A Shabbat
Like No Other

Our 18th year — a 2,000+ person gathering rooted in tradition and open to all, Jewish and not.

Out in Deep Playa, as the sun sets over Black Rock City, something extraordinary happens. Hundreds turn into thousands. Strangers become a community. And for one night, an ancient tradition comes alive in a whole new way — blending ritual, music, movement, and the spirit of Burning Man.

Get Involved Support Us
The Gathering

What Is Black Rock City Shabbat?

BRC Shabbat is a large-scale Friday night gathering in Deep Playa during Burning Man — open to everyone, regardless of background, belief, or experience.

The evening begins at sundown with a one-hour musical service featuring live music, candle lighting, prayer, and dancing — building into something joyful, high-energy, and deeply communal.

We continue with a shared meal for thousands — along with challah and wine — followed by a Night Shuk, where camps, art cars, and creators bring a pop-up market to life under the desert sky.

For some, it's spiritual. For others, cultural. For many, it's their first time experiencing anything like it. But for everyone, it's participatory — you're not an audience, you're part of what makes it happen.

How to Get Involved →
Gathering at Black Rock City Shabbat at sunset, Deep Playa
Photo: Gathering at sunset · Deep Playa
Our Story

From a Few to Thousands

What started as a small Friday night gathering within a single camp has grown into one of the most meaningful and widely attended experiences on the playa.

Over 18 years, it's evolved organically — shaped by the people who show up, contribute, and carry it forward. Despite such a large attendance, the event still feels as intimate and connected as it did from the start.

In 2025, the event moved into Deep Playa for the first time as a fully independent gathering, bringing together more than 2,500 people — drawn by something hard to describe but easy to feel.

In 2026, the goal is to expand that sense of community even further — inviting more camps, artists, and collaborators to help shape what this gathering becomes next.

Growth of Black Rock City Shabbat over the years
18
Years of
evolution
2,500+
Attended
in 2025
>50
Volunteers
making it happen
2026 Vision

Expanding What We've Built

As the gathering continues to grow, we're building on the foundation that's been shaped over the past two decades by expanding our team, bringing people into the process earlier, and creating clearer pathways for contribution across every part of the experience.

More Camps Involved
More Artists Shaping It
More Meaningful Roles
Thousands gathered at Black Rock City Shabbat at sunset in Deep Playa
Get Involved

Be Part of Making the Magic Happen

This gathering runs entirely on community.

Every part of it — from the music to the meal to the experience on the ground — is created by people who choose to show up and take part. There are no general volunteers here. Everyone joins a specific team and contributes to a specific part of the experience.

Lead a Team

You'll guide your team, coordinate ahead of the event, and lead your area on playa. It's a meaningful way to shape the experience and play a key role in bringing it to life.

Apply to Lead →

Join a Team

Be part of a department and support a team lead. You'll have a clear role and a direct impact on how the event comes together.

Apply to Join →

14 Departments · Choose Where You'll Contribute

Food

Help coordinate and support the team preparing and serving the shared meal for thousands.

Sound & Art Car

Manage the sound system and art car partnerships that power the service.

Art Cars

Bring additional art cars into the experience to expand the energy and atmosphere.

Vibe Weavers & Welcomers

Greet attendees, direct flow, and create a warm arrival for everyone.

Choir & Musicians

Lead and support the live music that drives the service.

Ceremony

Help plan and guide the ceremony alongside experienced leaders who have been stewarding this for years.

Performers

Organize performers like fire throwers and dancers who add to the energy and magic of the gathering.

Safety

Help maintain a safe, open, and respectful environment throughout the event.

On-Playa Marketing

Spread the word across Black Rock City during the week leading up.

Pre-Playa Marketing

Support outreach, social media, and partnerships before the event.

Night Shuk

Coordinate the post-service market with camps, art cars, performers and creators.

Setup

Build and prepare the space on Friday before the gathering begins.

Strike

Break down and leave no trace after the event.

Ride-Outs

Organize group bike rides from camps to Deep Playa before the ceremony.

Lead a Team Join a Team
Got Something to Bring?

Art car owner, camp lead, performer, singer, chef, or have an idea for the Night Shuk? Whether you want to donate food, bring your art, or shape a part of the experience — we'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch →
Support Us

Help Make This Possible

Black Rock City Shabbat is entirely volunteer-run and community-funded.

Donations go directly toward making the event possible on playa:

  • Challah and wine for thousands of people
  • Ingredients for the shared meal
  • Supplies, decor, and infrastructure

Each year, a relatively small budget goes a long way. If this gathering resonates with you, please consider contributing whatever you can.

Donate →
Thousands gathered under the desert sky at the Night Shuk after the service
Night Shuk · After the service
Stay Connected

Keep Up With What's Coming

Get announcements, updates, and news about BRC Shabbat 2026 — join our WhatsApp group or follow us on Instagram.

Join WhatsApp Group Follow on Instagram