning Man Festival: Year by Year History

Born in 1986 from the mind of Larry Harvey, the arts festival of the Burning Man has evolved from 20 people watching a wooden man burn on Baker Beach to over 30,000 creating the most populous city in Pershing County, Nevada. Year by year the festival grew and evolved. This is a glimpse into that growth of the Burning Man, both in form and in function.

1986
Larry Harvey and Jerry James build an 8 foot wooden man on Baker Beach, San Francisco and set it on fire in honor of the summer solstice. 20 people attend; one grabbing the burning man’s hand.

1987
The height of the figure was increased to 20 feet but the triangle face remained. Crowds increase to 80 on Baker Beach while the burning man burned.

1988
Larry Harvey now names the burning man “Burning Man” and uses individual parts to construct him to a height of 30 feet. The crowd of onlookers rises to 150-200.

1989
Local TV coverage and park police pepper the Baker Beach celebration. The Burning Man is now 40 feet high and is burnt semi-standing as the legs and pelvis broke away from the torso. This year over 300 attend the festivities.

1990
The Burning Man stays at 40 feet. The location stays at Baker Beach with an attendance of 800, however the burn location is moved to Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Only 100 attend the actual burn, which happened by David Warren (a veteran fire breather) igniting the Burning Man.

1991
The year of many firsts, 1991 saw the first desert survival guide for attendees and the requirements for a Bureau of Land Management permit. The Burning Man stays at 40 feet and in Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Approximately 250 Burning Man attendees participate.

1992
The Burning Man festival becomes the Black Rock Arts Festival with a fashion show and an arts festival. “Danger Ranger” puts out the Black Rock Gazette’s premiere issue. The Burning Man stays at 40 feet tall and at Black Rock Desert, but this time is loaded with fireworks. Over 600 attend this festival year.