What it's like to visit Burning Man, one of the wildest, most surreal events in the world

For nine days, Black Rock City, Nevada, is overtaken by 70,000 people to become Burning Man, one of the wildest art events in the world.

This was the event's 33rd year on the desert playa, and it included hundreds of art installations, musical acts, and workshops. This year's theme was "I, Robot," named for Isaac Asimov's science-fiction novel — and much of the artwork reflected a computerized aesthetic.

Here's what it was like:

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Burning Man takes place each year at the end of the summer. Up to 70,000 people gather from all over the world to become temporary residents of Black Rock City, Nevada.

The temperature in the desert can reach up to 100 degrees, and shade is scarce.

On the first day of the event, a windstorm swept the playa.