Why It’s Worth Volunteering
Volunteering at events provides hands-on experience and helps you develop practical skills. Being present puts you where opportunities happen, letting organisers see your potential. You’ll gain confidence, make connections, learn from professionals and open doors to bigger roles while discovering the areas of the industry you enjoy most.
Is Festival Volunteering a Good Fit for You?
Working at festivals can be an amazing experience, but it’s not the right match for everyone. Here are a few signs it might suit you:
​
✔ You enjoy fast-paced, high-energy environments.
✔ You’re a team player who can stay positive even when things get hectic.
✔ You’re keen to learn how events and festivals run behind the scenes.
✔ You’re comfortable being outdoors and don’t mind long, busy days.
✔ You don’t mind pitching in with a variety of tasks — from customer help to site support.
✔ You’re happy with simple facilities, shared camping areas, and the occasional muddy moment.
​
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, it might be the perfect time to explore festival roles and find opportunities that fit what you’re looking for.
Things to Know Before You Volunteer
Thinking about signing up for festival roles? Here are some tips to help ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable:
​
✔ Do Your Research: Check out the festival or organisation before you commit. Reading reviews or talking to previous volunteers can give you a clear idea of what to expect.
✔ Deposits: Some festivals ask for a refundable deposit to secure your place. This helps organisers know they can count on their volunteers.
✔ Dress Appropriately: Festivals can be muddy, hot, or rainy. Make sure you have the right clothing and footwear for the conditions.
✔ Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: Long shifts can be tiring. Carry water and snacks to keep your energy up.
✔ Hours and Responsibilities: Take a close look at shift times and what your role involves. Some positions can be physically demanding or include long hours, so it’s good to be prepared.
✔ Be Flexible: Tasks might change on the day. Being adaptable and willing to help wherever needed is a huge plus.
✔ Communicate Clearly: If you have questions, concerns, or need to swap shifts, speak with your team leader promptly.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your festival volunteering.
Explore trusted festivals and events near you to find the right opportunity.
Best Time to Apply for Festival Roles
Knowing when to apply can make all the difference in landing the festival role you want. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you plan:
Spring
Start looking for summer festival roles in music, hospitality, and outdoor events. Many spring festivals also need help with event services, guest management, and setup.
Summer
The peak festival season! This is a great time to secure autumn and winter roles. Opportunities often include crowd management, catering, ticketing, and general festival support.
Autumn
Focus on seasonal and holiday events like Oktoberfest, Halloween festivals, and harvest fairs. Roles typically cover food and beverage, ticketing, customer service, and event setup.
Winter
Perfect for getting ahead of spring and summer festivals. Winter markets, cultural celebrations, and music events need volunteers for guest services, setup, crowd control, and event operations.
​
Planning around these seasonal windows helps you stay ahead and find opportunities that match your skills, schedule, and interests.