Wasteland Weekend 2024 in California

Wasteland Weekend is held every September in the Mojave Desert, near Edwards, CA. It is also close to California City, CA. The main theme of Wasteland Weekend is the post-apocalyptic Mad Max series as well as the Fallout series of video games.

Festival Highlights

Wasteland Weekend was first held in 2010 with just 700 participants. Since then, it has been held annually and gathered more than 2,500 people. The festival has expanded to five days and features many post-apocalyptic parties, competitions, and fun events, such as the Wasteland Film Festival.

Activities

The festival is a fully immersive event, requiring all participants to wear costumes and embrace the central theme. Organizers encourage post-apocalyptic campsites and vehicles, allowing you to experience a world beyond the grip of civilization. The festival features live bands and DJs, combat performers, fire dancers, wasteland burlesque, post-apocalyptic-style sideshow acts, and circus performances. You can also marvel at an armada of post-apocalyptic vehicles and witness Jugger—the bloodsport of the future. While attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, great food will also be available for purchase on-site.

Tickets & Hours

The event opens to attendees on Wednesday, with check-in starting at 7 am, though drivers may park in line earlier if desired. Setting up before the event officially opens is only allowed for individuals and groups who have received prior approval and obtained early arrival passes. Tickets are offered in multiple price tiers based on how early they are purchased. All tier tickets provide the same access and benefits; the price difference is solely due to the purchase date. Tier 1 tickets are priced at $335, Tier 2 tickets, starting July 1st, are $365, and Tier 3 tickets, starting August 15th, are $395.

Rules & Restrictions

The festival is strictly for attendees aged 18 years and older. Pets are not permitted at the event. Visitors are allowed to bring non-firing or replica weaponry. Still, real firearms, whether loaded or not, are strictly prohibited unless they have been permanently disabled (removing the firing pin is not sufficient). While cell phones can potentially disrupt the themed atmosphere, they are not prohibited; however, attendees are asked to limit their use.