My long post about Wasteland Weekend.
You have been warned. This is quite a long post. With pictures. A penis painted on a tent too, I guess I should mention.
For those who follow me and don’t know what WW is (though, I’m not sure how that is because I couldn’t seem to shut up about it at one point), well, it’s like Burning Man but with a theme: the post apocalypse.
You’re required to attend dressed in believable attire (with similar flair from media) to suit the apocalyptic scene throughout the campsite. Some come dressed in rags, others do metal work for armor using scraps.
People even paint and alter their cars, which is really awesome!
It’s really just a huge party where nerds alike (whether you favor the Mad Max films, Post Apoc video games like Fallout, or even dystopian books like “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”) come together to celebrate their shared passion.
And, I mean, who doesn’t like cosplaying dressing up?
Yes, that is a post apocalyptic Waldo. There was also a Finn, but I unfortunately don’t have a picture of him. (There is a replica costume contest for “Characters from the Wasteland” which may or may not include characters from apocalyptic games.)
Dressing up isn’t the only thing people will do to create a dystopian atmoshpere. People will actually craft tent structures, build towers…
Or even just paint their tents (like we did).
(see!)
That’s not counting the inside, though, where it’s completely “furnished” to have that wasteland look. A custom bar has been built where it lights up at night and gogo dancers entertain from inside,
Shops are erected, as well as the local wasteland library for the rare who are still literate,
as well as a main stage, their very own “Thunderdome”, a casino, a “theater” and small elements here and there.
While there was a good portion to sight see, there were activities planned every day by the head team (who are amazing). Things like the wastelander’s game of Jugger (if you don’t know what that is, you should watch Blood of Heroes/Salute of the Jugger. It’s kind of a violent game, but fun to watch none the less),
Archery lessons,
as well as spear throwing, grenade toss, robot wars, costume contests, even tours around the small wasteland city.
If you ever run out of things to do, you can always take pictures with your tribe and/or friends!
The night is just as entertaining (and a LOT colder), contiaining music from live bands (such as Mike Diva, AHTCK, and some screamo bands, one coming all the way from Spain), multiple talented DJ’s, amazing fire performances, and the thunderdome opening as well as the casino and bar. People dance and drink until the early hours of morning. I’m talking 2:30 in the A.M., these wastelanders don’t mess around when it comes to partying. Sure there are some aggressive drunks, but about 95% are extremely friendly, introducing themselves (maybe multiple times) and generally loving everyone. It encouraged some to run around naked (which is acceptable there). I was told it was very freeing to run without clothing at 2 in the morning, but I told them I had to pass.
All in all, Wasteland Weekend was a fantastic trip and I know they will keep improving. Considering this event is four days long and only costs $55 if you buy tickets in the first tier. That’s really cheap!
I mean, sure, you usually have to cook your own meals
unless you buy giant burritos from the taco stand they now have. Tastes better than Robertos AND doesn’t give you the shits. What beats that?
Heat is another thing you have to worry about, because not only is it hot it is sure dry . You need to keep cool and hydrated, which gatorade is great for. Others will get creative in trying to beat the heat. Like my spouse.
WW comes and goes quick as the blink of an eye. Small unfortunates aside we miss it as soon as we start packing up. However, there is one thing we will never miss about it, unavoidable as it is….
The port-o-potties.
