Be a part of the Jazz Fest this year! Join our Volunteer Team!
There are lots of ways to become part of the Guelph Jazz Festival! We’re a tight-knit crew of people who come together each year to create an excellent Festival experience, and we invite you to join us.
Take a look at the volunteer opportunities below and find a role that fits you. If you’re interested, please submit an application form.
Pre-Festival Volunteers
Street Team
Wednesday, August 19 | 12:00–4:00 PM
Assist with Festival promotion by putting up posters and promotional materials throughout the community. Volunteers will visit local businesses and organizations and ask if they can display Festival materials.
Good fit for: Someone who enjoys walking around and is comfortable approaching businesses and organizations.
Welcome Package Packing
Wednesday, September 2 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Assemble Artist and Volunteer welcome packages.
Good fit for: Someone with strong attention to detail who is comfortable with repetitive tasks.
Pre/Post Festival Production Support
Thursday, September 10 – Monday September 14
Help us get the Festival site ready and pack everything away when the Festival is over.
What you’ll do:
- Assist with equipment pick-up from storage and other locations.
- Assist with venue setup at Royal City Mission.
- Assist with venue teardown.
- Pack inventory and return equipment to storage after the Festival.
Good fit for: Someone who can lift and carry heavy or awkward items, doesn’t mind getting a little dusty, and enjoys working behind the scenes.
Technical Crew Support
1–2 volunteers per shift
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical side of the Festival while supporting our technical and stage management teams.
What you’ll do:
- Provide operational assistance to Technical Directors and Stage Management teams during setups, soundchecks, and stage strikes.
Good fit for: Someone with previous experience or a strong interest in learning about live event production. Volunteers must be comfortable following directions and being on standby when needed.
Festival Weekend Volunteers
Artist Hospitality Team
Artist Support Liaison
Welcome artists, provide welcome packages and orientations, maintain the Green Room and Catering Common Room, and assist artists with load-in and load-out.
Good fit for: Someone who is welcoming, reliable, has strong communication skills, can maintain a professional atmosphere, and enjoys behind-the-scenes activities.
Transportation Services
Provide regional transfers and local transportation logistics for artists.
Good fit for: Someone who is welcoming, has strong listening skills, enjoys driving, and has a driving record clear of offences.
Production & Technical Support
Technical Crew Support
Provide operational assistance to Technical Directors and Stage Management teams during setups, soundchecks, and stage strikes.
Good fit for: Someone with previous experience or a strong interest in learning. Volunteers must be comfortable following directions and being on standby when needed.
Production Support
Assist with equipment pick-up, venue setup at Royal City Mission, venue teardown, inventory packing, and returning equipment to storage.
Good fit for: Someone who can lift and carry heavy or awkward items, doesn’t mind getting a little dusty, and enjoys working behind the scenes.
Guest Services
These roles involve a high level of interaction with the public and may take place in a loud environment. They are a great fit for someone who is welcoming, comfortable answering questions (or finding the answers), enjoys problem-solving, and likes engaging with groups of people.
Box Office Support
Work to manage ticket sales, registration check-ins, and general festival questions.
Merch Table
Manage inventory, process transactions, and maintain the presentation of the Festival merchandise desk.
Bar Services
Handle beverage service, verify patron identification, and maintain compliance and cleanliness at beverage stations.
Donations Volunteer
Be stationed in a visible location next to the Tap Tree, provide information about donations, and oversee the collection bins for the food drive.
Audience Survey Team
Administer attendee surveys between sets and at Jazz Around Town locations.
Good fit for: Someone with strong people skills and good observational ability, including remembering who has already been asked to complete a survey.
Site Operations & Event Safety
Environmental Services (Clean-Up Crew)
Monitor and empty waste and recycling bins, conduct routine washroom inspections, tidy seating areas between sets, clear debris, and respond promptly to spills within event spaces.
Good fit for: Someone who is detail-oriented, able to work independently, and comfortable working in a loud environment.
Film Screening Support
Assist with venue logistics under the supervision of the designated Film Site Coordinator.
Good fit for: Someone who is welcoming, interested in working in a less loud environment, and comfortable being stationed at a location other than the main Festival site.
Parade Operations
Saturday | 11:15 AM–approximately 1:00 PM
Assist with the Festival parade from the Guelph Farmers’ Market parking lot through downtown to Royal City Mission on Quebec Street.
Volunteers will provide route management, crowd control, and logistical support.
Site Coordinators
Site Coordinator roles are intended for returning Guelph Jazz Festival volunteers who are interested in taking on additional responsibility.
Previous Guelph Jazz Festival volunteer experience is required.
Site Coordinators are stationed at Royal City Mission and may provide support across:
- Pre/Post Festival & Production
- Artist Hospitality
- Front of House & Guest Services
- Site Operations
- Event Safety
Good fit for: Someone who is comfortable taking responsibility, willing to volunteer for longer shifts, and has strong problem-solving skills.