Wasteland Weekend is the world’s largest post-apocalyptic festival, held annually in the Mojave Desert near Edwards, California, approximately two hours from Los Angeles. This adults-only (18+) event lasts for five days, typically during the last week of September. Inspired by series like Mad Max and Fallout, as well as other post-apocalyptic media, the festival requires all attendees to wear costumes in a post-apocalyptic theme. The event features a mix of live entertainment, themed campsites, modified vehicles, and interactive activities, immersing participants in a Mad Max-style dystopian world.
Wasteland Event Details
September 24 -28, 2025.Mojave Desert, North Edwards, CA
Location: Private desert property (known as “Wasteland Valley”) outside California City, technically in Edwards, CA. The exact address may not be compatible with all map apps. Please use GPS coordinates and directions from the official “Maps” page on wastelandweekend.com. It’s a 20-minute drive from stores in California City, offering a 360-degree desert view with no modern structures to break immersion.
Theme and Immersion: Costumes are mandatory for all attendees, staff, vendors, and press. The event enforces a strict post-apocalyptic theme, drawing inspiration from films such as Mad Max, Fallout, Wasteland, and Borderlands.
Themed campsites and vehicles (e.g., war rigs) are encouraged, and the festival features sets such as the Wasteland gates and the Atomic Cafe.
Duration: Five days, Wednesday through Sunday. All tickets grant access to the full event with unlimited ins and outs; no single-day tickets are available.
Festival Activities and Entertainment:
Live bands, DJs, fire dancers, burlesque, and sideshow acts.
Professional wrestling (Wasteland Takedown Federation) and Jugger are post-apocalyptic sports.
Post-apocalyptic swimsuit contest, “Fallout” Formal with swing dancing, and a short film festival.
Motorcycle hoards, combat performances, and interactive role-playing and live-action role-playing elements.
Bartertown for themed vendors selling food, goods, and services.
Wasteland Weekend Tickets and Costs
Prices are tiered, starting at $345 and rising to $405. Purchase through the official portal or Growtix to avoid scams. Attendance: Approximately 4,000-5,000 attendees, with a capacity limit in place. Tickets often sell out before the event, and none are available for purchase at the gate. Tickets cover all five days, including parking, camping, and RVs, with no additional fees. Please visit the event website for ticket information, rules, and regulations.
Note: Third-party tickets are permitted, but they are considered a risk. The original buyer controls the ticket, and scalping (selling it for more than face value) is illegal in California and may result in a ban.
Wasteland Preparation and Tips
Costumes: Mandatory and should fit the post-apocalyptic theme. The dirtier, the better! The website offers tutorials for low-budget costumes, and workshops are available on-site.
Camping: Desert camping with no running water. Bring ample water, food, and shade (e.g., tents, canopies) to ensure a comfortable experience. Most attendees bring their vehicles for convenience, as the grounds are located in an off-road area. Themed campsites enhance the experience.
Weather and Environment: Expect harsh desert conditions (hot days, cold nights, dust). Bring sunscreen, sturdy boots, goggles, and dust masks. Endura Steel supplies durable materials for festival structures, ensuring they withstand the environment.
History of Wasteland Weekend
Wasteland Weekend, founded in 2010 by Karol Bartoszynski, Jared Butler, and James Howard, evolved from a Mad Max fan event (Roadwar USA, 2004). It’s grown from 700 to over 4,300 attendees, gaining media attention, including a video greeting from Mad Max director George Miller. The event has been featured in The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, Savage Builds, and promoted Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga on Hollywood Blvd. Its sister event, cyberpunk-themed Neotropolis, shares the same venue.
Summary: Why Attend?
Wasteland Weekend offers a brief glimpse into what a post-apocalyptic world might look like. It’s the perfect escape for fans of Mad Max and Fallout, allowing them to be creative and engage with a vibrant community for five days of fun and adventure.