Volunteers

What is the Calgary Folk Music Festival?

The Calgary Folk Music Festival (CFMF) was founded in 1980 and is produced by the not-for-profit Folk Festival Society of Calgary (FFSC).

This annual family-friendly musical extravaganza takes place on the last weekend of each July; and has been held at Calgary's Prince’s Island Park since its inception. Diverse programming presents 70 some artists across seven stages; ranging from local favourites to international artists, there is sure to be something for everyone. Come be a part of the magic and join the community of over 50,000 Calgarians and tourists as we gather for good music and great times!

--

“The CFMF volunteer experience is second to none! I wanted to see Booker-T play, which is why I volunteered, however after the volunteer experience I had I will definitely be back next year to volunteer!!! Great team, great food, and a great vibe! Thank you.”

- 2024 volunteer

Returning volunteers

You will be receiving an email when it is time to confirm your intentions. Please log-in here. While we cannot 100% guarantee your previous spot on your crew, if you log in early to confirm it is highly likely you will retain your spot. Please note on March 26 we will start processing new volunteer applications and allow new volunteers to apply to open positions on crews.

New Volunteers

We will begin to accept new volunteer applications on March 17. Click here for instructions on how to apply!

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

We have volunteer opportunities starting at age 13 (you must be 13 on the day of your first volunteer shift). You can join the following crews when you are:

13+: Environment, pot washing, snack bar/beverage

14+: Food servers

15+: Cold food, music & merch

16+: Instrument lock-up, stores, folk buddies, family area, lamp lighters, signage, eco, set-up & strike

What if I can only work the weekend?

Our volunteer commitments run 16-24 hours during the festival. Therefore, if you only work on the weekend you would be volunteering a minimum of 8 hours each day.

We recommend joining the festival parties crew (who work volunteer parties Sat/Sun), or checking out some of our pre-festival crews to get your hours in beforehand. Otherwise, we welcome you back next year.

What if I can’t make my shift/can no longer volunteer?

Let your crew coordinator know as soon as you do! Send an email to both your crew coordinator and vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com so we can make arrangements to run without you.

How do I confirm my intentions for CFMF 2025?

Click here for confirmation instructions.

Am I guaranteed a spot on my crew from the last Festival?

Returning volunteers in good standing are guaranteed placement on their crews until March 26, 2025. After that date, folks are still welcome to return, but may have to transfer to another area if their crew becomes full. Volunteers who have been marked as ‘recontact’ for 2+ consecutive years are automatically marked as ‘discontinue contact.’ If this has happened to you, and you want to return, please contact vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com and we will help you register for an orientation and reactivate your account.

I requested to transfer crews this year. When will I find out if I was accepted?

Returning volunteers are guaranteed placement on their original crews until March 26, 2025. After that date, we will start to accept transfer requests. This may take some time depending on the crew; some teams require interviews, certifications, etc. Returning volunteers requesting to transfer have crew placement priority over new volunteers.

Who will be contacting me about my crew?

Once you have confirmed your 2025 intentions, your Crew Coordinator will contact you with further team details.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Your first point of contact should always be your crew coordinator. If you can’t get a hold of them, please contact vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.

How do I log into the volunteer portal?

Click here for instructions on how to log into the volunteer portal and update your 2025 status.

How do I update my contact information?

Click here for instructions on how to update your contact information.

How do I update my email address?

Click here for instructions on how to update your email address.

I forgot my password, what do I do?

Click here for instructions if you have forgot your password.

How do I confirm my volunteer intentions?

Click here for instructions on how to confirm your 2025 CFMF volunteer intentions.

How do I request to transfer crews?

Click here for instructions on how to request a crew transfer.

What is Festival Hall?

Within the CFMF's building, Festival Hall (FH), we are able to present the diverse indie, roots, traditional, and world music the Festival is known for, all year round. Not to mention private booking such as weddings, speaking events and birthdays!

FH volunteer opportunities

Directly recruiting from our loyal CFMF volunteer base, the Festival Hall Volunteer Program operates with over 40 people on our mailing list. We rely on the support of our volunteers to help us run a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, orientations, and meetings.

We are not currently accepting applications for the FH Volunteer Program. Existing FH volunteers will be contacted with season updates and volunteer opportunities as they arise.

What is Block Heater?

Block Heater is an annual winter music event that brings together diverse programming in the heart of Calgary’s downtown and Inglewood. We just wrapped up our 10th edition in February 2025. This year included 18 musicians from across the globe; giving Calgarians a chance to warm up and discover new favorite artists in the coldest month of the year.

BH Volunteer Opportunities

With varied crews spread across multiple venues, our small but mighty Block Heater volunteer team offers hands-on event experience in unique and high-energy spaces.

We are not currently accepting applications for the Block Heater volunteer program. We will provide an update on BH volunteer opportunities in Fall 2025.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

We have volunteer opportunities for folks 13+. Please note, our youth volunteer positions are limited, so be sure to check each crew’s age requirements before you request to join.

Block Heater Youth Crews:

Volunteer ID (13+) - currently full.

All other crews are 18+.

What is the hourly commitment?

While exact hours vary crew to crew, this year most Block Heater volunteers are required to volunteer for one concert block during the event (approx. six hours).

What type of duties can I expect?

Duties will vary from crew to crew! Check out our crew catalog for a more detailed look into what each crew does.

What should I bring as a volunteer?

• Volunteer badge
• Volunteer shirt
• Water bottle
• Supplies to stay warm between venues or at the door (jacket, mitts & toque)
• Excitement for our stellar lineup!

Who do I contact if I have questions?

You can direct any questions to the Volunteer Services Team at vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.

What are the volunteer benefits?

As a Block Heater volunteer, you will receive:

• Block Heater volunteer long-sleeved shirt
• Ticket to a concert block at Block Heater 2025
• Tasty meal and non-alcoholic beverages on-shift
• 10% discount on tickets for friends and family
• Participation in an action-packed, fun-filled event with great music and amazing people!

How do I redeem my complimentary ticket?

Confirmed volunteers for Block Heater 2025 are eligible for a free ticket to a concert at the Palace Theatre on Friday or Saturday night.

The process for ticket redemption will be shared in the volunteer newsletter. Tickets will be emailed, and volunteers are responsible for bringing their ticket to the performance. Badges are not sufficient for concert entry.

I’m going to be late or miss a shift, what should I do?

Email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com right away. If you fail to show up for a shift and do not let us know, you may be permanently removed from the volunteer program.

I can no longer volunteer, what should I do?

Let us know as soon as you do! Send us an email at vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.