Rooted in the dust, reaching for the stars — the center that holds us all.
Over a decade of dust and dreams, growing ring by ring. Every year added a layer to the trunk — here is how a humble purple bus became a world-tree. This is the center that holds.
Every journey begins with an idea, and Smile High was no exception. 2011 marked the year a humble school bus was painted a vibrant purple, a bold declaration of creativity that hinted at the extraordinary transformations to come.
The purple bus embraced its playful side with the addition of colorful, Russian-inspired onion domes. This whimsical architectural twist, a blend of cultures and styles, captured the spirit of Burning Man and set the stage for even more ambitious designs.
Smile High transformed into a beacon of nighttime celebration, adorned with intricate neon lighting that pulsed with the energy of the playa. Multi-level viewing platforms and an enclosed DJ booth turned the art car into a moving party, radiating joy and connection.
A year of dramatic change saw the bus shed its skin, revealing a skeletal frame enveloped in flowing purple fabric. This ethereal design hinted at the grand vision to come, a transformation from humble beginnings to a creature of pure imagination.
Smile High reached new heights of creativity, morphing into a colossal, whimsical hybrid of an airship and a whale. This playful, ambitious design, complete with a protruding nose, wing-like structures, and porthole windows, embodied the spirit of wonder and possibility.
Behind every grand creation lies a story of dedication and craftsmanship. 2017 offered a glimpse behind the curtain, showcasing the intricate metalwork, welding, and collaborative effort that brought Smile High to life, piece by piece.
More than just metal and lights, Smile High is fueled by the heart and soul of its passionate crew. 2018 celebrated the individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and love to bringing joy to the playa, reminding us that community is at the heart of every great endeavor.
The art car's journey continued with a refined version of the beloved airship design. Sleek lines, a polished metallic finish, and brilliant lighting created a sense of futuristic wonder, while the iconic rotating smiley face remained a symbol of pure joy.
A new era dawned for Smile High as it fully embraced its destiny as a community-owned art car. This transformative step welcomed Burners from all walks of life to become stakeholders in its journey, fostering a deeper sense of shared ownership and creative collaboration.
The adventure continues! The future of Smile High is a wide-open road, paved with the dreams and generosity of the Burning Man community. Your donations are the fuel that will bring this iconic art car back to the playa, spreading joy and connection with every spin of its magnificent wheels.
Under Burning Man's 2025 theme, "Tomorrow Today," Smile High rolled back onto the playa as a community-powered beacon — living proof that the future gets built by the folks who actually show up for it. Full decks, bigger sound, and a whole lot of unplanned connection. The smiley kept spinning, and the dream kept growing toward something rooted and reaching all at once.
Embracing Burning Man's 2026 theme "Axis Mundi," Smile High becomes a moving world-tree — a center point on the open playa where the community gathers, connects, and spins together. This year brings a brand-new sound system to carry the music further than ever, and branches that reach wider than ever before. Your donations are the fuel that gets us there — every gift brings the world-tree back to the playa. Join us as we become the center that holds.
Be part of the Axis. A tree is just a tree until people gather beneath it — then it becomes a meeting place, a landmark, a home.
This year we're building more than an art car. We're building a center point: roots in over a decade of playa history, a trunk lit like the burning Man himself, and branches wide enough to hold everyone who wanders over. Interconnection isn't a slogan out here — it's the whole point. Come help us hold the center.
Lights, lumber, lithium, love — building a world-tree on the playa takes real sap. Every gift helps the trunk burn brighter.
Watch the sap rise. Every dollar lifts the light a little higher up the trunk.
When you spot the world-tree spinning on the open playa, you've found us. Drop this Plus Code into your maps and follow the dust.
Right on the Esplanade at 7:15 — when you spot the world-tree spinning at the city's edge, you've found us.
Every Burner who's climbed aboard added a ring to the tree. Share a story, a photo, a moment — and help our memory grow another year wider.
No memories have taken root here yet — be the first to plant one. Your story could be the seed that gets the whole grove talking.