The Burning Man festival has been navigating some serious turbulence lately, and this year’s ticket resale process just added another layer of complexity to its ongoing challenges.

After a disastrous rain-soaked event in 2023 and failing to sell out for the first time since 2011, the festival’s organizers have been struggling to maintain their reputation. The situation worsened when they requested community donations to cover a nearly $20 million budget shortfall and introduced a controversial tiered-pricing ticketing system.

Now, the latest headache comes from their official ticket resale platform, Tixel, which accidentally double-charged buyers a 9% Nevada entertainment tax. For tickets originally priced at $750, this meant an additional $70 charge that caught many potential attendees off guard.

Burning Man spokesperson Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley confirmed that Tixel “accidentally double-charged” the tax and is in the process of refunding affected buyers. However, the incident has already sparked significant frustration within the Burning Man community.

Online forums buzzed with criticism, with Reddit users expressing their anger at the pricing inconsistencies. One commenter noted that the double fee could potentially drive people away from the secure marketplace and create opportunities for ticket scammers.

The ticket resale drama adds to a series of challenges the festival has faced in recent years. From extreme weather conditions to financial struggles, Burning Man seems to be at a crossroads, testing the loyalty and patience of its dedicated community.

As the 2025 festival approaches, potential attendees are left wondering what other surprises might be in store. While the organization claims the issue is resolved, the incident highlights the ongoing complexities of managing such a massive and unique cultural event.

For now, those hoping to attend Burning Man will need to stay vigilant and carefully navigate the ticket purchasing process, keeping a close eye on potential additional fees or complications.