Welcome to What If 2025!

Welcome to What If!

Land Acknowledgement

As we come together for What If, we must acknowledge and show respect for the traditional territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people who share title over this land. The local First Nations are collectively known as Scw’exmx, the People of the Creeks, one of those creeks being the Coldwater River that spans our event.

The banks of the Coldwater River have been home since time immemorial to the C’eletkwmx (also known as the Coldwater Band) of the Nlaka’pamux Nation and the Spaxomin (also known as the Upper Nicola Band) of the Syilx Nation. We recognize the importance of honouring their enduring connection.

We invite you to consider the rich history and heritage of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people. We encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations, listen to the voices of Indigenous communities, and strive to build respectful relationships. Let’s enjoy What If while being mindful of the deep-rooted connections this land holds for the Indigenous communities who have lived here for countless years.

Participation

This event is not a party, rave, or festival in the modern sense of the word. What If, previously Burn in the Forest, or BitF, is far from a typical #GenericSummerFestival. We’re not about profit or commercialism. We’re run entirely by volunteers.

On top of the 10 guiding Principles that shape burner events, the most significant difference between a “typical” festival and Burning Man Regional events like What If is community participation.

At most commercial events, you pay your admission and just become a spectator for whatever entertainment the producers have prepared for you. At What If, all activities, stages, theme camps, workshops, art, and performances  – EVERYTHING – have been created by What If attendees and offered freely to everyone here to experience.

What If  is a distinctive gathering of individuals that becomes a community focused on participatory artistic expression. We’re so excited for you to join us in co-creating this unique collective of creativity and connection!

Gift your passions

The beautiful tapestry of citizen contributions is what makes What If  special. Participants dedicate their effort and time to the things that they are passionate about. They build them, bring them, and let the others experience their amazing gifts. The What If experience is the sum of two thousand individuals’ passions, laid out for all to experience.

The most rewarding way to experience What If is to create something that stokes your passions, and share it with all of us! You can DIY and be your own rockstar, or create lasting connections with other collaborators!

Not sure where to help, or maybe your passion is supporting What If ’s magic behind the scenes?

Visit the Volunteer Hub on site at Centre Camp to find out about what help is still needed during What If and pitch in to make it happen!

The 10 + 1 Principles of What If

New to What If or the Burning Man community?
These 10 + 1 Principles are the foundational roots of this community and participation forward. You’re encouraged to get to know these perspectives.
Tune it to how they currently pepper your days.
Witness how they can influence your life before, during and after What If !

Read the Principles in detail here: https://whatif.now/about/#principles

Reminders

  • If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it’s easily accessible! If you don’t have one, keep a water-filled bucket at your camp in case! 
  • No open flames – that means no incense, candles, smoking, or propane fire pits.
  • In case of a fire event or other significant emergency, stay calm and head to Ranger HQ in the Field Zone just past the bridge, or as directed by Rangers and/or Production Team members. 
  • All camp structures must be tied down! Wind gusts are unpredictable and unsecured shelters can seriously hurt people. 
  • Speed limit at What If is 8 km/hr!

Get involved

Want to keep your passion burning after you leave What If ? Head on over to the PARTICIPATE section of the website to learn more about getting involved year-round!

To learn more about the local Burner community and all of the ways to connect after What If is over, see: linktr.ee/vancburners.

©2025 Greater Vancouver Interactive Art Society