๐ธBurning Man is coming to Nijmegen ๐ธ
Are you joining? ๐
๐ช Summit โ Celebration โ Public Day ๐ช
From April 16 to 19 2026, the Burning Man European Leadership Summit will take place in Nijmegen. For four days, the NYMA site will be dedicated to creativity, community, and the power of building something extraordinary together.
The event consists of three parts: a Summit (April 16โ19), a Fest (April 18), and a Public Day (April 19).
But what exactly is Burning Man? What will happen? And how can you participate?
๐ธ What is Burning Man? ๐ธ
Many people know Burning Man from the iconic event in the Nevada desert (USA), where a temporary city, Black Rock City, is built each year. Tens of thousands of people come together there to create a world full of art, expression, music, and experimentation.
What is less well known is that dozens of events and communities around the world operate based on the same 10 Principles, such as Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Self-Expression, and Participation.
The Burning Man Project is a nonprofit organization aimed at creating the conditions in which people can build meaningful experiences togetherโthrough creativity, collaboration, and doing what truly brings them joy. Always with respect for one another and the environment.
The goal?
To create a collective WOW.
๐ธ The Celebration ๐ธ
On Saturday, April 18, the Waalhalla and Waalplein will transform into WaalPlaya.
Waalplein open from 15.00h - 00.00h
Waalhalla open from 22.00h - 03.00h
A Celebration where every step you take is a surpriseโjust as youโre used to at 50/50 Fest. Join and participate with art, gifts, music, performances, and unexpected encounters.
And as always: โจ Your gift is welcome.
Whether itโs a performance, artwork, smile, or helping hand.
Want to join the Celebration?
This ticket grants access to the indoor Waalhalla celebration from 22.00h. WaalPlaya opens 15.00h. location Waalplein Nijmegen)
๐ธ The Public Day ๐ธ
On Sunday, April 19, from 13:00h onward, the NYMA site will open its doors to the public. The Waalplein will transform into WaalPlaya.
Everyone is welcome to discover and participate in the culture of Burning Man. There will be free workshops, performances, interactive art, gifting, and encounters. And perhaps most beautiful of all: you are invited to bring your participation and creative contributions! โจ
Art projects
Netherlands:
Effigy - Alex Strijk (Where the Sheep Sleep effigy builder)
Willem Kelderkamp - RJ 45 โงซ Bram Duijf - Infinity Room โงซ The Mushroom โงซ Aluminum Man - Forever Jang (Jang Graat) โงซ Daft Punk was Here - Mooniek Crijns
India:
Moondancer / This Too Shall Pass - Lehka โLunaโ Washington (brought this to Burning Man 2018 and built The Apocalupse is Breathtaking fire tree for Burning Man 2022)
Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia:
X- Regionals Burn Barrel Project - Goku Kavaliauskas, Justas Ja, Henrijs ล eลกo, Povilas Germanavicius, Yarolsav Mamay, Oksana Hoshva, Koste Danaisaite
Mutant Vehicles
Netherlands:
Dutch Windmilfs - Frank "Frosty" Mulling
Germany:
Vibecycle - Henrik Hesslau
And one more highlightโฆ
๐ฅ At the end of the day, we will enjoy a Burn together at 17.00h! ๐ฅ
๐ธ The Summit ๐ธ
Burning Man European Leadership Summit (April 16โ19)
From April 16 to 19, organizers, artists, community builders, and curious innovators from across Europe (and beyond) will gather at the NYMA site.
The Summit brings together people involved in Burning Man and related events, as well as those who want to learn or take on a role within such organizations.
That could be you!
This yearโs theme:
The Art of Becoming
How do you become who you want to be as a community, as a creator, as a leader?
How do you create space for growth, experimentation, and connection?
Would you like to participate in the conference?
Register via the Burning Man website.๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
๐๏ธ Offering a Bed? ๐๏ธ
Summit participants are coming from all over the world and are looking for places to stay.
Do you have a bed, couch, or guest room available?
Let us know.
Welcoming someone into your home may be the most beautiful form of giftingโand who knows, it might spark a lifelong friendship.
๐ Volunteers Wanted ๐
Of course, you can also help build it.
From April 16 to 19, volunteers are welcome in many roles: setup, production, reception, artist support, audience guidance, and more.
Would you like to be part of this adventure?
โค๏ธ Why Nijmegen? โค๏ธ
Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands. A place that has reinvented itself for over 2,000 years, thanks to engaged communities that continually respond to the times they live in.
And of course: the hometown of 50/50 Fest.
Where better for The Art of Becoming to land?
Would you like to join as a participant, partygoer, volunteer, or host?
Check out all information and registration options at 5050fest.nl
๐ฅ Letโs create a new WOW together.