It’s Burning Man -- prepare for surprises

Black Rock Desert, Nev.

Aug. 28-Sept. 4: Burning Man is all about participating, not watching. Attendees create an experimental temporary community in the desert for a week of art that includes the eponymous event -- the incineration of a giant structure -- on Sept. 2. The 2006 art theme is “Hope and Fear: The Future.” Self-reliance is one of the event’s principles, and gate personnel will deny entry to those who cannot meet basic survival needs (water, food, shelter) in the harsh desert setting. Art installations, theme villages, toys and costumes are encouraged but only for show and trade. It’s a commerce-free event. Permission is required for filming.

Black Rock Desert near Gerlach. $250 through Aug. 13, $280 after. No day passes or discounts for short stays. (415) 863-5263, www.burningman.com.

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Telluride, Colo.

Sept. 1-4: The Telluride Film Festival features 40 film programs in eight venues -- but no one knows what’s playing until the festival starts. That’s what makes it fun. Clint Eastwood called it “the best” film festival, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer dubbed it “the Tiffany of the world’s film festivals.”

Passes $3,500. Less expensive passes already sold out. Individual tickets $20 when available. Venues around Telluride. (603) 433-9202, www.telluridefilmfestival.org.

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Nome, Alaska

Sept. 4: The Great Bathtub Race rolls down Nome’s Front Street as competitors vie for their sport’s version of the passed-around Stanley Cup: a statue of Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog taking a bath. Teams have five racers, with only one sitting in the tub-on-wheels (full of hot, bubbly water at the beginning and with at least 10 gallons left at the end). The four helpers, each wearing a large-brim hat and suspenders, must carry a bar of soap, washcloth, towel or bathmat.

Noon. Front Street, downtown Nome. Team entry is $20. Free for spectators. (907) 443-2798 or (907) 443-2919.

-- Blake Hennon