Burning Man All About Capitalism

Burning Man has operated a little outside the norm, and this year is no exception. In the midst of an economic downturn, attendees are spending more cash than they did last year.

That's according to retailers like REI and Piedmont Boutique, which sell outdoorsy supplies and silly costumes, respectively. 

Last year, the Nevada summer camp saw a drop in attendance. But concerns over the economy seem to have abated. Tickets cost $300, or $360 at the "door."

Burners are spending big on transportation, too. One lawyer told the SF Appeal that he plans to charter a flight to the desert.

For those staying behind, there's some deals to be had around in the City. Local Eatery in the Mission thanked patrons for sticking around and offered discounts on beer. And the Exploratorium and San Francisco Zoo were both free on Wednesday.  7x7 rounded up some of the week's best drink specials, including two-for-one beer at Elixir, half-off wine at Contigo, and bottomless mimosas at Tryptich.

But while attendees might be laying down big cash, Burning Man itself has decided to go non-profit. The organization also plans to launch a revitalization of Sixth Street, which has long defied any attempt at cleanup. "If Burning Man can turn a desert into an oasis, they might help revitalize the mid-Market," wrote one blog. Here's hoping it'll last longer than a week.