Skip to main content

Volunteer

Volunteers are critical to the success of the Festival and work closely with the Festival staff and participants. Volunteers contribute to a variety of duties, which include conducting surveys, assisting stage managers, audiovisual documentation of performances, and general administrative and production support. These are just a few of the opportunities available. Year after year, volunteers return to the Festival because it offers great fun, great people, and lots to learn.

In 2024, the Festival will take place June 26–July 1. The registration system will open in the spring. Until then, please sign up for the mailing list below so we can alert you as soon as the system is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are volunteer shifts?

Morning and afternoon shifts are four hours. Evening shifts are shorter, depending on the concert schedule.

Do I have to sign up for a certain amount of shifts?

You can sign up for a single shift or every shift! There is no minimum or maximum. Every volunteer gets a free Festival T-shirt and an ice cream voucher. Volunteers who do two shifts per day also get a meal voucher.

Is there an age requirement?

There is no age requirement, but those under eighteen years of age must bring a signed guardian permission form that we will provide. Those under sixteen must also be accompanied by an adult (guardian, older sibling, troop leader, etc.), who are welcome but not required to also volunteer.

Can I earn community service or student service learning hours?

Yes! Just bring the forms provided by your school or employer when you check in for your shift.

How do I apply?

For now, sign up for the mailing list below. Then you will be notified when the application system is open with instructions to apply.

Festival Volunteer Mailing List


Support the Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, sustainability projects, educational outreach, and more.

.