Future Volunteers

We still have some spots open!

Our volunteers are incredible! Thanks to you, most crews have filled early for the second year in a row.  

  • We will still have room on few crews such as Cargo, Site Enviro & Traffic Crews.
  • We’re keeping the volunteer application open to help us fill a handful of remaining positions, and to build a waitlist in case spots open up later on.
  • If you purchase a ticket, and are later accepted to volunteer, you’ll be given the opportunity to request a ticket refund.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

To apply to be an  Adult volunteer (18+), please complete this  application form.

  • Applicants will only be contacted if a space becomes available.
  • If you purchase a ticket, and are later accepted to volunteer, you'll be given the opportunity to request a ticket refund. Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

NOTE: if you are a returning volunteer, do NOT complete a new application form. Registration instructions can be found on the "Current Volunteers" page. 

Are you an adult (18+) and only available to volunteer on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday of the Festival weekend? You can still participate!

  • Single-day volunteers take part in all applicable training and meetings, just the same as a full weekend volunteer, and earn a backstage pass for the day(s) they volunteer.
  • Choose one of three crews: Site Enviro, Site Safety, or Traffic. Use the button above to apply!
ACU logo

Proud Supporters of the Folk Fest Volunteer Family!

Our Commitment to Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. We value volunteering as a means for people to share, learn, and connect with our community. We greatly respect the time, skills and dedication that our volunteers bring to the Festival each year. We are committed to providing appropriate and safe responsibilities, applicable orientation and training, effective leadership, fair evaluation and meaningful recognition for all volunteers as well as the opportunity to grow, create and engage with others.

What We Expect

As members of our Festival community, we all play an important role in the success of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. We bear a responsibility to ourselves, to others and to the organization to uphold the following Standards of Conduct: 

We treat everyone with respect (responsibility for oneself)
  • be kind and positive, to each other and the public
  • contribute to healthy discussion and remain open to other points of view
  • focus on solutions rather than problems
  • adhere to all general Participant Responsibilities at the Festival
We work as a team (responsibility to others)
  • share views and information proactively
  • offer help when needed
  • engage in collaborative problem-solving
  • express appreciation for the collective efforts of all
We are ambassadors of the Winnipeg Folk Festival (responsibility to the organization)
  • contribute to the organization’s mission and vision
  • represent the organization in a positive way, and encourage this positive behaviour in others
  • respect the property and information of the organization
  • celebrate, share and spread the Folk Fest feeling at the Festival and year-round
Other Responsibilities

In additions to these Standards of Conduct, we ask the following of all of our volunteers:

  • Smile and have fun
  • Know what’s expected of you and do your job to the best of your ability
  • Fulfill all volunteer responsibilities
  • Be prepared for all outdoor conditions as well as any specific requirements for your job
  • Arrive on time or early for meetings and scheduled shifts ready to work
  • Wear your crew t-shirt while you are on shift
  • Wear your access pass for access to: Birds Hill Provincial Park, the Festival site, meals backstage, the shuttle bus or Festival Express
  • Make arrangements for the care of your children while you are on shift
  • Ensure that you have eaten before your shift
  • Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty
  • Drink responsibly while off duty
  • Wait to reserve seating in any of the audience areas until after the gate opens
  • Refer media questions involving policy or sensitive issues to Festival staff
  • Know how to contact your crew coordinator
  • Keep your contact info up to date with the Festival and your coordinator

What We Offer

We offer a great benefits package to our volunteers that includes:

  • The opportunity to help create a magical experience for over 80,000 people. 
  • A chance to be part of a volunteer community and make new friends. 
  • Great work experience. 
  • A four-day Winnipeg Folk Fest pass with backstage access (except for single day volunteers; see above). 
  • Access to delicious, complimentary meals backstage during the Festival. 
  • A crew T-shirt. 
  • Free bus transportation between downtown Winnipeg and the Folk Fest site. 
  • Vehicle access to Birds Hill Provincial Park. 

FAQ

How many hours do I have to volunteer?

Volunteers on Festival crews have a minimum time commitment of 16-20 hours and must be available for all four days of the Festival. Year-Round and Single Day crew volunteers have different expectations. See those Crew Descriptions for more info.

Can I only volunteer for one day?

Are you only available to volunteer on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday of the Festival weekend? You can still participate! Single Day volunteers take part in all applicable training and meetings, just the same as a full weekend volunteer, and earn a backstage pass for the day(s) they volunteer. Choose one of three crews: Site Enviro, Site Safety, or Traffic.

How long will my shifts be?

Actual shift lengths and times vary by crew. You can find basic shift information about each crew on the Crew Descriptions page, and can discuss details with a crew coordinator when you are interviewed for a particular crew.

How much information should I include in my application?

The more complete your application is, the more likely you are to be selected to volunteer and the better the chances that you will be placed on a crew that’s a good fit.

How do I make sure I get onto the crew I want?

We always consider your crew preferences but cannot guarantee placement on a specific crew. When you apply, you will be asked to choose the top three crews that interest you. You wil also be asked to choose one crew from a list of ‘crews of highest need’. Not all crews have openings every year and this allows us to use your skills where we need them most. Visit our Crew Descriptions page for more information on all of our crews. 

What happens after I apply?

Once you have applied, you will receive an acknowledgment email from us. It will give you some instructions that will help us keep in touch with you about your status.

How will I know I’ve been selected for a crew?

If you are selected for a crew, that crew’s coordinator will contact you directly to talk about their specific requirements and duties to make sure you are able to do the job.

When will I find out if I've been selected to volunteer?

We begin placing some new volunteers right away and strive to finalize our crews by early May. That said, we always have last minute openings and may add new volunteers right up until the Festival weekend.

When is the latest that I can apply?

We will begin placing new volunteers on crews right away and hope to finalize our crews by May. That said, we will always have last minute openings and will be adding new volunteers right until the Festival.

How will I be kept up to date?

After you’ve applied, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email from us with some instructions that will help us stay in touch with you about your status. General volunteer updates are shared with accepted volunteers through regular volunteer e-newsletters. You’ll also be contacted directly by your crew coordinator.

How do I get in touch with you?

Didn’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us!
volunteer@winnipegfolkfestival.ca
204-231-0096