Event FAQs
Updated! Many of your questions may be answered in our Survival Guide. Download it Here
The Survival Guide provides essential information about the event and helping you maintain your comfort and safety. It is required reading before attending and we recommend you print a copy for yourself.
Please look at this infomation about the electrical outlets at Coopers Lake and an adapter you should plan to bring and may need.
We also have NEW WOOD POLICY this year. Please read it here.
Where is Coopers Lake Campground located?
I'm new to the "burn" concept. What should I expect?
How will we stay warm at night?
I can only attend Frostburn one day. Is a per-day rate available?
When does the gate open / close?
What happens if the weather is really bad?
Where can I cook? Where can I eat?
Will there be amplified sound? 24/7? Is there a quiet area?
Can I get a refund or transfer my ticket?
Can I park near the camping area if I sleep in my car?
Am I allowed to camp in an RV? Are electric campsites available and/or required for RV camping?
Can we have our own fires? Can I bring firewood? Will firewood be available?
Will there be a main/central stage for performances?
Can I bring my own burn barrel?
Are fireworks permitted? How about flamethrowers?
Can I bring my dog? Cat? Hamster?
Is vending permitted? Will there be food and drink sales?
Are there any age restrictions? Any discounts for children or seniors?
What forms of art are welcome or encouraged?
I'm an established artist and would like to showcase some of my work. What can I expect?
May I trade a service or something tangible in exchange for admission?
Can I camp a day earlier or later than the event?
Q: Where is Coopers Lake Campground located?
A: Coopers Lake Campground is located at 205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057. Google Map Link
Q: I'm new to the "burn" concept. What should I expect?
A: It might sound cliché, but expect the unexpected! What happens to you at a burn depends largely on what you bring to the event. Unlike your typical festival, the features of a burn are defined by its attendees, which is why we call ourselves "participants." The burner community has a "NO SPECTATORS" rule, which means that, in a nutshell, if you come to the event expecting to be entertained, you will probably be disappointed. At a burn, you are the entertainer! You are the artist! You are the performer! If you don't have something to offer to the event, you arguably shouldn't be there. Bring an open mind, a willingness to try something new, and a desire to "share the warmth" with some of the most creative people on the planet!
Q: I've been to Burning Man plenty of times. Other than Frostburn's winter theme, what are the major cultural, legal or artistic differences?
A: Frostburn was envisioned to give artists the opportunity to experiment with materials and themes that simply aren't feasible in the desert or during the warmer months. We do support the same Ten Principles as Burning Man and other regional burns, so expect our culture to be similar. As at Burning Man, all Frostburn participants are expected to obey all applicable laws and event regulations. Campground regulations must also be followed.
A: This is an all-volunteer, community sponsored event. The Pittsburgh-area burner community, lead by a core group we call the Frostburn Planning Team, has rented or donated the infrastructure to provide the basic framework. However, as Frostburn community members, all participants are expected to contribute to the event's success by donating time, money and effort, and honoring our Ten Principles.
Q: How will we stay warm at night?
A:
There are also theme camps which provide heated spaces and have fires for people to gather around. We are also asking attendees and especially theme camps to think of creative solutions on how we will keep each other warm. Of course for sleeping, your best friend is a good quality sleeping bag rated -20 or better.
There is also one heated building which can be used in emergencies but is not to be used as a social or gathering spot for attendees.
Q: I can only attend Frostburn one day. Is a per-day rate available?
A: No, prices are the same regardless of how many days you participate.
Q: When does the gate open / close?
A: The Gate will open at Noon on Friday, Feb. 17th and close at Noon on Monday, Feb. 20th.
A: All advance purchases are "will call" only! When you purchase tickets, everyone you purchased for is assigned a ticket number we will match with their ID. Each attendee must show an ID for their ticket whether or not they purchased the actual ticket. At the event you will be given a wristband and a laminated pass which must be visible at all times.
Q: What happens if the weather is really bad?
A: If the weather is so bad that the Frostburn organizers will not be able to perform their duties, then the event will be canceled and all purchases will be refunded. However, we suggest that you prepare for the worst. This is a winter event, after all, and we're expecting adversity from the elements. Try to capitalize on whatever mother nature sends our way (remember the old saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade)! We will only cancel the event if it is impossible not to.
Q: Are there restrooms? Showers?
A: There is a heated building onsite with bathrooms and showers (but NO hot water during the event). There are also porta johns located throughout the campsite.
A: Certainly! What would a burn be without booze? Remember, though, that the legal drinking age in Pennsylvania is twenty-one (21) years. You are responsible for keeping any alcohol you bring out of the hands (and bellies) of minors.
Q: Will there be amplified sound? 24/7? Is there a quiet area?
A: Amplified sound is permitted at the event. Many sound camps will be located in the "lower" area of the campground to avoid complaints from neighbors and campground residents. However, there is no designated "quiet area," so bring earplugs or an RV if you're concerned about quiet time. Any sound camp that creates a disturbance for our neighbors may be relocated. As a last resort, we'll have no choice but to shut down repeat offenders.
A: Then we can't play in it.
A:
You're welcome to reserve an outdoor campsite with
electrical hookup, while spaces are available.
1) Electricity usage should be one per camp. You will get two outlets per purchase. More detailed info on the outlets here.
2) This means only ONE member of the camp needs to buy it for the whole camp.
3) It is up to the CAMP to coordinate this arrangement (i.e., who pays the extra $25 and how, if at all, the payment is then spread out through the camp's membership)
4)There are a limited amount of spots with electricty. Reserve early!
Q: Can I get a refund or transfer my ticket to someone else?
A: We will not issue refunds unless for the unlikely event Frostburn is cancelled. You can transfer your ticket through Feb. 10th. You must make a request to us to do so and supply us with the ticket code and the name and email of the person you want to transfer to. After the transfer, the new name will be attached to the ticket code. You can, for verification, login to your account here: http://tickets.frostburnpgh.com/account and print or email the ticket PDF to the person you transferred to. The exchange of funds is up to you the person you're transferring to.
Q: Can I park near the camping area if I sleep in my car?
A: Yes, but remember that once a vehicle is removed from the event area, it may not reenter unless it is an approved Mutant Vehicle (art car) leaving to refuel.
Q: Am I allowed to camp in an RV? Are electric campsites available and/or required for RV camping?
A: Yes, you're welcome to camp in an RV! RV's will be placed in an RV only area and will be charged an additional fee. Use of an electric campsite is optional (and subject to availability). If you would like a site with electricity, you should purchase a reservation using our website. If you do not want electricity, there is no additional fee! Please note that electricity is the only type of hookup available. The campground's water and sewer systems are filled with anti-freeze for the winter and therefore cannot be used. Remember though Propane can freeze!!!!! Bring space heaters and/or heated blankets for your RV in the event that temperatures get so low that the propane heat cannot be used.
Q: Where can I cook? Where can I eat?
A: You can cook anywhere that you will not pose a health or safety hazard (including, but not limited to, oxygen depletion, pollution or unwanted fire). There are no restrictions on where you can eat, but if you eat in front of anyone else, be sure you have enough to share!
Q: Can we have our own fires? Can I bring firewood? Will firewood be available?
A: Yes! Campfires are to be burned in the campground's many fire rings. Larger fires may be erected on grassy areas but must not be constructed on paved roadways and parking areas. Be sure to keep your fire a safe distance from people, trees and other objects. You may purchase your firewood from us in cords or boxloads on our website or in more limited quantitites, at the event. Note that lumber and other building materials are not included in the quarantine, only firewood.
Q: Will there be a main/central stage for performances?
A: We are allowing the Barn to be used for indoor performances. Camps or individuals can reserve up to a 3 hour block of time for an event. Under no circumstances will be the barn be left open for sleeping or any other use and will be locked when performances are not going on.
Q: Can I bring my own burn barrel?
A: Absolutely! We'd love to see decorative burn barrels make an appearance at the event.
Q: Are fireworks permitted? How about flamethrowers?
Fireworks are prohibited by campground regulations and are illegal in Pennsylvania. There are no event or campground regulations prohibiting the use of flamethrowers or other fire-based devices for artistic purposes. Keep in mind that you alone are completely responsible for the safe operation, storage and installation of your dangerous art projects and devices. As in any community, Frostburn participants must obey all local, state and federal laws, including laws applicable to materials and devices used in your art projects. If you have any questions, seek qualified legal counsel.
A: If you're crazy enough to strip down in the middle of February, then we'll have a zone for you. As long as you're not visible to neighbors or passers-by, there shouldn't be a problem. You will definitely see nudity at Polar Bear Club swim in the creek (stream) along the southern edge of the campground!
Q: Can I bring my dog? Cat? Hamster?
A: We don't recommend it. Frostburn does not have adequate facilities to provide your pet with a safe, comfortable environment. Space is limited, participants might have allergies or legitimate concerns for their safety, and animal waste poses a health hazard. Although most people consider themselves responsible pet owners/keepers, this is an event for humans, not for other animals. In almost all cases you should leave your pets at home. If you feel that it is absolutely necessary to bring your pet, they must be kept on a leash at all times due to campground regulations. If you fail to comply with these regulations we will unfortunately have to ask you to leave in order to protect our relationship with Coopers Lake Campground
Q: Is vending permitted? Will there be food and drink sales?
A: No. All vending, advertising and other commercial activity is prohibited at Frostburn. Once participants have reached the event, the only thing they are permitted to purchase is firewood, from us, due to the Emerald Ash Borer firewood quarantine and our obligation to protect the environment. Propane may also be available from the campground itself. Please support our gift economy by sharing, not selling. Violators will be ejected without refund.
Q: Are there any age restrictions? Any discounts for children or seniors?
A: Although participants of any age are welcome at Frostburn, please use the utmost discretion before you decide to bring children to the event: "radical self-expression" means that somebody might choose to express themselves in a way that your offspring might not be ready to confront! Campground regulations specify that minors are not permitted without a parent or legal (court-appointed) guardian (parental consent to attend is not enough). Do not let your child out of your sight; you alone are responsible for you child's safety and behavior at all times! Sorry, but there are no age-based discounts.
Q: What forms of art are welcome or encouraged?
A: All works of art are welcome at Frostburn, but participants tend to most appreciate interactive items: those that are animated or can be climbed, drawn upon or moved. You do not have to be an established artist; everyone at a burn is encouraged to express themselves artistically—and radically, at that! If you're an experienced artist, try a medium that you've never used before. Don't be afraid of failure; the important thing is that you try. Unlike other burns, Frostburn does not have an abstract "art theme." If you need inspiration, think about such concepts as communal warmth, winter adversity or the juxtaposition of hot and cold. Participants will gather around installations that provide comfort and protection from the elements!
Q: I'm an established artist and would like to showcase some of my work. What can I expect?
A: Although Frostburn provides the exhibit space, it is up to each participant to transport, erect, protect, disassemble (or burn) and remove his or her art. In addition to your project, bring whatever equipment and supplies you will need, including camping and survival gear. Protect your installation from accidental damage by creating a perimeter (if necessary) and lighting it with lights or glowsticks at night. Although other participants are usually eager to lend a helping hand, be prepared to do all of this yourself, or bring your own crew that you can count on for support.
A: Non-confrontational community mediators called "Rangers" will be in attendance, to help resolve disputes and assist participants with health and safety issues. In addition to Rangers, Frostburn and campground staff can be approached with any concerns about public safety and security. Event staff reserves the right to evict anyone who violates regulations or poses a threat to our participants or venue. Before calling the police (yes, most cell phones will work at our venue), please try to resolve problems yourself or with our help, unless there is an emergency.
A: Well, how do you want to help? Frostburn is an all-volunteer, community-sponsored event, so we can use pretty much any assistance you'd like to provide. To make a big impact, bring an art project, art car, theme camp, performance or seminar that encourages others to interact and participate. We need greeters to welcome people to the event, a DPW crew to help with set-up and tear-down, experienced EMTs, Rangers and Fire Safety personnel, gophers and folks to help with logistical matters. When you purchase your ticket we give you the opportunity to volunteer. Want to contribute in another way? Just let us know!
Q: May I trade a service or something tangible in exchange for admission?
A: Sorry, but there's no way we could afford to host this year's event without everyone's financial commitment. Each and every person involved must purchase his or her own admission, regardless of other contributions. Quite frankly, it would help a lot if you could contribute even more than your admission price... so please donate as much time, money and effort to Frostburn as your heart, schedule and pocket can afford!
Q: Can I camp a day earlier or later than the event?
A: The campground will be open to Frostburn participants on Friday, February 17th and will remain open through Monday, February 20th. Only event organizers will have access to the venue outside of those dates, although we may be able to arrange for Theme Camps to set up at specific times with organizers present. If you would like more time at the campground, you'll have to commit to helping us with set up and/or tear down. We welcome and appreciate your assistance, but can't promise much of a camping experience during that time! Please contact us if you think you need earlier access for your themecamp or art.
Q: Where do I go when I arrive?
A: You will see the heated registration building close to the venue entrance. Go there to be greeted and for your admission and placement information.
Q: I would like to create a theme camp, but I am afraid of duplicating someone else's idea. How can I be sure not to step on someone else's toes?
A: Firstly, don't worry too much about it! This isn't the senior prom, where everyone has to show up in a different gown. What's important is that you express yourself at the event, even if someone else feels the same way. That said, you can follow the Art, Theme Camps and Events links on our website to see what others are planning, and please submit any plans of your own. Feel free to collaborate with like-minded others, to create a project that is greater than the sum of its parts!