It’s an intimate desert campout with Z and Pete and a few dozen favorite humans, timed to celebrate Z’s 60th trip around the sun. Part birthday gathering, part playground for ideas: shared meals, hot springs, conversations, and experiences we create together. Come for the whole weekend or the time you have. There’s no performance required—your presence is enough.

We’ll have a private, gated, 100-plus-acre desert oasis all to ourselves. Think palm trees, ponds, private hot springs, landscaped gardens and koi ponds, three casitas, a gym and infinity pool, desert and mountain views, and plenty of nooks and places to play big and small.

There’s wacky art, a large camping area—and even what’s said to be an energy vortex. Come investigate.

Desert Hot Springs, California, near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. Palm Springs International Airport is the closest airport; Ontario and Burbank are other options with a longer drive.

Coming from Los Angeles? Allow plenty of extra time for traffic, especially on Friday. Exact directions will be shared with invited guests.

Escape the winter to the desert! Normally days in the Coachella Valley are sunny and in the mid-70’s. But nights drop to the mid-40s. So do plan for nice days and cold desert nights, and the possibility of a winter rain shower. But don’t worry, we’ll have indoor and covered places to gather, too.

Bottom line, be ready for anything. Bring your bathing suit for the hot springs and pool, plus warm clothes for some evening activities outside. We’ll share a weather update and packing notes closer to the weekend.

Z’s favorite humans: curious minds and courageous souls, including experience designers, artists, nerds, creatives, and academics. This is an intimate gathering, numbering in the dozens.

Please check with the hosts before sharing the invitation or inviting anyone else. Space is very limited.

The agenda will unfold over time and in real time. Think unconference with a little Burning Man spirit: an intentional space to explore, experiment, and make the weekend our own.

You’re invited to try something outside your usual orbit. Use the Law of Two Feet: if something isn’t for you, feel free to move on. Join an activity, chill by the oasis, or sit in a hot spring.

We hope everyone can make the Saturday night party. Nothing is required; everything is optional.

Your opportunity to follow your curiosity—by joining or contributing an experiment, experience, or discussion. Ideas will emerge as the weekend goes on.

Some things in the works include a newly designed game, a temporary monument, group performance art, and a ritual. You might share your expertise, explore a question that scares you, lead movement, play music, mix an elixir, help build a fire pit, or make a midnight snack.

From deeply serious to totally silly, this is a sandbox for whatever you’re curious about or haven’t tried before. Want to contribute? Let’s talk. It’s entirely optional.

Whenever you can. We’ll start gathering Thursday evening. If you’re arriving Friday, aim to get in well before 5 PM for sunset cocktails and an intimate family-style dinner. Leave Los Angeles early to allow for traffic.

You can also come just for the Saturday night party. Tell us your best guess now—you can change your mind later—so we can plan ahead.

There’s free camping in a shaded mesquite field and other nooks nearby. Bring your tent, camper, or van. A couple of couches may be available; please bring a mattress and sleeping bag if you can.

A limited number of beds and bedrooms are available in three on-site homes on a cost-sharing basis. Priority will go to guests traveling from far away and staying for the full weekend. Rates will be shared before you commit.

Nearby hotels and vacation rentals are also an option. We’ll send recommendations to guests who register their interest. Book early once your plans are settled.

Camping and activities for the weekend are free. Z and Pete are covering the venue and Saturday party.

A contribution toward communal food for the rest of the weekend would be appreciated, but isn’t required. On-site beds and bedrooms involve a separate cost share. More details will come with the official RSVP.