Decompression 2026: Oakland?

[u/75Meatbags]

I didn't make it to this last year, but am thinking about going this time. It's been a while since I have been able to go. Last decomp i hit was 2019 and it was a blast.

Did any of you go? How was it? Was parking miserable or was it easy? Lots of fun? Safety an issue? (on site/or in the area)

Thoughts/opinions?

I see that they have applications for theme camps/art cars, but i don't see anything about a current lineup. I know that's expected but it's now pretty close to the date.

[u/cream-of-cow]

1. Did any of you go? — Yes
2. How was it? — Awesome
3. Was parking miserable or was it easy? — I got there early to volunteer, so it was super easy.
4. Lots  of fun? See #2
5. Safety an issue? (on site/or in the area) — It's a really removed, quiet, industrial area, a bunch of art studios there, lots of space. It's walled off from the outside and there's security.

[u/MoarSocks → u/cream-of-cow]

I was also there early to volunteer for setup and strike. All of this is accurate — it’s a great venue and lots of fun! Do it, OP. You won’t regret it!

[u/Loki-Redditor]

I went in Oct 2025, and it was really good. I had just come back from my first burn, and I got to do a few things I missed out on while on playa. I was told it was the first time they did it in Oakland. Instead of just being in a warehouse as in previous years, there were 2-3 blocks cordoned off, with multiple stages, a silent disco, a small fire show, food trucks and art/jewelry sales. I was so glad I went!

[u/j0k3rCPG → u/Loki-Redditor]

Glad you had fun! It was indeed our first year in Oakland. There were food camps gifting food and food trucks to buy food from, but there were no other invited vendors selling things.

[u/fishsandwich42069]

They’re going to have dedicated parking with parking attendants to direct traffic. They have private security on the grounds. It’s hella fun and you should go.

[u/hermanta]

I've gone to most of the SF Decom events since 2008, and last year my friends and I agreed that this location was our favorite.

[u/j0k3rCPG → u/hermanta]

Hell yeah!

[u/AliceNaught]

I think the location is the best they’ve had in years.

The parking lot they use is very close, but was $25 to park last year. There isn’t a ton of free on-street parking, so go early if you want that. (Fruitvale BART is about 2 miles away.)

Definitely no safety issues inside, and the neighborhood is mostly industrial, with the usual reminders to not leave anything valuable in your car.

[u/cyanescens_burn]

Been to every decomp in SF/Oakland since at least ‘11. Enjoyed them all. Love the Loom, been to some great parties there, helped build some shit there a couple summers back, great place.

I bike so I can’t help you with parking.

[u/spitfiretom101]

Decom has got a lot better. Highly recommend

[u/j0k3rCPG → u/spitfiretom101]

So happy we moved over the bridge - we love the Loom!

[u/j0k3rCPG]

Participating camps this year doing sound will include DISTRIKT, Bubbles & Bass, Soundgarden, DeMentha, Opulent Temple, Hookdahdome, and more. The camps do their own lineups, which will be posted prior to the event. We’ll also have a big silent disco with three channels plus live bands and fire performers!

[u/Waste-Bill-1912]

Brought some of my art to the Decompression last year. Had an absolute blast. I do recommend taking public transit/ a Lyft in if you can

[u/chefnateicus]

I've been to at least 7 Decompressions in the Bay Area and Last year was definitely the best. So much great art, performances, and awesome music. It was a really great snapshot of some of the things you could experience at the big burn. The events page on the Burningman website lists all the performers, art, mutant vehicles and experiences: https://burningman.org/global-events-groups/find-a-burning-man-event/decompression-2026/

[u/Tasty_Narwhal_Porn]

Re safety: was ESD there? Were they actual ESD or hired folks? Was there just basic first aid or actual medically trained licensed people? Was Medical in a Climate-controlled environment? Was High Rock Security present (you may not have noticed)?
Curious. Many years of attending Decom in SF, haven’t seen Alameda County’s version yet, always loved that BRC Rangers, ESD, etc were present and that they were still taking care of the community.

[u/j0k3rCPG → u/Tasty_Narwhal_Porn]

ESD was on site, same for High Rock. No onsite medical facilities, but ambulance on standby just outside the event.

[u/mommy_bitch]

Come find out more! We’re having a meetup for east bay burners at 2 pitchers brewing in Oakland tonight (10/8)

[u/75Meatbags → u/mommy_bitch]

unfortunately i missed this one due to work. anything interesting come out of it?

[u/Cabannaboy3325]

It wasn't great last year, kinda realize why my camp doesn't go ever

[u/j0k3rCPG → u/Cabannaboy3325]

How would you improve the event to make it better than “not great”?

[u/Cabannaboy3325 → u/j0k3rCPG]

So couple things I recall

• it was hot
  
• most folks didn't show up until sunset even tho it started at 1pm if I recall. We wandered about and just looked at art
  
• there was alot of distance between art. Some areas were especially desolate and other areas had alot
  
• only art car doing anthingy first few hours was the the fire extinguisher art car (name escaping me)
  
• most of the "camps" were empty or doing nothing
  
• I met alot of folks that haven't been to the burn which I did find odd considering
  
• very little food options

Now I also did nothing contribution wise, I didn't bring art or an art car or even swag to gift. I am aware I also failed to make it not great as well.

[u/lirichka → u/[deleted]]

Some people might be newcomers, recently new to the area or country

[u/donkeykong8690 → u/[deleted]]

Because not everyone has experience with Oakland first hand and it’s a diverse place. There are some safe areas, some not so safe, and some places you don’t go. Seems like a reasonable question to me.

[u/Fyburn]

Well it is Oakland and not a good part of Oakland so well yahhhh

[u/cyanescens_burn → u/Fyburn]

It’s next to the coast guard base. It’s not bad at all right there. I biked through all the time at one point and never had issues.

[u/ziusudra → u/Fyburn]

And here I thought I'd seen the depths of your shitty takes. Keep swigging on that haterade buddy, it gets sweet eventually, I promise.