RESONANCE - Chicago’s Decompression 2026

The dust has settled, the effigy has burned, and the default world has tried its best to pull us back into the static. But the frequency we created together doesn't fade, it reverberates.

This is our temporary autonomous zone to re-align, re-connect, and amplify the values, art, and radical self-expression we carry in our hearts.

Welcome to RESONANCE, our official Chicago community Decompression. On Friday, November 20, we are taking over the breathtaking, historic sanctuaries and galleries of the Epiphany Center for the Arts to tune the collective hive mind.  We’re calling on all creators, disruptors, and participators to join the uprising!  If you are longing to connect more with the Chicago Burning Man community, then it’s time to decompress. 

B.U.R.N’s mission is to foster community arts through grass-roots projects and civic collaborations all of which we celebrate at Decompression and other events throughout the year. Decompression has been a long rooted tradition in Burning Man communities around the world with Chicago being amongst one of the most beloved. 

DECOMP ART HOWL!

Want to bring art? Do you DJ? Play a radical tune? The stage calling your name? Need helping getting it there? email Julie@boldurban.org


 

Communal Effort

Participation Is the Cure: This isn’t a show. This is an experiment in collective liberation where we connect your art, your heart, your voice and your weird. Come to play, to build, and to break the loop.

 
 

ART SUBMISSIONS

This year, we’re doing things a bit differently. Focusing on one of our 10 principles, COMMUNAL EFFORT. Do you or your camp have a wild, weird, wonderful idea you wish you could bring to Decom? Want to recreate some of that playa magic for the community but need a little boost to make it happen? We’ve got you. Email juie@boldurban.org, for more info!


VOLUNTEER

We volunteers, are the heartbeat of this gathering—helping to bring art, music, and connection to life throughout the space. Whether assisting with setup, supporting artists, welcoming guests, or maintaining the flow of the event, every contribution makes a meaningful impact. SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE!


GOT QUESTIONS?

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we got the answers here. Questions are free, answers might cost you… Check out our FAQ

PREVIOUS DECOMPRESSIONS

 

Decompression 2024: WHO.ARE.YOU?

Hosted at The Copernicus Center on October 5th, 2024.

Decompression 2022: awakening

Hosted at The Reserve on October 5th, 2022

Decompression 2018

hosted at The Reserve  in October 2018.

Decompression 2017: The Ouroboros

Decompression 2017 was hosted at The Reserve  on September 23, 2017.

Decompression 2016: Mad Science

Decompression 2016  was hosted at Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake Street) on November 4, 2016

Decompression 2015: Labyrinth

Decompression 2015 returned to the City at El Rey Ballroom (3504 S. Western) on September 19, 2015.

 

Decompression 2014: Crossroads

After several years of fund-raving, the community zigged in a different direction– about an hour west, to be specific, for a brisk fall camping outing. Newcomers and old timers alike came together, and a good time was had by all. 

Decompression 2013: Terra Firma

Decompression 2013 was hosted at Lacuna Artist Lofts on Saturday, October 19th