NEOTROPOLIS will return April 29th-May 3rd, 2026.
tickets are on sale now.
Tickets:
Purchase Tickets here
volunteers:
Go to our VOLUNTEER PAGE for more info and to fill out an application.
FACTIONS:
Similar to the “tribes” system at Wasteland Weekend, Neotropolis encourages attendees to form “Factions.” These could be a few of your friends, or a whole group of people you’ve only met online - it’s up to you. But the idea of a faction is to create a camp together at the event.
A Faction is a group with a shared identity and story. Individuals who have come together, and go all out with coordinated costumes, a group identity, themed encampments and/or vehicles. Some factions can be as small as 4 or five members, while others might be thirty or forty members strong.
To apply for Theme Zone placement for your Faction, check out The Theme Zone page for more details and information.
Learn more about Factions here.
The Theme Zone:
Want to be where the action is? Check out The Theme Zone!
ENTERTAINMENT:
Find the list of official performers scheduled for the The Core [Main Stage] on our Entertainment page!
Bands, DJs, robot battles, burlesque, and even Beyblade tournaments!
Vendors:
This includes goods, services, and food! Be sure to read our Vendor FAQ located on the Vendors page before applying.
performers:
You’ll find the application (when it’s live) on the Entertainment page here.
RULES
All attendees must be 18 by the time of the event.
All state, federal, and local laws apply.
Please read our event rules and policies here.
Please “pack it in – pack it out!”
(If you bring it in with you, you must take it out with you.)
Draining of holding tanks, littering, and trash dumping is prohibited.
There is no running or potable water on site. please plan accordingly.
There May be strobe and flashing lights, as well as smoke and sound effects in use.
frequently asked questions
When does the event start?
Neotropolis officially begins at 7am Wednesday (April 29th, 2026), and ends at noon on Sunday (May 3rd, 2026).
Where do I buy tickets?
Head to the TICKETS page.
Do I need to join a faction, or can I just attend the event solo?
Come solo, with a few friends, or whatever suits you (just don’t come as HAN Solo). Joining a faction can make the experience much more enriching, and be a great benefit to groups with with cohesive ideas and vision. Faction membership is not a requirement. If you’re interested in joining an existing faction, check out our official Neotropolis Central Facebook group.
How do we form a faction?
You may already be planning to attend the event with a group of friends. Start there. Think about what influences your vision of a cyberpunk futuristic world, and how you might survive in it. Movies, comics, video games, all shape how we view futuristic worlds. A brainstorming session with your future Faction mates is the perfect beginning. Be sure to review the rules and suggestions on the THEME so that you are adding to, rather than taking away from the Neotropolis experience.
Check out the Factions page for more ideas on forming your own.
Do we need to register our faction?
No. You are free to form a faction and attend Neotropolis without official recognition.
No application, no paperwork; just form your own (or join) a Faction and show up at Neotropolis (with tickets, of course).
BUT, if you want your faction to be placed in The Theme Zone, you will need to apply (more on that here).
Can Factions AND PERFORMERS arrive early at neotropolis?
No, Factions and Performers do not automatically receive early access to the event.
BUT, officially approved Performers and Theme Zone Factions CAN request early arrival to set up their spaces ahead of time.
You’ll know well ahead of time if you are one of the groups that gets EA.
Do I have to wear a themed costume?
Yes. The event aims to create a 360° movie-like environment! If you need costume help, check out our Costume Resources page. You’ll find some helpful guidelines and rules about what is and what is not in theme for our event. There are also a ton of images and tutorials online if you do a search for “cyberpunk.”
What about themed and non-themed cars? Can I drive around at night?
Please read our document HERE about themed cars, GRID RIDER PERMITS, and how to get one!
Where does this event take place?
Edwards, California, just outside California City, CA. Check out our Travel page for more details, directions, and maps.
Do I have to have a themed vehicle or themed campsite to attend?
No. Themed campsites and themed vehicles are encouraged, but not required. Themed camps can get you placed closer to the action (see our Factions page). You don’t even have to camp if you don’t want to, although camping is included in your ticket price.
When am I allowed to show up at the event to grab my campsite and start setting up?
The earliest you may arrive onsite is 7am on the day the event begins (Wednesday). Certain Faction members and volunteers and staff are allowed to arrive early, but they will be contacted directly with those details.
Land grabbing/cording off of camping areas is NOT allowed.
Tickets
Do you have an attendance cap? Will the event sell out?
Yes, we cap attendance with limiting the number of tickets we make available for purchase. We have sold out every year well before the event, so you’ll want to get yours when they go on sale. (Also, they’ll be cheaper the earlier you purchase them!)
Do I need to buy a ticket if I plan to volunteer or perform?
No, you shouldn’t buy a ticket if you plan to apply to volunteer or perform, until you hear back about your status. If you do buy a ticket and are confirmed to volunteer or perform, you will have your purchased ticket refunded (but it’s a hassle for our staff to do, so we prefer you wait to purchase til you know whether or not you’re confirmed). Even if you are not selected to volunteer or perform, you will be given a chance to purchase a ticket at the Tier price we were in when you applied. An example is if you applied to volunteer or perform in Tier 1, but you don’t hear back til we’re in Tier 3 (we do try to get back to everyone before that Tier, but sometimes it can happen), you’ll get a single-use coupon code for the Tier 1 priced ticket.
What if I want to resell or give away my ticket?
That’s a little more complicated. You can find out more about that on our TICKETS page.
Do you sell single day passes? I'm only planning to come for one day.
No. Single day passes are not available.
Are there ins and outs?
Yes! Once you’re checked in and get your event wristband, you are welcome to leave and return as often as you like.
(Just please make sure you continue to follow any/all marked roads and staff instructions while exiting and returning.)
Do we have to pay to park?
Nope! Parking for all vehicle types is included in your admission ticket.
Camp / Event Questions
Can we bring out our own sound system so our DJ or band can play in our camp?
No. But you can play your music in your general camping area between noon and 3am at a moderate volume (as long as it doesn't disturb your neighbors). Organizers reserve the right to ask you to turn it off if they feel it is not contributing to the theme or is interfering with the official audio. Neotropolis will play a variety of music during the day, as well as schedule bands and DJs. For more information on camp sound systems, please check out our Sound System / Music Policy page.
Is this a LARP or cosplay event?
Not exactly. This is a five-day desert camping, music, arts, and car festival in an original cyberpunk / sci-fi world. If LARP is your thing, you may want to check out our NEOQuest Missions page. We require costumes because we don't want there to be a distinction between participants and onlookers (like there are at many other events). Uncostumed attendees would take away from the environment we are creating, and thus the ability for all participants to enjoy the event. Many of the Factions get into mutually agreed-upon shenanigans and made-up conflicts. So the best description might be that this is a festival with a lot of costumes, and some voluntary light larping going on, but not strictly a LARP or cospaly event.
I saw there are DJs. Is this a rave?
No. Our DJs play an eclectic mix of everything that fits in with the cyber / sci-fi vibe. But the music doesn’t go all night, and this is different from other desert festivals that focus solely around electronic music. There are also live bands! And if you tune in to 88.3, expect to hear Neotropolis Radio - a diverse playlist of songs interspersed with our very own radio ads.
Is the event accessible by a regular street vehicle?
Yes. Technically, this is an off-road vehicle area (dirt roads), but a huge number of attendees drive to our event in standard cars with no issues. And there is no extra fee for parking (and you are allowed to camp with/sleep in your vehicle).
Can I bring my RV, trailer, or camper?
Yes! And, there’s no additional charge for vehicles or camping. We don’t have one specific area where RVs and trailers have to park. They are welcome in most of the General Camping areas. But, obviously don’t block roads. There are a few spots with soft sand where RVs could get stuck, but those should have clear warning signs posted when you arrive. There is no saving space, please be mindful of your neighbors. Please be aware, there is no running or potable water on site. There is no dumping of any kind, including freshwater and grey water tanks on site. (For that, you’ll want to check for the nearest dumping station.) Please plan accordingly.
Can we just bring a tent?
Absolutely. Camping is free - just find a spot on the map that works for you (outside theme mandatory zones) and set up your camp! Get creative, and decorate your tent(s)! There is also a hotel just 20 minutes away if your need to live out a distant planet desert outpost dream ends at bedtime (The Best Western in California City is closest).
Will bathrooms be available?
Yes! Plenty of public portable restrooms and hand washing stations will be available for the entire event. We also have ADA/handicapped portapotties. Be aware, there is no running or potable water on site. Please plan accordingly.
Will there be food vendors?
Yes, but they are not open 24 hours a day. You can check out what food vendors we have coming here.
Is this a “kid-friendly” event?
No, this most certainly is NOT a kid-friendly event.
You must be 18 years old or older to attend this event, NO EXCEPTIONS.
How does barter work at this event?
Just like Wasteland Weekend, Neotropolis is NOT a barter-only event. Our official vendors take cash, and most take credit as well. Bartering is the act of exchanging one item for another with fellow attendees, without any currency.
One of the big rules is absolutely NO food or drink may be bartered. This includes pre-packaged snacks and drinks.
Other than that, be creative, and keep it in-theme.
Can I bring my pets?
Pets are NOT permitted at the event. Exceptions for service dogs granted per the ADA, of course.
But please be aware, the conditions of our event location are not ideal for animals.
And there is the local wildlife to consider as well.
WILDLIFE
The Mojave Desert, where our location is, is home to many species of wildlife. A local endangered species is the Desert Tortoise. In the unlikely event you see one while visiting, DO NOT try to handle, move, feed, or disturb them.
If a Desert Tortoise is found, inform a staff member.
There could also be more dangerous creatures including but not limited to snakes, scorpions, and coyotes. Depending on the weather leading up to the event, the more active some of those creatures may be.
Keep an eye on official updates about areas that may be off limits for your safety.
I understand that firearms are not allowed, but can we bring prop & replica weapons?
Yes, with some conditions: Bring your NON-FIRING / REPLICA weaponry. No real firearms are allowed, whether loaded or not, unless they have been permanently disabled (removing the firing pin is NOT enough). No black powder guns. No real ammo is allowed, even if you're just wearing it as part of a costume (dummy/deactivated bullets are fine). You may NOT fire any blank-firing guns, cap guns, or any prop that simulates the sound of a real gun being fired. (You can bring them, just don't ever load them or let them make noise). Airsoft guns and BB guns are allowed, and do not need to be permanently disabled, but must have pellets, C02, and batteries (if applicable) removed before entering the event. Bows and crossbows must NEVER be loaded while in the event area (unless you are at the official archery range during open hours). Basically, if it's a weapon that fires a projectile of any kind (even a Nerf gun), or makes a loud noise, don't even think of shooting it off in the event area.
BLADES - Edged weapons must be VERY dull, or must stay sheathed while you are inside the event boundaries. This includes sharp objects on costumes. Event security and staff reserve the right to inspect and confiscate any weapons that appear to be unsafe, or are being used in an unsafe manner (they will be held for you until the end of the event).
If you have questions about a specific weapon, better to ask us before you bring it out. California law supersedes any of our weapons policies. If you carry something to or at the event that is against the law in the state of CA, you do so at your own risk. County Sheriffs ARE on site during this event.
What will the weather be like?
The AVERAGE (meaning the average during the time of year when we have this event) weather for the area in late April is
HIGHS in the low 90s°, LOWS in the mid to low 50s°.
Be prepared for heatwaves or cold spells. Make sure to bring warm clothing, as the temperature can really drop at night in the desert, even after a hot day. It can get windy, sometimes with dust storms, or even strong gusts. It’s not usually too bad, but you may want to be prepared with eye protection and dust masks. Also, we do start after the rainy season, but you never know, so start checking the local weather forecasts about 10 days ahead of the event. Neotropolis is a rain or shine event.
Are campfires/bonfires allowed?
No open flames are allowed inside the Theme Zone.
No fire spinning or fire performances are allowed at Neotropolis.
Cooking fires are allowed outside of the Theme Zone, subject to safety rulings of event staff and the local Fire Authorities. Cooking fires must be attended at ALL times. If you are walking away from camp, or going to bed for the night, extinguish your cooking fire. Winds often make fires a danger, so come prepared to quickly extinguish your fire.
Event staff can and will extinguish any unattended fire. All cooking fires must have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, and/or shovel on hand. Cooking fires cannot exceed 2’ in diameter and 3’ in height. All cooking fires outside of a non-combustible receptacle must be recessed 1’ into the ground or surrounded by a 1’ tall dirt or rock berm. The County recommends every campsite that intends to have a fire or burn barrel must have a fire permit, available for free from the link below. Cooking fires cannot be located within 10 feet of vegetation, a tent, or structures of any kind. Cooking fires must be kept a minimum of 25 feet from fuel sources. The only allowable fuel sources on site are charcoal and clean wood.
Fire Permits: http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits/
Personal camp cooking is permitted. The County recommends all cooking be done on propane appliances. Cooking cannot be done within an enclosed space (outside of cooking on RV cooking appliances). Cooking appliances should not be placed on plastic tables. All cooking appliances should be kept a minimum of 10’ from vegetation, tents, and structures of any kind, as well as 25’ from stored fuel sources.
Fireworks of ANY kind are strictly forbidden, and are not be brought to this event.
Flamethrowers, flame “poppers,” and all variations of liquid or pressurized fuel devices are NOT ALLOWED at the event. This includes (but is not limited to) brush burners, torches, jet engines/devices, flame throwing guitars, simulated explosions, sound makers, flame cannons, or any other flame device that utilizes liquid or gaseous fuel. DO NOT BRING THEM. California laws are very strict, and Wasteland has a zero tolerance regarding flame devices. Failure to observe this policy may result in expulsion from the event.
Will there be a power grid for all attendees to use?
Yes and no. There IS community power if you are an approved Faction in Megablock One, Megamall, or one of the official Faction outposts, but not beyond that. If you need to charge your cell phone, please bring a car adapter, or find a friend with an RV or generator (for example). Please be responsible for your own needs.
Can we use a personal camp shower / solar shower?
Spilling a small amount of water onto the ground is fine (like brushing your teeth or using one of those very small camp showers from a bag). But NOT a large shower you construct for your whole camp.
Emptying of fresh water, grey water, or black water tanks from an RV is NOT allowed.
Also, please don’t dump any liquids in the portapotties (or sinks) other than what comes out of your own body.
Can I use my phone at the event?
Absolutely! Given the futuristic theme, use of all kinds of electronics fits right in.
However, be prepared for VERY SLOW data speeds and possible issues with connecting calls due to the remote location.
NO LIVE STREAMING OF ANY KIND from our event.
Neotropolis is meant to be experienced in person, not online.
Can I spin fire? Can I bring a flamethrower?
Unlike Wasteland Weekend, Neotropolis is not about the fire, but IS about the neon and LED. So, consider spinning some LED poi (or whatever) instead. If you would like to be one of our official performers, please fill out a performer application form.
You are not allowed to use your propane pyrotechnic devices or flamethrowers.
Are there any off-road vehicle requirements?
Anyone bringing a gas or electric powered vehicle eventually finds themselves asking if they will need a permit to operate their vehicle.
(Such as an "Off Highway Vehicle" or "OHV" permit.)
The answer varies based on a few factors, the first of which is registration. If your vehicle is currently registered with the DMV in your state you will not need an OHV permit. If you have a powered vehicle that you intend to operate solely within the boundaries of the event you are not required to have an OHV permit. However some attendees want to take their vehicle off-property at some point to really ride shiny and chrome, so Wasteland Weekend strongly suggests that vehicles be registered or get an OHV permit.
Where to get an OHV permit-
Online:
California City Police Department
https://www.calcitypd.org/Online-Permit-Pay.php
In Person:
Borax Bill Park
1363 Twenty Mule Team Parkway
8.5 miles from Wasteland
Foxy’s Landing
22636 Airport Way #10 (inside the airport)
(760) 373-1555
Ace City Hardware
7594 California City Blvd
(760) 373-1116
Cal City Market
8170 Aspen Mall
(760) 373-4926
High Desert Cycle
8209 California City Blvd #2
(760) 373-4495