A few days into Burning Man, and if you’ve decided to stay at home you may be getting a bit lonely for your Burner friends. But there’s plenty to do on this side of the desert. And you can celebrate the spirit of Burning Man right here at home — in all of its collectivist, creative beauty.
We’ve got the list of things to do to take you through the weekend — and beyond!
Finding Meaning in the Mess Art Exhibit
In adherence to the principle of “leave no trace,” Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang have been collecting more than two tons of plastic trash from 1,000 yards of Kehoe Beach since 1999. Turning trash into treasure, their exhibit, ‘Finding Meaning in Mess’ aims to raise awareness about the variety and pervasiveness of plastic rubbish and its impact on marine ecosystems.
Every Tuesday, 6.30pm
Join in the spirit of exchange and swap your lemons for lettuce, your kale for carrots, your eggs for oregano or anything you grow! Share a skill, trade your homemade jams or simply chat with other gardeners and listen to music! No cash required — just bring your goods to trade and swap!
Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences
Thursday August 29, 6- 10pm
Live DJ’s, fiery demos and crazy looking critters — sound like Burning Man? Head to the California Academy of Sciences on August 29th to experience a slice of Burning Man without the dust or drive! As part of their nightlife series, this week’s theme is ‘fire and ice’ with entomologist Dave Kavanaugh sharing firefly and ice beetle specimens from the Academy’s research collections as well as live music from Icee Hot and guests. Age- 21+
Ring Mountain Grassland Restoration Project
August 31st, 10am- 1pm.
While the Marin may be far from the desert, community and volunteering are anything but. This weekend, volunteer at the Ring Mountain program, working to conserve and restore the native grasslands that make this preserve so special. The workday will involve weeding and educational components. Work is mildly strenuous, but family friendly.
Open daily.
You don’t have to travel far out of the Bay Area to enjoy breathtaking structures, crazy weather and the weird and wonderful of nature. The Outdoor Exploratorium at Fort Mason has 19 outdoor exhibits that take advantage of its surrounding environment. Pick up a map at the Exploratorium or Fort Mason Center and check out things like the Golden Gate Bridge Thermometer or Wave Oscilloscope.
Rock Stacking and Gathering, San Francisco
Saturday August 31, 2013, 11am -1pm. RSVP preferred.
Some may climb rocks and others may boulder them, but for Bill Dan and Zach Pine, they have perfected the art of rock stacking. Described as an art form, a working meditation practice and a tangible connection to the earth, the practice involves no tricks, gimmicks or glue — just you and the rocks. Join Dan and Pine to learn about the art of rock stacking or simply watch in awe.
John Muir Laws: How to Draw Birds
August 31st, 1pm
Join John Muir Laws in some self- expression and learn how to draw birds. Laws will demonstrate bird illustration techniques and show tricks with pencil and watercolor to make your bird drawings lifelike and accurate. This is an informal workshop so come with questions and demonstration requests. Please register in advance.
Concerts in the Redwood Grove: Etienne deRocher + Bart Davenport
August 29th, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
While burning man conjures images of crazy costumes and techno beats, you don’t need to go far from the Bay to experience some live outdoor tunes. Join indie- folk musicians Etienne deRocher and Bart Davenport for a night of West Coat pop and California soul among the redwoods. This is the closing show of Berkeley’ summer series in the redwood grove and is not to be missed. Tickets are available online.
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