REPORT BACK: 2026 DECOMPRESSION
November 5, 2026
From Connection to Action: BWB at Oakland Decompression
We’re back from another Burning Man Decompression held at The Loom in Oakland, where we invited participants to discover how Burning Man culture extends beyond one week in the desert. Through lightning talks in the Salon, a nonprofit mixer, a mobile tea village, hands-on artivism opportunities and bicycle-powered demonstrations, we connected with people from all around the world.
The BWB lightning talks gave community partners a platform to share their projects and invite others to participate. Friend from the Rotary returned to this stage for a second year, highlighting how the work from last year has continued into shared projects. These relationships take time and it was exciting to hear the progress that has taken shape over the past year. [Read more here]
The nonprofit mixer kept those conversations going, bringing together people working to strengthen their communities. This year, we invited IWIN, a Berkeley-based nonprofit using art as activism to create a safer world for women and girls. Their participation invited visitors to explore how creative expression can open conversations and inspire civic action. [Learn more about IWIN’s initiatives here]
Charles Du from Taiwan joined us as part of his nomadic journey, sharing his vision for a mobile tea village. He brought that vision to life through carefully prepared tea and direct conversations with organic tea growers in Taiwan and Japan via Zoom. Together, we learned about the people and practices behind each cup. Sharing tea with intention created space to slow down, listen, and experience hospitality across cultures. Charles departed back to Taiwan the next day already planning to propose a location for the 2028 Burning Man Global Leadership Gathering.
Our collaborators from Foro Mundial 12—the World Bicycle Forum 12—joined their first Burning Man Decompression to share the story of September’s bicycle crossing. Alongside a broad network of partners and volunteers, we helped bring 500 bicycles left behind at Black Rock City across the U.S.–Mexico border to support access to education, jobs, and healthcare. One bike that could not be repaired was converted into a blender, serving as a playful demonstration of reuse, ingenuity, and collective effort. Our partners also shared their plans to develop a bicycle shop in Los Angeles, building on the relationships and momentum behind the crossing.
We shared balm from our BWB Summit and honey from Fly Ranch, offering gifts with stories to tell. They opened conversations about gathering, creating, and caring for the land—and invitations to participate in year-round opportunities at Fly Ranch.
The day connected people directly with local non-profits and project organizers to learn about their work and explore ways to get involved.
That is why we bring this work to Decompression: to help people find their own connection to Burning Man culture and a way to carry it forward. Whether through a cup of tea, a creative act, a new partnership, or a turn of the pedals, participation starts with an invitation—and grows through what we choose to do together.
Want to create your own BWB activation at a local event near you? Check out the BWB Activation Space Toolkit and learn how to build an engagement booth that reflects your community!