Q: What is Playa Academy Makers Camp?
A: Playa Academy is a class-based multi-day camping event, inspired by the 10 principles, where community members share their skills, knowledge, and creativity with their peers in preparation for the playa and other regional events.
Q: When is Playa Academy?
A: April 17 – 19th, 2026. Rain or shine. Friday entry at 12:30 pm for early setup. The opening ceremony is at 6 pm. The first class session is on Friday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm. The first session on Saturday is at 9 am, with multiple sessions throughout the day, ending at 7 pm. Gates close at 10 pm. Two one-hour sessions on Sunday, starting at 9 am to 10 am and 10:30 am to 11:30 am, allowing participation in teardown and Leave No Trace (LNT).
Q: What does it cost?
A: Admission is $100 per person, which includes two nights of camping. Teenagers 13 – 17 are $50, and Children 12 & under are free. After expenses, all proceeds go to benefit Sacramento Valley Spark (SVS) nonprofit organization.
Q: Is there a fee for RVs, Campers or Trailers?
A: We are asking those bringing RVs, campers, or trailers to contribute $20 to Sacramento Valley Spark’s “Positive Impact/Carbon Offset Fund”.
Q: How does Ticketing & Registration work?
A: The main ticket sale starts Monday, March 23rd, at 12 pm. Discount ticket sales for teachers, artists, and volunteers begin Wednesday, March 18th at 12pm. Children under 13 are free and do not need a ticket. However, they do need to be registered as attendees for the classes. Unticketed late arrivals will be charged $120 – NO EXCEPTIONS. There are no “Day Tickets”.
This is a class-based event. You must choose classes at the time of registration. There are drop-in classes that do not require registration to attend. However, if there is a drop-in class you’re excited about, we recommend registering to help the instructors prepare. The sign-up process is first-come, first-served, and we will let you know when the classes are full.
Q: Are scholarship tickets available?
A: Yes. We offer a limited number of scholarship tickets to help make Playa Academy more accessible to our community.
We do our best to keep ticket prices low, but we know that cost can still be a barrier. In the spirit of participation and inclusion, up to 10 scholarships are available and will be awarded based on need, prior involvement, and interest in contributing to the event.
To apply, email contact@SacValleySpark.org with a brief note about your situation, any past involvement (if applicable), and how you’d like to participate. Please keep it concise.
Q: How many people can attend?
A: 175 people.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: NO. Absolutely no pets allowed.
Q: Is there overnight camping?
A: Yes. There are NO services at campsites (no electricity, water, or fire rings). RVs are allowed to “dry” camp.
Q: Is there water on-site?
A: Yes. Yellow tape on several posts indicates water spigots.
Q: Will there be restrooms and hand-washing stations?
A: Yes. There are adequate restroom facilities in the nearby facilities building. Please use the designated restroom areas only.
Q. Is there a shower?
A: No
Q: Is this a Leave No Trace event?
A: Of course. We are burners! There will also be recycling areas, pick-up sticks, and trash bags available where needed. Everyone is expected to participate and honor this important principle. Do NOT place burnables in the fire pit, and do your 💩 business in the restrooms.
Q: Do we cook for ourselves, or are there group meals?
A: We are self-reliant! Campers are expected to prepare meals in their camping area. Elevated camping fires and stoves are allowed. There is limited availability of charcoal grill or propane stove use in the pavilion kitchen. We are also inviting everyone to join in a Saturday evening potluck. A signup sheet will be available to all registrants. Label ingredients of your food so that you can identify allergens. Remove all remaining food after the potluck. A table will be reserved for vegetarian-only food.
Q: Is Playa Academy family-friendly?
A: Yes. Children 12 & under are free with a parent or guardian.
Q: Is there a place for fire flow art?
A: Yes. There is a large parking area and some open space available. Spotters and proper safety equipment are required.
Q: Is alcohol allowed?
A: Participants must be 21 years or older to drink alcohol. Gifting of alcohol is allowed, but proper ID must be shown.
Q: Can we burn in a fire pit?
A: Yes. There is a large open fire ring near the pavilion.
Q: I heard there will be an effigy burn. Is that true?
A: TBD
Q: Is there an emergency plan?
A: A team will be available with walkie-talkies who can assist participants in case of an emergency. A first aid station will be located at HQ. The team will be on hand to coordinate with county fire or emergency assistance and evacuation. There will be fire extinguishers placed near the fire performance area, near burn barrels, the kitchen, and the workshop areas.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: NO.
Q: Is there shade?
A: Yes. Plenty of old growth oak trees.
Q: Is smoking permitted?
A: No smoking within 10 feet of structures, nor in or near workshop/session areas. Please be respectful. Bring an ashtray and leave no butts.
Q: Can artists sell their work?
A: Vending is not permitted on-site.
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Rain is always possible this time of year, and it’s always mosquito weather. Typical temperatures can be in the 40’s and 50’s at night.
Q: Are art cars allowed?
A: YES. Pre-approved art cars are welcome. Event staff will be marking spaces for each vehicle.
Q: Are there “quiet hours”?
A: Quiet hours are from 11 pm – 7 am.
Q: Is there internet access?
A: Cell service, yes.
Q: Is exit and reentry allowed?
A: Yes, but the gate is closed from 10 pm to 6 am. Please show your wristband upon reentry to the event at Headquarters
Q: How do I get there?
A: Directions to Nelson’s Grove – 15285 County Road 99E, Woodland, CA 95695
From SACRAMENTO:
- Take I-5N/CA-99 N to Redding. Approximately 20 miles.
- Take Exit 538 for CA-113N/East St toward Yuba City.
- 1 mile to Coil Lane from the I-5 exit
- 0.5 miles from Hwy 113 and Coil Lane
- Turn right at Nelson’s Grove gate
**Sometimes, GPS will not get you into the correct location, so keep these printed directions handy. **