Another year in the books and it's all thanks to you! As we say goodbye to the 45th edition of the Calgary Folk Music Festival we can't help but reflect on all the planning, positive energy and down right hard work all of our volunteers brought to the island. Same time same place next year!
Time to bundle up for the tenth edition of Block Heater! ❄️ Our winter extravaganza returns again this February.
If you are a returning Block Heater volunteer, you will soon be contacted directly to ask for your intentions for the 2025 season.
Want to join our team? We will soon be posting a waitlist, keep your eyes peeled!
January 29
February 6
Feb 8 - 2-5pm at Festival Hall
Feb 12 - 5-8pm at Festival Hall
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What is Festival Hall?
Festival Hall (FH) is a boutique 200-capacity performance space and the Festival's office where we present the diverse indie, roots, traditional and world music the Festival is known for year round. It also hosts private bookings such as weddings, concerts and films.
FH volunteer opportunities
The Festival Hall volunteer program includes with over 40 volunteers from our loyal CFMF volunteer base. 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. If you are interested to join the Festival Hall volunteer program, please email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com and request to join the waitlist.
What is Block Heater?
Block Heater is an annual winter music extravaganza featuring diverse programming in the heart of Calgary’s downtown and Inglewood. We are looking forward to our tenth edition in 2025.
When was Block Heater?
February 2025.
Can I volunteer at Block Heater?
We are not currently accepting applications for the Block Heater volunteer program. We will soon reach out to returning volunteers to confirm intentions and post a waitlist on the website.
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!
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"Thank you! This is such an amazing event and I appreciate that there is diversity in the music that's played. My 14 year old didn't want to come with me and as we sat at a stage on Sunday he turned to me and said - Mom, this band is on my playlist! He had a totally different definition and expectation of what folk music could include. It was a magical moment; he had the biggest grin and will come happily next year!"
- 2022 volunteer
Returning volunteers
Returning volunteers can log-in here to confirm their intentions for 2024. Note that after folks aren't guaranteed a spot on your previous crew after March 26.
New Volunteers
We are now accepting new volunteer applications! Complete an orientation and sign the volunteer contract, and then you can apply to a crew. Click here for instructions 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 2024?
Click here for instructions on how to confirm your 2024 CFMF volunteer intentions.
Am I guaranteed a spot on my crew from the last Festival?
Returning volunteers in good standing were guaranteed placement on their crews until March 26, 2024. 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?
We have begun 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 2024 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.
Click here for instructions on how to log into the volunteer portal and update your 2024 status.
Click here for instructions on how to update your email address.
Click here for instructions if you have forgot your password.
Click here for instructions on how to request a crew transfer.