Volunteer Committee Descriptions 2026

We are a determined group whose main aim is to create a barrier-free Festival site for those who might otherwise find the outdoor location difficult to negotiate. We provide assistance, information, and a variety of services to help facilitate ease of use for our patrons with alternate needs, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, mobility restrictions and seniors. We work hard and have fun. The Accessibility committee contains sub-committees for Guest Services and Site Access.

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application. This committee is welcoming and adaptable for volunteers with alternate needs.

We support the Accessibility committee by monitoring the accessible seating areas at each stage. You will find us stationed in multiple locations around the site, ensuring that everyone is safe and cared-for.

Requirements: Committed, enthusiastic volunteers who have experience or training working with people with alternate needs. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application. 

The Administration crew is the Festival office onsite, the backstage go-to place for all things Folk Festival. We are here to direct you to the right person or place, and to help answer any procedural or operational questions you may have.

Requirements: New volunteers assigned to this committee are selected based on previous office and administration experience. Knowledge of the Festival is preferred.

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application.

The Artisan Market is composed of artists and artisans who create their own handcrafted items, while the Community Village showcases a wide variety of local and global non-profit organizations. We are responsible for setting up, maintaining, monitoring, and taking down the many booths inside the festival.

Requirements: Volunteers are needed during the days leading up to the Festival and during the Festival itself, so volunteers’ availability must be flexible. The ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required. Knowledge of the festival and/or previous market experience is an asset.

*Please indicate your availability on your application.

Artists come to us to check in onsite. We answer their questions, hand out badges and information packages, and help with site transportation and shuttle services for artists when needed. Volunteers are usually accepted on a referral-only basis, and first-time volunteers are not normally accepted. 

Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. A good knowledge of Vancouver, as well as a second (or third) language is an asset. Experience with public relations and guest services are required. Must be comfortable working in a loud environment.

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application.

The place where all things music and memorabilia are sold! Aside from helping with CD and merch sales, we assist artists with their signings throughout the weekend.

Requirements: A friendly nature and comfort with the public are essential. Volunteers will need customer service and sales experience. Spatial organization skills are an asset. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required. 

Just what it says – a hangout zone with refreshments and snacks for the artists to relax backstage. Our responsibilities include selling beverages using Square, busing tables, and creating a safe and friendly environment. First-time volunteers are not normally accepted.

Requirements: Volunteers must be 19+ year and have a valid Serving it Right. Shifts require an ability to be mobile for extended periods, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Comfortable in a customer service role with previous serving experience required.

Serving It Right

We serve alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages to festival patrons across multiple serving stations on site. We do ID checks, wristband patrons who are 19+, follow safe alcohol serving practices and provide friendly customer service. 

Requirements: Volunteers must be 19 years or older with a valid Serving it Right certificate. Shifts require an ability to be on your feet for extended periods, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Previous serving experience is an asset.

Serving It Right

We are responsible for the storage and guardianship for the hundreds of bicycles that show up over the course of the Festival weekend, as no bikes are allowed onsite or to be chained to the perimeter fences surrounding the grounds. We also provide car seat storage for those who are utilizing car share programs.

Requirements: Volunteers should expect to be mobile throughout the Festival.

Requirements: Operating the Box Office/Will Call Desk throughout the festival weekend. Distributing tickets to guests, answering questions, re-directing people who are lost, and maintaining a friendly and warm disposition at our busy Main Gate. 

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application.

We are often the first point of contact for Festival guests and the community at large. It is our responsibility to minimize the impact of the Festival on our neighbours, as well as assist guests with parking questions, transit directions, and general Festival information. We control access roads to the Service and Access Gates, monitor parking, and keep traffic flowing at the 4th Avenue drop-off location.

Requirements: Volunteers with experience dealing with the public and have gentle negotiation skills are ideal. Volunteers should expect to be mobile throughout the Festival.

If you love to be creative, decorate, and make things look awesome, this is the committee for you! Volunteers will complete some of their hours prior to the Festival, decorating the site to make it fun and folky. We are looking for volunteers with experience sewing, set-building, and with art installations.

Expectations:

• • Meet prior to Festival for brainstorming & planning meeting
• • Meet prior to Festival for work party
• • Source and secure needed materials as needed
• • Decorate site before opening on Thursday night
• • Complete decorating and installations on site on Friday morning
• • Remove all decorations and installations Sunday night of Festival after concerts
• • Launder or clean all decorations, inventory, pack for storage

The Environment Committee is for volunteers who are enthusiastic and passionate about reducing the environmental impact generated by the 30,000 plus guests we see over the course of the weekend. We understand the value of recycling and composting, and work closely with all committees to reduce the amount of waste being sent to the landfill. We also aim to educate the public on reducing and redirecting waste. When the festival is done, we ship off all the waste and recycled material and clean the site one more time. Our goal is to return the park to the city cleaner and greener than when we took it under our care. Our committee consists of five teams: shift leaders, recycling attendants, retrievers, floaters, and sorters.

Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required. Volunteers should expect to be on their feet and mobile throughout the Festival.

We sell all the fun and folky Festival merchandise that’s available – t-shirts, hats, souvenirs, backrests, and much more!

Requirements: Requirements: Volunteers should be cheerful folks who like to sell, who are efficient and calm cashiers, and artistic types who enjoy creating displays. Experience with sales & POS is ideal.

We are the team that helps keep our volunteers hydrated and fed. Involves occasionally food and beverage handling, list management, and various duties as assigned.  

Requirements: Should be outgoing, friendly, have experience working with the public in a fast paced environment, open to taking directions, have initiative, be organized and able to problem solve as needed. Food Safe certificate is an asset but not required.

We are the big WELCOME crew for the Festival! We are responsible for taking tickets, wrist-banding people,  answering questions, and problem solving.

Requirements: Volunteers should be outgoing and friendly and have experience dealing with the public. Knowledge of the Festival is an asset.  

Our committee has multiple tasks: we are responsible for the set-up and tear-down of the backstage area, decorations, hospitality for the artists, caring for emcees, working closely with production crew, and getting meals for artists, stage crew, and emcees. First-time volunteers are not normally accepted. 

Requirements: Volunteers must be 19+ years. Shifts require an ability to be on your feet for extended periods, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. A good knowledge of Vancouver, as well as a second (or third) language is an asset. Experience with public relations and guest services are required. Serving It Right certificate required

Serving It Right link

Someone has to keep order in the park before and after the Festival weekend – that’s our job! We liaise with the Site Crew to facilitate access to the site prior to the Festival’s opening.

Requirements: Volunteers must have Pre-Festival daytime weekday availability the week leading up to the festival (July 13-16th) and Monday + Tuesday (July 20th + 21st) availability following the festival.

*Please indicate your availability on your application.

We connect the artists staying at UBC Gage Suites with the festival! We work out of the hotel and answer artists questions, help coordinate shuttle transport between the festival and hotel, and more! First-time volunteers are not normally accepted.

Requirements:A good knowledge of Vancouver, as well as a second (or third) language is an asset. Experience with public relations, and guest services are required.  

We are the ones who answer general questions about the Festival, the site, the neighbourhood and the city, as well as operate lost & found, a public bag check, complaint department and message centre. Low turnaround.

Requirements: Volunteers on this committee should have a good knowledge of Vancouver and the Festival. A background in customer service or public relations is an asset.

We are a small committee that is responsible for checking in and storing performer’s instruments and equipment with attention and care.

Requirements: Volunteers should have experience dealing with the public, customer service experience, and good communication skills. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required. Availability until 12PM for at least one festival evening is required, as well as available for onsite team orientation on Thursday July 17th.

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application.

We are an efficient and highly organized committee who look after office supplies that may be required by committees, and track the distribution of programs, and wristbands, etc, throughout the Festival. Very low turnover.

Please note: Inventory is now a sub-committee of Operations Support. Please reference the Operations Support committee description for full details.

We work together with Administration to fill gaps throughout the weekend, taking care of odd jobs, errands and important things that must be dealt with. Our committee requires people who are willing to do something new at the drop of a hat, and to wait patiently while they are on duty. This unique opportunity allows volunteers to get a taste of multiple committees in one weekend!

Requirements: Volunteers should be able to lift up to 50 pounds, and be prepared for any type of work. Ideal for first-time volunteers.

We are a group of fun-loving and creative people who are dedicated to the maintenance and creation of our lantern collection. If you enjoy playing with tissue paper and glue, and don’t mind missing the last few sets each night to help the patrons off the site by lighting their way with our lanterns, this committee may be for you. This year, new volunteers will be focused on repairing and maintaining existing lanterns, and the nightly lantern procession. 

Requirements: Knowledge of lantern making is not necessary, but a creative streak is helpful. On-site lantern shifts will be scheduled till midnight all three festival days. 

We are responsible for the entertainment of 1500+ children visiting our area. The Little Folks area is designed to include the entire family, and our job is to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. We are the perfect committee for creative volunteers who want to spend their shifts assisting children with crafts and artwork. Volunteers are not responsible for the care of children as the Little Folks area is not a drop off, or daycare.

Requirements: Experience with children is recommended.

*A Criminal Record Check may be requested.

The Media committee greets and checks-in arriving media representatives, arranging interviews between them and performers on site as well as accompanying television crews when necessary. We handle people from print, image, and broadcast who want interviews with performers, or who wish to record (with permission, time limits, no audience blocking) or broadcast from the site. We also oversee the Media Will Call at the Main Gate.

Requirements: Good communication skills and patience are required. Shifts require an ability to be mobile for extended periods. Experience dealing with the media is an asset.

Please note, the Festival does not place Medical volunteers. These volunteers are selected by Odyssey Medical. Please fill out the Odyssey Medical Volunteer Application directly here:

MEDICAL VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

This committee is responsible for educating guests on the benefits of membership and donating to the Festival. Each year we find new and creative ways to engage the public. If this sounds like your area of expertise, consider joining us!

Requirements: Volunteers should have a good knowledge of the Festival, including its history and impact. Customer service and public relations experience is ideal. Volunteers who are comfortable asking for monetary contributions are preferred. Volunteers should feel comfortable working with technology.

A youth-led committee, we are unique as we are run like a mentorship program. We spend our weekend helping out multiple committees to get a taste of what the Festival has to offer. With the guidance of team leads, we work with committees including, Community, Accessibility, Bikes, Environment, Little Folks, and Gate (and more!)

Requirements: Ideal for first time youth volunteers who are interested in learning new skills

A Pre/Post committee of logistics and play!

We help the office staff in the loading and unloading of supplies between the Festival office and Jericho Beach Park. We also help run the Volunteer Party – supporting in set up/tear down, checking guests in, bussing, managing the food, and running activities. A fun and mighty committee!

Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50lbs, and have availability for the following daytime dates: Thursday July 16th, Monday July 20th, and Wednesday July 23rd. Driving license and access to a vehicle (for moving party supplies only) are a strong asset. Due to the mixed nature of this crew, a mix of skills will be accepted.

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application.

We combine interactive art and guided tours to engage and enlighten our visitors about the rich natural environment of ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park. We delve into topics such as phytobiomes (the intricate relationships between plants, their associated organisms, and the environment), ecology, and sustainability.

Requirements: Volunteers with experience dealing with the public, and a love for our shared environment.

We are the eyes and ears in the neighbourhood surrounding the site. Prior to the Festival we update our neighbourhood map, and deliver letters and parking passes to our neighbours. It’s our responsibility to answer questions and alleviate any concerns our neighbours may have.

Requirements: Volunteers must be available in the weeks leading up to the Festival. Must be able to walk for long periods during letter delivery. Should be outgoing and friendly and have experience dealing with the public.

Warm, outgoing, friendly, and sales oriented peeps who love a good street party!  You will be running the VFMF tent and promoting VFMF at various street events such as Farmers Markets, Car Free Days & Khatsalano Days, etc. Rain or shine! Pre-festival availability starting in May is required.

Requirements: Must be available Pre-Festival, on designated dates, feel comfortable selling festival and raffle tickets, handling cash sales, and working with online purchasing through Square.

We are a small hands-on committee that offers tech support for all the Committees that use cashless services, such as Square. Some pre and post festival availability is needed. We also oversee the organization and distribution of wristbands and programs on site.

Requirements: Shifts require an ability to be on your feet for extended periods of time. Good communication skills and patience are required. Comfort with using and explaining basic tech required. Comfort with driving golf carts is a bonus.

We are the crew responsible for driving artists and their equipment throughout the site. A calm and friendly demeanour is required, as is some knowledge of the Festival.

Requirements: First-time volunteers are not normally accepted. Volunteers should have a current driver’s licence, and be comfortable driving multi passenger golf carts and/or larger freight vehicles. 

*Please submit a driver’s abstract to volunteers@thefestival.bc.ca onlinebusiness.icbc.com/clio

We aim to capture the VFMF from all angles – onstage, backstage, audience, sponsors, little folks, festival culture, community vibe, volunteers, staff, environment, etc. We focus strongly on the community aspect of the festival. Our photographers strive to show a complete picture of the Festival from an audience and participant point of view. The images are used for VFMF marketing, programs, and advertising. After each Festival a complete collection of images is delivered to the VFMF for in-house use.

Requirements: Volunteers are expected to have their own equipment and have a familiarity with event photography. Please submit a sample of your work by link in your application, or by email to volunteers@thefestival.bc.ca. 

*All applicants go through a juried selection process and will be informed of their position once the selection process is complete.

This special group is responsible for creating a festive yet restive atmosphere in the park’s most important rooms. We safely flag the way for the honey trucks to service the many portable bathroom facilities on site (we are not the cleaning crew!). We ensure services happens safely at scheduled times each day. A small but essential crew.

Requirements: Volunteers should be able to lift up to 25 pounds and be on their feet and mobile during shifts.

This team helps the communication flow on grounds! We oversee the checking in/out of radios, training folks on radio use, and replacing radios and batteries during the festival. We get to interact with all the volunteer crews and are an essential part of festival flow. A fun and important crew!

We are responsible for selling raffle tickets, either at the Tent or by mingling with the Festival goers. We dress up, have fun, and chat with anyone! We are outgoing, engaging, responsible, and accountable – we handle cashless transactions and keep track of sold and unsold tickets.

Requirements: Volunteers must be 19+ years. Knowledge of online purchasing through Square is ideal. Shifts require an ability to be mobile for extended periods of time.

Think of us as the festival vibe and safety keepers. We are the largest committee on the Festival site, and are available to help answer questions, flag safety concerns, and escalate any issues to the needed parties to make sure folks at the festival are safe, informed, and happy. Volunteers should be confident, calm, assertive, and able to positively deal with multiple challenges. We have a number of sub committees responsible for different areas of Festival operations, ie: Gate, Stage, Bars, etc.

Requirements: Volunteers must be 18+ years. Security experience is not required, but experience dealing with the public is an asset. Volunteers should expect to be on their feet and mobile throughout shifts.

We are responsible for all signage on and around the Festival site. We work with the Site Crew to map out the area, what signage is needed and when, scheduling, and directing each crew on the best methodology to succeed.

Requirements: Spatial organization skills are an asset. Must be available the week leading up to the Festival and the day after. This role is physical – we will be walking the grounds, sometimes carrying ladders. Comfort with ladders and heights is an asset, but not required of all volunteers. 

*Please indicate your availability (July 13 – 16, and July 20) on your application.

There are three daytime stages and one evening main stage located throughout the Festival. We are responsible for the technical set-up and running of all of the performance stages throughout the Festival site. Each stage crew is a separate unit working under the direction of a stage manager and professional sound engineer. Volunteers on our crew should expect to put in extra hours during the course of the Festival.

Requirements: Stage volunteers should have a basic knowledge of stage and performance requirements; familiarity with sound equipment, microphones, etc. is an asset. Volunteers should be 18+ years and be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. There may be a position for pre and post Festival off-site events as well. 

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application.

We are an enthusiastic and dedicated group who work pre-Festival helping promote the Festival to the community around us. We distribute posters and promotional materials to designated neighbourhoods as well as attend community events to hand out materials and spread the word about the amazing VFMF!

Requirements: Volunteers should be outgoing and comfortable speaking to the public. Volunteers on this committee should have a good knowledge of Vancouver and the Festival. Volunteers must be able to walk for long periods during poster distribution. 

*This is a pre-Festival committee, so volunteers must complete 30 hours.

We cover transport needs before/after the festival, including picking artists up as they arrive to Vancouver, and getting them to the next part of their journey after. Volunteers must be available Wednesday-Friday pre-fest and Monday-Tuesday post-fest,  

Requirements: Volunteers should be familiar and comfortable with driving around the Vancouver area. Careful, calm driving is essential. Volunteers must have a valid Class 5 or Class 4 BC driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract.

*Please submit a driver’s abstract to volunteers@thefestival.bc.ca

https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/clio/

As our name implies, we are responsible for driving artists and equipment to and from the Festival site, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. This involves specific service between the airport, hotels, and the festival site, as well as off site transportation of instruments or supplies. Not everyone needs to drive, however! There are opportunities to be an Airport Greeter or Dispatcher as well. Please note your preference in the Notes section of the application.

Requirements: Volunteers should be familiar and comfortable with driving around the Vancouver area. Careful, calm driving is essential. Volunteers must have a valid Class 5 or Class 4 BC driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract. Volunteers should have flexible availability. Experience dealing with the public is an asset.  

*Please submit a driver’s abstract to volunteers@thefestival.bc.ca

https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/clio/

We are a small crew of video professionals and hobbyists who support the publicity folks with b-roll and archive footage. We do on-site filming, but most of our volunteer hours are completed in post-production editing.

Requirements: Experience with High Definition video filming and your own video camera with Zoom and 1080p recording capability is required. Video production education and/or experience filming live performances is an asset. Volunteers should be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to attend a Friday meeting before the gates open and attend the festival most of Saturday and Sunday. Must be able to provide footage via Google Drive or Flash Drive after the festival. 

*Please submit a sample of your work either by link on your application or by email to volunteers@thefestival.bc.ca

We are the crew that welcomes and checks-in every volunteer to the Festival. We see over 1000+ volunteers, distributing their wristbands, badges, T-shirts, and handbooks, and directing them to where they need to be. 

Requirements: At peak hours, this Gate becomes extremely busy – experience dealing with the public in a fast-paced environment would make the ideal team member. Knowledge of the Festival is an asset. Volunteers should be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be mobile during shifts.