As tempting as it is to look at a regional burn as some autonomous zone where we’re all happy and free from societal responsibilities, there are some basic rules that attendees need to know for everyone’s safety. So please review this list of rules very carefully. These policies are in place to protect event attendees, the MWB association, and our community.

Rules Agreement

By purchasing a ticket and/or attending a Midwest Burner event, you agree to the following rules on penalty of expulsion without refund:

• InterFuse, HearthsOPhyre and HullabalU are all-ages events. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult parent or legally appointed guardian. Legally appointed guardians must bring proof of the relationship – like a court order or similar legal document – that is filed and stamped by a legitimate court of law. Parents are not required to bring such a document. You may only bring a minor who is your child or legal ward; you may not bring a child who you are not legally responsible for.
• All state and federal laws apply to the campground, each Midwest Burner event, and its participants. Breaking the law endangers the campground, event, and the entire Burner community.
• Ticket sales are not performed at the Front Gate for InterFuse, and HearthsOPhyre. Anyone arriving without a ticket will not be able to attend Midwest Burner events.
• Once you have registered at the event and have obtained a wristband, you cannot leave and then return later. This policy is to keep everyone safe, reduce traffic on the driveway, and to encourage radical self-sufficiency. The Front Gate will not have the ability to sell you another ticket or have any cash on hand. After the Front Gate closes at night, no one may enter or leave except in the case of an emergency.
• Alcohol is permitted at events for those 21 and older. You will not be allowed into a Midwest Burner event without a government-issued picture ID or some combination of identification documents (such as a school picture ID and a birth certificate) that can conclusively prove your age and identity. Those over 21 will get a wristband differing from those under the legal drinking age. Anyone drinking alcohol without that wristband showing will be required to either show ID and get a new wristband or leave without refund. This is for everyone’s protection and complies with local, state and federal law.
• Take responsibility for your actions. Savor the freedom of expression at events, but temper your personal freedom with respect for the rest of the community. Peacefully work out disagreements.
• Interfuse, HullabalU and HearthsOPhyre are all-ages events and public nudity is prohibited. For all-ages events, once you are in the public space (i.e., anywhere outside your tent) your genitals must be covered, with the exception of the shower areas.
• Ask first – ask before you photograph, ask before you record, ask before you take, ask before you touch. We respect each other as individuals and acknowledge that everyone has differing boundaries. For all-ages events, please obtain parental permission before photographing or videotaping children. *If a person is identifiable in a photo, you must have their permission to take, post or display the image or video.
• The land owners do not tolerate verbal or physical aggression.
• Do not destroy or burn anyone’s art unless the artist gives you permission.
• No vending. The only exception is landowners selling ice during pre-scheduled times at events where ice is available for purchase.
• No promotions. You cannot promote commercial organizations, concerts, events, or products of any kind including raves. Promotion includes flyering, posting commercial banners or logos, giving out product samples, etc.
• If you bring minors to an all-ages event, you are responsible for them at all times. There will be adult behavior at these events and it is YOUR responsibility to filter what your kids see or hear. You cannot expect others to censor their behavior because you chose to bring your kids. If you or your children are offended in any way, you may leave the event without refund. This is your official warning.
• Avoid posted “no camping,” “no access,” and roped off areas. Please be familiar with the campground boundaries and do not trespass on neighboring properties. This is a good way to get shot and to make the neighbors oppose Midwest Burner events.
• Fires in fire-rings only. No unattended fires. There may be a burn ban in dry, windy weather.
• Absolutely no fireworks.
• No firearms, weapons of any kind, or hunting are allowed on land owned or used by the campground.
• Midwest Burner events do not allow pets. You may not bring any live animals other than service animals (by prior arrangement) to the event. Only animals that are owned by the landowner are allowed on the premises (see complete Animal Policy below).
• We are not immune to noise complaints. If the Rangers request that you turn down your sound system, please do so immediately. Being a part of a community is the responsibility of working with your neighbors – please respect your neighbors when you play music and work out any differences between yourselves.
• For campgrounds with river access, the law states that all children under eight (8) years old must wear a life jacket in rivers and lakes. In addition, bring a life jacket for those in attendance that are not proficient in swimming.

ANIMAL POLICY

Midwest Burner events do not allow live animals at events. Midwest Burner events take place on privately owned land. You will be asked to leave if you arrive with a pet or live animal. 

If a participant has a disability which requires a Service Animal, please submit a request to the Event Coordinators at least one month in advance of the event with the following details included.

1. Full name of person with disability
2. Name and species of the service animal
3. Arrival and departure times of person and animal
4. Please specify in detail the service/tasks that the animal is trained to provide

Upon receiving this information, the Event Coordinators will review each request on a case-by-case basis. Any people that come to Midwest Burner events with unauthorized animals will be denied entry and/or required to leave the event.

CODE OF CONDUCT

This code of conduct outlines the expectations for participant behavior at Midwest Burner Events. Being in an inebriated state will not excuse a person from their actions if they decide to act outside the code of conduct.

Midwest Burners, Interfuse, HullabalU, and HearthsOPhyre expect attendees and volunteers to create and maintain a space that is welcoming for all ticketed attendees. We do not discriminate on gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, or religion.

We are guided by the Burning Man 10 Principles.  When in conflict with other participants, we use FLAME: Find out, Listen, Analyze, Mediate, Explain.

Participation in this community and event is open to all ticketed attendees; however, continued attendance can be revoked if a participant fails to respect other attendees or behaves in a way that endangers themselves, the event, or the broader community.

Expected behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Consent has the support of our whole community. You are obligated to get someone’s consent in a sexual context, in a situation involving video or photography, or in any situation affecting the experience of another person at a Midwest Burner event.
• Be considerate and respectful of fellow participants and the community around the event.
• Refrain from non-consensual demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participant’s safety.

Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:

• Predatory behavior, defined as any unwanted and nonconsensual form of the following: intimidation, harassment, stalking, verbal or physical abuse, violence against people or other’s property.
• Non-consensual physical contact, including unwelcome sexual interaction.
• Abuse or neglect of Midwest Burner or event location property, physical or otherwise, such as vandalism, theft of event property, abusing the ticketing process, or impersonating a lead or event organizers.
• Disrespecting the community surrounding the event such as dumping trash in local dumpsters, trespassing, or repeated violations of the event’s sound ordinance.
• Wanton, flagrant, or repeated disregard for one’s own safety or well-being in a manner that demands the intervention of other participants, community members, volunteers or outside agencies, such as intervention by local law enforcement or fire department staff.
• Repeated or egregious violations of any and all policies put in effect by event organizers.

Consequences of unacceptable behavior:

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.  This includes expressions of this behavior at the event as well as pre- or post-event via phone, social media, or face to face communication.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in unacceptable behaviors, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate to ensure the safety of the event and its participants.  This action may include expulsion from the event without refund, revoking tickets, or removing a volunteer from their shift.

If a participant’s behavior is found to be predatory, an expulsion for the present or following years may be instituted.  There may be an opportunity to appeal and show progress towards resolution of these issues after the following year’s event.

Midwest Burners or individuals may pursue potential legal action.

What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior:

If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to it, or have any other concerns:

• First, speak up. Ask the person to stop. Say no.  
• If you feel unsafe, leave the situation.  
• If you feel uncomfortable but the person’s behavior does not cross a line, step away from the situation.
• If you need help, ask for it. If someone asks you for help, do your best to help or find someone who can.
• Report your concerns to a Ranger, Event Coordinator, Lead volunteer (Sanctuary, Medic), or Midwest Burner Board Member; these individuals are prepared to assist participants and listen to your concerns. All reports will remain confidential unless MWB Board determines the community needs to be made aware of the situation.
• If you would like to call in law enforcement or need professional medical treatment, the event coordinators will support you taking that action.

We thank you in advance for your adherence to this code of conduct. Together we create an event and community that is welcoming for all participants.

MWB Events

Gate Policies

No ticketing/registration is performed at the gate.

Once you sign in and enter the campground, you may not leave and return (exceptions are made for medical emergencies).

Prohibited Items

This is a list of items not allowed at InterFuse. Anyone possessing these items will be required to leave the event.

• Fireworks
• Guns and related firearms
• Weapons of any kind

Nudity

• InterFuse:all-ages, genitals must be covered in public space
• HearthsOPhyre: all-ages, genitals must be covered in public space
• HullabalU: all-ages, genitals must be covered in public space

Sound Restrictions

We are not immune to noise complaints. If the Rangers request that you turn down your sound system, please do so immediately.

Being a part of a community is the responsibility of working with your neighbors – please respect your neighbors when you play music, and work out any differences between yourselves.

Alcohol

Alcohol is permitted at MWB events for those 21 and older.

When you arrive at a MWB event and sign-in, you will be required to show a legal ID proof of age. Those over 21 will get a wristband differing from those under the legal drinking age. Anyone drinking alcohol without that wristband showing will be required to either show ID and get a new wristband, or leave without refund. This is for everyone’s protection and complies with local, state and federal law.

TL;DR

Don’t be a dick. (Also, you really do need to read and understand the rules. So give it another go.)