What If

Thursday July 31 to Monday August 4, 2025 in Merritt, BC

What If 2024 Announcement (formerly Burn in the Forest)

What If , the event formerly known as Burn in the Forest (BitF) will be held from Thursday, July 31 to Monday, August 4, 2025, in Merritt, BC, on the traditional lands of the Nlaka’pamux people.  

Now, all we need is YOU. We’re looking to fill a number of important leadership positions – more info will come out soon!

(Content below to be updated soon for 2025!) 

Do you have the drive, skills, and experience to help make What If 2025 amazing? Join one of our fabulous Committees to help shape our return to this amazing site! Apply here for Leadership Opportunities!

Keen to help by volunteering in a non-leadership position? What If needs hundreds of volunteers (a minimum commitment of only 4 hours) to ensure its ongoing success. By indicating your interest early, our Volunteer Committee can share opportunities as they arise for you to find the best fit.  Sign up here to be on our Volunteer Opportunity Email List!

Important Dates 2025

  • July 31 – Gates Open!
  • August 4 – Event Closes.

What is What If?

What If, the event formerly known as Burn in the Forest (BitF) is the Greater Vancouver Interactive Arts Society’s (GVIAS) Official Burning Man Regional annual summer event.

  • We support the diversity and experimentation of experience and ideas.
  • We will create a Temporary Autonomous Zone where people may safely engage in new experiences without judgement.
  • We will strengthen existing friendships and build new ones, rewarding each other in special ways.
  • We are self-sufficient and leave no trace except in our memories.

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Event Info

Each summer we build a temporary community over an extended weekend. Together we create a village and gift each other in many ways that express our creativity and play.

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Participate

Our community is built on the participation of its members – from the simple exchange of food, stories, or a lending hand, to the elaborate construction of an interactive art project.

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©2025 Greater Vancouver Interactive Art Society