What is StardUSt?

StardUSt is an emergent organism, dedicated to catalyzing community through collective offerings that spark joy, invoke kindness, inspire creativity, and deepen our human connection. To that end, we offer an annual invitation-only 4-day immersive gathering in the Sierra Foothills. This year’s event is dubbed Awesome Saucer!

What can I expect?

StardUSt is borne of a creative burst of energy by volunteer collaborators seeking to provide space and medium for aligned foothill folks and their friends to create deeper connections. These inspired StardUSt Emissaries have committed to bringing sound space for DJs and musicians, and chill space to ground and relax. This is the basic architecture of the StardUSt hive; it’s up to you– the participants– to bring the honey to make Awesome Saucer. 

Where is the event?

Our StardUSt Awesome Saucer is being hosted by Trina and John of Rocksteady Adventures at Salt Springs Valley Reservoir, located in the lower foothills, about 15 minutes from Copperopolis, CA.

What do I get for my ticket/guest pass donation?

As a commerce-free, non-profit, volunteer-fueled event, your guest pass/ticket donation pays for the basic costs incurred to bring the event (site rental, portos, etc.) You get to participate in the amazing 4-day immersive experience we’ll create together during StardUSt! You will get to leave the Default World to camp, play, dance, connect, and inspire. 

Any surplus funds generated will be reinvested in the community and the event itself––supporting artist pARTicipation grants this year and into the future. Your contribution and participation will seed and nurture a vibrant StardUSt experience for us all. 

What should I bring?

You'll need to come ready to be radically self-reliant as nothing is bought or sold at this event. Bring everything you need to camp and sustain yourself for the length of your stay, and pack everything out that you bring. 

How do I get involved before the event?

We’re building the Awesome Saucer starship spontaneously as we move towards the launch pad. Join our StardUSt FB group or insagram for updates from your StardUSt Emissaries on how you can help, or email us at stardustsierra@gmail.com.

Who is on the guest list?

The guest list for our StardUSt Awesome Saucer has been curated with radical intention; this is an invitation only, 21+ adult event; please bring your ID for gate entry. 

What are the rules?

Our StardUSt code of conduct is simple: Be Awesome. Align with the 10 principles. 

Don’t be the reason we have to make a rule.

What are the camping logistics?

There will be several camping zones within a few defined areas. There is plenty of flat space, but please cozy up to your neighbors. There will be an RV accessible area, but there are no hook ups. 

What kind of weather should I prepare for?

This is a shine on–regardless of rain–event. Check the weather forecast for Copperopolis, CA.

What potential hazards should I be aware of?

You are responsible for your safety as well as the safety of our group. Risks inherent to the foothill environment are present. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings. A self-serve first aid station will be available.

Can I bring my pets?

Please, no pets. If you need to bring a service animal, you must get approval from the event organizers, aka, Emissaries. Email us at stardustsierra@gmail.com no later than April 23, 2025. 

Will there be waste disposal?

Radical self reliance means that you are fully responsible for packing everything out that you bring, including trash, recycling, and food waste. Please label your stuff so that in the event anything is misplaced, it will find its way back to you.

Leave No Trace

A core principle of StardUSt is not only that we will leave no trace, but we will strive to leave our space better than we found it. MOOP is a Burning Man acronym for “Matter Out of Place”, a convenient way of referring to anything that is not originally of the land on which StardUSt takes place. So everything that wasn’t originally on or of the land, no matter how small, is considered MOOP, and is to be removed as part of our Leave No Trace efforts. 

Will there be water?

You must bring all your own potable water to last for the duration of our time together. If you run out, water is available, but well water is a limited resource. Please exercise responsible grey/wash water management by using limited amounts of biodegradable soap and making sure any food particles do not make their way into the environment.

Can I bring my generator?
If you must. But please make sure it has a baffle box and isn’t pointed at your neighbor’s tent. 

What about bathrooms/wash stations?

There will be a bank of portos. There are a few flush toilets, rustic showers and handwashing facilities onsite.