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 all 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.

*Please describe your experience in the “related skills” section of your application. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

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 comprised 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 their 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.

*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. Low turnover.

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.

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

Making and serving hot and cold beverages and interacting with customers (fellow volunteers and artists).

Requirements: Shifts require an ability to be on your feet for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds. Following standard operating procedures and recipes to ensure that all beverages are prepared and served in a safe and sanitary manner. http://www.foodsafe.ca certification is preferred, but not an absolute requirement.

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

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. Comfortable in a customer service role with previous serving experience and a Serving It Right certificate required. https://www.responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca/serving-it-right-course

The Beer Garden is a fast-paced but fun environment. We serve beer, cider, and wine to beer garden patrons, bus tables, and create a safe and friendly environment for patrons.

Requirements: Volunteers must be 19 years or older. Shifts require an ability to be on your feet for extended periods, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Previous serving experience and a Serving It Right certificate required. https://www.responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca/serving-it-right-course

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 on their feet and mobile throughout the Festival.

Contact Tourism Vancouver or Tourism BC to ask about hotel or camping options in the city. There is no camping available at the beach. 

The #4 bus will take your directly to the Festival site at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park. For more info, see our Getting Here page. You can also call Translink at 604-953-3333, visit the TransLink website, or try Google maps.

You will receive a wristband in exchange for your ticket. You may come and go as you wish until 11pm each day when you show your wristband at the gate. Please do not remove your wristband while you are in the Park. Weekend wristbands need to stay on your wrist for the full weekend.

Sorry, pets are not allowed on the Festival site with the exception of service animals. Please do not tie your dog to the fence or leave your pet in your car.

Yes, please bring your own water bottle to the site. There will be no single use cups or bottles available for purchase. Please see below for the size requirements of the water bottle opening.

To minimize cross-contamination, we can ONLY fill bottles and cups with an opening this size or bigger:

The Festival happens rain or shine, so wear weather-appropriate clothing: raincoats and jackets, etc., for wet days, hats and sunscreen, etc., for sunny days. You should bring a warm sweater for the evening concert as the stage is near the water and it often gets chilly at night.

There are lots of ways to enjoy the evening Main Stage – dancing, standing, sitting or reclining on a blanket or tarp, or lounging in a low chair (please leave your Tommy Bahama chairs at home – we love them too, but the backs are too high!). We ask that chairs be no taller than 28 inches high, including legs up to 4 inches high. 

Be a good neighbour, and be sure to keep the access path clear so that everyone can enter and exit safely – without blocking the view!

Yes, you may bring your camera, however professional audiotape or video recording of concerts or workshops is not permitted.

Our Neighbourhood boundaries are from the North side of 4th Avenue to English Bay, and from the East side of Trimble Street to the West side of Alma Street. There are approximately 800 households in that area!

Our Community Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers who work to reduce Festival impact on those who live near the park. They manage traffic and parking issues and assist people in leaving the area quickly and quietly at the end of each Festival day. Neighbours of the Festival may contact us directly with any questions or concerns.

The festival would not be possible without the overwhelming amount of support we received from our community. You can help keep us strong by spreading the word about our iconic summer event!

You can also make either a one-time or recurring donation here. If you donate $35 or more you will automatically become a member of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society, which gives you voting power at our AGM.