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”. Proceeds will go towards tree planting at Jovia Pond.
Q: How does Ticketing & Registration work?
A: The main ticket sale starts Monday, March 16th, at 12 pm. Discount ticket sales for teachers, artists, and volunteers begin Monday, March 9th, at 12 pm. 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: 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. The locations will be provided on the event map.
Q: Will there be porta-potties and hand-washing stations?
A: Yes. The portos will have battery lights inside for nighttime safety, and porta-potty guardians will make sure they are stocked with toilet paper. The locations will be on the main map.
Q. Is there a shower?
A: Yes. An outdoor shower is available for use between HQ and the Lake Kitchen.
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. Place any burnable waste inside the main fire pit.
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. There is limited availability for use of the on-site cooking facilities in the lake kitchen and dock house. 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 north of the dock house, along with two designated burn barrels that can be used. No fires are allowed at campsites or outside of the designated areas.
Q: I heard there will be an effigy burn. Is that true?
A: You heard right. Participants can assemble the effigy by registering for the effigy build sessions. The intention is to burn it on or near the island on Saturday night, depending on wind conditions. The downwind shore area will be flagged off as a safety zone. No camping in this zone.
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 the volunteer station on the kitchen deck, where there will also be a lost and found. 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. Camping areas will be marked clearly to identify fire lanes.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: NO.
Q: Is there shade?
A: There is a dock house that can be utilized as a community space. Most teaching/workshop areas will be shaded. Bring personal camp shade and a lawn chair.
Q: Is smoking permitted?
A: No smoking on the dock or on the cottage deck, nor in or near workshop/session areas. Please be respectful. Bring an ashtray and leave no butts. Do not flick your butts into the pond.
Q: Can artists sell their work?
A: Vending is not permitted on-site.
Q: Can participants swim in the pond?
A: All participants must sign a release at the Headquarters (HQ) to allow swimming in the pond. No lifeguards will be on duty.
Kayaks and blow-up rafts are allowed. Nothing with a motor permitted.
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Rain is always possible this time of year, and high winds are likely coming up the Delta channel. Typical temperatures can be in the 40s and 50s at night.
Q: Will the cottage be available for staff?
A: No. This is the owner’s private property, although the outdoor deck is used as Headquarters (HQ).
Q: Are art cars allowed?
A: YES. Pre-approved art cars are welcome. Event staff will be marking spaces near the front of the dock house.
Q: Are there “quiet hours”?
A: Quiet hours are from midnight – 7 am.
Q: Is there internet access?
A: Do not count on the internet / Wi-Fi while you are on site. Your cell service may work, but it could be spotty as well.
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 Jovia Farms – 8320 King Road, Dixon, CA 95620 from Sacramento
- Take I-80 west toward San Francisco—approximately 10 miles.
- Take Exit 75 for Mace Blvd. Turn left at the exit and go south 4 miles.
- Turn right onto Tremont Road and go 1.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Bulkley Road, go 5.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Midway Road, go 50 feet.
- Right again on Bulkley 1 mile. (there’s a little bump Bulkley-Midway-Bulkley)
- Turn left onto King Road 1 mile
- Turn right into Jovia Farms. Follow the aphorisms for about 200 feet.
From BAY AREA:
- Go North on I-680 to Sacramento, 17.68 mi
- Go East on I-80 to Sacramento, 19.67 mi
- Take Midway Rd East (right) 9.41 mi (cross train track)
- @ 4 stop (Bulkley Road)
- Turn right on Bulkley 1 mi
- Turn left on King RD (go straight onto dirt road) 1 mi
- Turn right at the white gate
From ANTIOCH-
- Hwy 160 to Rio Vista
- Hwy 12 towards Fairfield
- At the flashing light, turn right and go North on 113 * May be closed due to storm damage (about 6 miles west of Rio Vista)
- Go past the two flashing lights on Hwy 113. Go another 8 mi and turn right on Midway
- Turn RIGHT on Bulkley 1.0 mi
- Turn Left on King RD (go straight onto dirt road) 1 mi
- Turn right at the white gate.
**Sometimes, GPS will not get you into the correct location, so keep these printed directions handy. **