Summerisle Burn

What is Summerisle Burn? Our event is a four-day gathering of arts, culture, and community– yes, a non-commercial, weird, wild, wonderful, and welcoming art thing in the woods– based on the ten principles of Burning Man*.

Named after the fabled island, Summerisle is a place where immersive experiences take shape, and everyone plays a role in the magic– though we promise no human sacrifices.

You are both the performer and the audience. The Entertainer and the entertained.

Unlike festivals where you passively consume entertainment, Summerisle thrives on participation. No one is just a spectator; we build this experience together through collaboration, creativity, and a bit of fire-lit mystery.

There are no spectators. Only the willing.

Like all good burns, Summerisle follows the Ten Principles, offering guidance in our communal experiment.

• Leave No Trace means packing out everything you bring (no trash cans, just personal responsibility).
• Decommodification ensures there’s no buying or selling– many even alter or obscure logos to maintain the illusion of another world.
• Radical Self-Reliance demands you bring your own supplies to survive four days in our enchanting yet untamed woodland.
• Communal Effort is what keeps our shared dream alive, with every participant pitching in, from the greenest newcomer to the most seasoned veteran.
• We practice Radical Inclusion (all are welcome to contribute– diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental).
• Immediacy asks that you break down barriers and embrace the unexpected.
• Gifting is a cornerstone of our culture– give freely without expectation.
• Radical Self-Expression encourages you to bare your soul (figuratively, though clothing choices are yours to make).
• Civic Responsibility reminds us to care for each other and our community. Participation invites you to jump in, get involved, and make this strange dream your own.

And of course, Consent is paramount– always ask first, from hugs to photos to offerings of mead.

Lord Summerisle, our ever-gracious patron, welcomes you to revel in the spirit of the isle. Dance as though around a Maypole, buzz with the energy of the hive, and celebrate the harvest of art and connection.

Join us year round in our Facebook group.

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Summerisle takes place at Fort Royale Farm in Bedford, Pennsylvania. Cellular service varies depending on your carrier– reception may flicker like a candle in the wind while traveling through the mountains– but it’s steady at the site. Be sure to have directions saved before you set out on your pilgrimage to the isle.

Tickets go on sale in March. You must purchase a ticket, present a valid government ID that matches the name on your ticket, and have signed our online Gate waiver to enter Summerisle– this rule applies to all ages, with no exceptions. Tickets will not be sold at the gate, and there are no day passes. Those caught sneaking in or attempting to bypass check-in will be considered trespassers and permanently exiled from Summerisle. Minors must be ticketed and accompanied by their legal guardian, who will also need to complete a minor registration form with emergency contact information at the gate. Children under 12 require a ticket but attend for free. Any minor arriving without a guardian will not be allowed entry.

A word to the wise– this is a burn. In honor of Decommodification, the sale of goods, services, and alcohol is strictly prohibited. Gifting alcohol is only permitted to those wearing a 21+ wristband– providing alcohol to minors is a crime. Violators will be swiftly escorted off the island… er, event grounds.

If you have any questions, email us at summerisleburn@gmail.com. And remember– keep the fire burning (metaphorically and literally)!