1. Do I have to wear a post-apocalyptic costume?
Yes. The event aims to create a 360° post-apocalyptic environment! Post-apocalyptic costuming can be very affordable and may even be put together from items you already own. Rummage your closet, thrift stores and surplus stores. If you need costume help, this website is quickly becoming the premiere resource for post-apocalyptic costuming tips. Check out our Costume Tips posts or Bartertown page.
2. Do I have to have a themed vehicle or themed campsite to attend?
No. Themed campsites and themed vehicles are encouraged, but not required. Themed campsites and vehicles will be judged for prizes and can get you placed closer to the action (see our Tribes page). You don’t even have to camp if you don’t want to, although camping is included in your ticket price. You can just hang out to check out the atmosphere, entertainment and vendors.
3. Do you sell one-day passes? I’m only planning to come for the day.
No. You will need to buy a ticket to get in, if even just for a few hours. “One-day passes” will not be available. Besides, Wasteland Weekend is one of the most affordable desert festivals around.
4. Can we bring out our own sound system so our DJ or band can play in our camp?
No. But you can play your music in your general camping area between noon and 3 am at a moderate volume and as long as it doesn’t disturb your neighbors. In the themed area, you may also play your music between noon and 3 am, but the organizers reserve the right to ask you to turn it off if they feel it is not contributing to the theme or is interfering with the official audio. Wasteland Weekend will play a variety of music during the day, as well as schedule bands and DJs.
5. Is this a LARP or cosplay event?
No. This is a four-day desert encampment and festival in a Mad Max world. We are requiring costumes because we don’t want there to be a distinction between participants and gawkers (like there are at many other events). Uncostumed attendees would take away from the environment we are creating, and thus the ability for all participants to enjoy the event.
As for LARP (Live Action Role Playing), no, this is not intended to be a LARP gaming event. But I guess if you want to do that sort of thing while you’re out in the wasteland, we’re not going to stop you. But we reserve the right to make fun of you. Up until you wipe out all our hit points with a magic missile.
6. I saw that there are DJs. Is this a rave?
No. Our DJs will be playing an eclectic mix of everything from industrial, to metal and vintage hard rock, to snippets of movie soundtracks -anything that fits in with the post-apocalyptic, Mad Max vibe. There will also be a number of live bands. During the day, expect to hear Wasteland Radio – a diverse playlist of songs interspersed with our very own radio ads.
7. Is the event accessible by a regular street vehicle?
Legally, we have to say that street vehicles are not recommended in this off-road vehicle area, but our import cars with 6″ clearances make it fine every time. Actually, the dirt roads are regularly maintained by the city and are some of the best we’ve ever driven on. There’s really no cause for concern – after welcoming close to a thousand attendees, no one has ever complained about vehicle access.
8. There is mention of campers, RVs, trailers and such. May we just bring a tent?
Absolutely. There will be an area for tents & encampments. Get creative, and decorate your tent(s) in post-apocalyptic décor! A contest will reward prizes for the best camping set-up & décor! There is also a hotel just 20 minutes away if your need to live out a post-apocalyptic dream ends at bedtime.
9. Will bathrooms be available?
Yes! We aren’t going THAT post-apocalyptic! Portable restrooms and sinks will be available for the entire event.
10. Will there be food vendors?
Yes, but they will probably not be open 24 hours a day. If you bring your own drinks, remember: try to avoid glass containers! It’s no fun to step or drive over broken glass!
11. Is this a “kid-friendly” event?
No, unfortunately, this most certainly is NOT a kid-friendly event. There will be large amounts of spikes, chains, large fast-moving vehicles and alcohol involved — probably not the best environment for children. You must be 18 years old or older to attend this event, NO EXCEPTIONS.
12. Can I bring my pets?
Dogs are the only pets that are allowed. They must be on leashes at all times and must be non-aggressive and get along well with humans and other dogs. Remember: This is the open DESERT. There could be rattlesnakes out there. Rattlesnake bite treatment could be hours away and could cost you thousands of dollars, so think twice before bring your dog. Also, the Desert Tortoise is protected, so PLEASE do not harm or touch any if you see them. You will get slapped with a HUGE FINE!
13. I understand that firearms are not allowed, but can we bring prop & replica weapons?
Yes, with some conditions: Bring your NON-FIRING/REPLICA weaponry. No real firearms are allowed, whether loaded or not, unless they have been permanently disabled. No black powder guns. No real ammo is allowed, even if you’re just wearing it as part of a costume (dummy/deactivated bullets are fine however). You may not fire any blank-firing guns, cap guns, or any prop that simulates the sound of a real gun being fired. (You can bring them, just don’t ever load them or let them make noise). Airsoft guns are allowed, but must not be loaded at any time. Bows and crossbows must NEVER be loaded while in the event area. Basically, if it’s a weapon that fires a projectile of any kind (even a Nerf gun), or makes a loud noise, don’t even think of shooting it off in the event area.
BLADES – Edged weapons must be VERY dull, or should stay sheathed while you are inside the event boundaries. This includes sharp objects on costumes. Wasteland Weekend security and staff reserve the right to inspect and confiscate any weapons that appear to be unsafe, or are being used in an unsafe manner (they will be held for you until the end of the event). If you have questions about a specific weapon, better to ask us before you bring it out. And remember that California law supersedes any of our weapons policies. If you carry something to or at the event that is against the law in the state of CA, you do so at your own risk.
14. What will the weather be like for the event weekend?
The average weather for the area in late September is: HIGH 84° and LOW 57°. However, be prepared for heatwaves or cold spells – we can’t predict what Mother Nature will do. Make sure to bring warm clothing, as the temperature really drops at night in the desert! This event is set to start well BEFORE the rainy season, but you never know, so check the weather forecasts before you go. Either way, Wasteland Weekend is a rain or shine event.
15. Are campfires/bonfires allowed?
Personal campfires are allowed, large bonfires are not. You may want to bring your own wood, and please be responsible with your fire pit! Never leave any fire unattended and always have a fire extinguisher or sand bucket within your camp. Burning of wood containing nails, screws or metal hardware is prohibited. (That means pallets!) BBQs are allowed, too. A firewood vendor may drop by occasionally. Tiki torches (or similar) are fine, but just be smart and don’t place them too close to your tent. Remember that there are strong and sudden wind gusts in the desert that could knock over flaming objects.
16. Will there be a power grid for all attendees to use?
No. There are currently no plans for a community power grid. Power will be reserved for official event use such as entertainment. If you need to charge your cell phone, please bring a car adapter, or find a friend with a generator or RV. Please be responsible for your own needs.
17. Can we use a camp shower / solar shower?
Yes. Spilling some water onto the ground is fine. However, emptying of grey water or black water tanks from an RV is NOT allowed.
18. Can I spin fire or bring my flamethrower?
Performers will be putting on fire spinning, fire breathing, and fire combat performances at scheduled times and in designated places ONLY. If you would like to be one of our performers, please fill out a performer application form.
If you are not a performer, you MAY spin fire this year, but you may only do so within the boundaries of the designated fire practice area. Each person spinning fire must have at least one safety person stationed nearby with either a fire extinguisher or a duvetyne blanket. That means if there are four people spinning in the practice area, there must be four safeties watching them. Anyone seen breaking the safety rules for fire spinning is subject to removal from the event. Each year we evaluate our fire rules in cooperation with the local California City authorities. Your safety and cooperation will help Wasteland Weekend to continue to be a fun and safe event for everyone.
You will not be allowed to use your propane pyrotechnic devices or flamethrowers. Wasteland Weekend will provide pyrotechnic entertainment from the main stage.
19. Can I take photos or shoot film/video?
Photography and Film & Video policies for Wasteland Weekend 2013
Still photography:
Anyone who attends Wasteland Weekend may take still photos. They need not pre-register.
However, members of the press should notify WW staff members before their arrival so that we may assist them in covering the event (and some media outlets will qualify for free admission). Anyone who receives a complimentary press pass for the event is expected to share some of their work with WW staff afterwards so that we may use it for promotional purposes. (We will always make our best efforts to obtain permission from photographers and give them proper credit when using their photos for promotion.)
We expect photographers to be courteous of attendees and not take anyones’ photograph who asks you not to, or who makes it clear through their actions that they do not want to be photographed. Use your best judgement. When in doubt, ask before shooting. (If possible. We don’t necessarily expect you to ask everyone’s permission when taking crowd shots).
All photographers must obey the same rules and codes of conduct as other Wasteland attendees, including proper post-apocalyptic attire at all times.
Members of the media should check in at the WW Command Center (just inside the Wasteland gates) when they arrive at the event.
Film & Video:
The above rules all apply, with additional restrictions:
Anyone taking motion photography of any sort (film, video) will need to be pre-approved by Wasteland staff and file a permit. If you plan on shooting video for any reason, be it media, your own personal use, a short film for youtube, whatever, you will need to register. There is no fee. You will be given a special arm band to wear while at the event that tells us you are approved by staff. Anyone seen filming without an arm band will be asked to stop. Anyone who doesn’t stop, may be escorted out of the event.
Note: Cell phone video cameras are exempt and will be treated as still cameras for the purposes of this policy.
Why are we instituting this new policy? Several reasons. One reason is that we want to limit the number of cameras and film crews at our event. Even when a film crew is in costume, having many cameras rolling at WW can break the immersive illusion of the event. But we certainly understand the need to get great imagery of the event (after all, some of the film crews out there will be shooting footage specifically for event staff, so that we can document this unique event and have material for future promotion). Limiting the total number of film crews and media crews is a way for us to try and strike a balance between the publicity that is so important to the continuation of this unique event, and the enjoyment of our attendees.
Another reason is that there are film and TV companies out there that would simply like to get some footage at WW to use in their low budget productions. These companies are not interested in our event, or our attendees, except to the extent that they can use them as free extras, and use our volunteer-built sets to make their low budget films look better without having to pay anything. We would like to prevent this type of exploitation of our people and the works of art they have worked hard to create.
Anyone wishing to film at wasteland should immediately submit the following information to our media coordinator at:
jared (at ) wasteland weekend dot com
WASTELAND 2013 FILMING APPLICATION
The more specific and detailed information you give us below, the more you increase your chances of obtaining a film permit. We are a ticketed private event and reserve the right to refuse filming rights to anyone for any reason. And some applications will be rejected simply to keep the total number of film crews manageable.
Name:
Contact info: (phone, email, mailing address)
Name of project: (if applicable)
1. Which days do you plan to film at Wasteland? Let us know if you will be filming at night as well.
2. What is the intended purpose of the footage you will be shooting? News media? Personal use only? Narrative short film? Television show? Please be as specific as possible. And you must let us know if your project is intended to be non-profit or for-profit.
3. Tell us about your production company (if you have one) or about your background as a filmmaker. If the answer is “none, I just want to pick up a camera and film my friends”, that’s fine. Tell us that.
4. Is there anything specific you plan to shoot (scenes, story lines, posed groups)? Describe in detail. Feel free to submit scripts and/or storyboards if you have them.
5. Describe the equipment you will be using, and the size of your crew. If filming at night, will you be using artificial lighting? If so, describe.
Wasteland Weekend will not supply power for film crews. You may not plug into our generators for lighting or to recharge batteries, etc.. (Exceptions may be made for our own official WW documentary crews).
Even if you are given a permit to film at Wasteland, significant changes to any of the above information once you arrive, could be cause for your permit to be revoked (Don’t tell us you’re just going to use a small camcorder to shoot your friends and then try to show up with a full pro crew.)
If the intended use of your footage changes after WW is over (i.e. you wish to sell it to another company for them to use as part of a different project) you must notify us in writing for further permission.
By submitting this application, you agree to share your footage from Wasteland Weekend with event staff so that they may use it for event promotion. (This also helps us to help you promote the end result of your hard work with all of our fans!)
Send all of the above info to jared (at ) wasteland weekend dot com
20. Are there any off-road vehicle requirements?
Yes! PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW the below:
If you plan to off-road on your ATV or dirt bike and you want to do so outside of the general area of the event, you will need to purchase an $8 annual OHV permit (Street Operating Permit) from California City. On weekdays, they are available from the police department. On weekends, you can purchase one at Borax Bill Park. California City is the third largest city in California, in terms of area, and boasts hundreds of miles of dirt roads that criss-cross the desert.
Other California City services:
(1) City Fresh Water and R.V. Dump Service Permit: $25.00/year
A single Self-Contained Travel Trailer/R.V. Service Permit will entitle the operator of the assigned permitted vehicle to obtain up to 150 U. S. Gallons/Day at any of the designated “Fresh Water” dispensing stations. The permit holder would also be entitled to dispose of normal “Grey” or “Black” water waste in any of the City DUMP STATION sites. This permit is only valid to privately owned recreational vehicles. No commercially owned vehicle may dump or dispose of commercial waste at City DUMP STATION sites.
(2) Family Pack: $50.00/year
A Family Pack includes the issuance of four Street Operating Permits and one City Fresh Water & R. V. Dump Service Permit.
(3) City Fresh Water (Single Use): $ 5.00/day
A single Self-Contained Travel Trailer/R.V. Service Permit will entitle the operator of the assigned permitted vehicle to obtain up to 150 U. S. Gallons (one time only) at any of the designated “Fresh Water” dispensing stations.
(4) R.V. Dump Service Permit: $ 5.00/day
A single Self-Contained Travel Trailer/R.V. Service permit will entitle the operator of the assigned permitted vehicle to dispose of normal “Grey” or “Black” water waste in any of the City DUMP STATION sites. This permit is only valid to Privately Owned Recreational Vehicles. No commercially owned vehicle may dump or dispose of commercial waste at City DUMP STATION sites.
General California OHV rules:
All vehicles must have a muffler or spark arrester and have either a street-legal license or be registered as an off-highway vehicle.
· Vehicles operated at night must have head and tail lights.
· Helmets are required on all ATVs! Passengers are not permitted on ATVs.
OHVs owned by California residents must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and must properly display a valid “Green Sticker” or “Red Sticker” registration decal on the vehicle. (Red Sticker riding rules and schedule by area are available on the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division website at www.ohv.parks. ca.gov/ or by calling 916-324-4442. )
If you are not a resident of California and your OHV is not registered in your home state, you are required to have a “Nonresident” OHV permit, issued by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, to legally operate your vehicle in the state of California The Nonresident decal is to be displayed in the same location on the OHV as that specified for California Green sticker registration decals.
These Nonresident permits ($30 for one year, for each OHV) may be purchased in a variety of ways, including;
(1) from the Wells Fargo Country Store (72129 Baker Blvd.), in Baker, California, just off Interstate-15, between Barstow, California, and the California-Nevada state line;
(2) for ..Nevada.. residents living in the Las Vegas area, Nonresident permits may be purchased at the “Rip Cove” motorcycle store in Henderson, Nevada
(3) Nonresident permits may be purchased at Dumont Dunes from an authorized vendor on major holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and President’s Day); and
(4) a Nonresident permit may be purchased by writing to California State Parks, Non-Resident OHV/OSV Permits, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001. Questions or comments may be directed to the OHMVR Division by calling (916) 324-4442.
PLEASE NOTE:
Draining of holding tanks, littering and trash dumping is prohibited. You must take ALL your trash out with you — no garbage collection in this area. Please “pack it in – pack it out!” THAT MEANS EVERY TINY THING!
