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Burning Man festival goers stranded in the desert this year had a difficult time sourcing wet weather gear. The art festival in Nevada is a commerce-free zone where barter and gifting is the norm. However, attending the event is not free. There is a significant cost involved. Tickets to attend cost $575, plus $150 for a vehicle pass. When you factor in taxes, fees, and RV rental, the total cost of the nine-day event can exceed $1,000.
Burning Man originated as a small ceremony on San Francisco’s Baker Beach in 1986. Since then, ticket prices have increased by 174%, surpassing inflation.
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Festival prices have increased globally over the past decade. Live experiences, regardless of the weather, are highly valued. Festival organizers have made events more professional, attracting an older and wealthier audience. Additionally, artists have raised their fees. In recent years, organizers have also tried to recover from pandemic-related losses.
Glastonbury, the largest festival in the UK, raised ticket prices by 20% this year to £335, citing increased operating costs. The festival, which began in the 1970s with an entry fee of £1 and free milk from the farm, saw ticket prices rise to £185 in 2010. Despite the nearly doubled prices, the festival remains popular, with attendance increasing from 135,000 to over 200,000. Tickets sell out within minutes.
In the US, the price of tickets for the desert music festival Coachella has doubled over the past decade, reaching $549 ($1,609 for VIP). An “interactive” badge at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas now costs $1,595, nearly triple its 2010 price.
The rising costs of cultural events have contributed to high inflation in the UK this year. Attendees of the Reading and Leeds festival paid a third more than the previous year. Another increase is predicted for next year. However, there are alternative options for those unwilling to pay more. Major festivals like Vienna’s annual Donauinselfest and the Montreal Jazz Fest offer plenty of free shows.
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