Video by Volunteer Andrew Carroll

Join the Northwest Folklife Volunteer Community!

Seeking Volunteers Year-Round and for the Northwest Folklife Festival from May 22, 2026 – May 25, 2026!

Experience a world of music, dance, craft, storytelling, and community spirit while helping make the arts accessible to all. Northwest Folklife is a free festival, sustained by donations, with volunteers playing a vital role in bridging the gaps—ensuring that everyone can participate without financial barriers. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, community engagement, or event support, there’s a role suited to your skills and interests.

Your involvement goes beyond the festival—it helps break down financial barriers and fosters inclusive experiences for people of all backgrounds. Volunteering at Northwest Folklife is an opportunity to develop new skills, expand your network, and gain valuable resume-building experience.

Whether you volunteer throughout the year or during the festival, all Northwest Folklife volunteers enjoy year-round benefits from our esteemed partners listed below.

Make a meaningful impact by becoming part of our passionate volunteer community today, and help keep the arts accessible to everyone!

Service Learning Opportunities available!

Volunteer Requirements

We require all volunteers to register with NWFL.
Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to submit a parent or guardian consent form annually.
For the safety of our community, all volunteers aged 18 and older must complete a background check once each year.
We follow the same safety guidelines used by Seattle Public Schools. Your privacy is important to us...any birthdate collected during this process is deleted once your screening is complete..
Once your background check and/or consent form is approved, you will be added to our volunteer list and begin receiving Sign Up Genius invitations for available opportunities.
This email may go to spam. Please check your spam files
Please note that each Sign Up Genius link is unique to the individual volunteer and cannot be shared. Access must be added manually for each person.

Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form and send digitally to volunteers@nwfolklife.org.

Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by their parents or guardians.

If you have any other questions, please get in touch at volunteers@nwfolklife.org.

SIGN UP NOW

(roles listed below applications)

GENERAL VOLUNTEER

FOLKFLOOR VOLUNTEER

BUSKER VOLUNTEER

NWFL GENERAL VOLUNTEER ROLES

Volunteer Role Video Archive

If you prefer a lighter or less physically demanding role, please notate your preferences in the accommodation section of the sign-up form so we can assign you to a suitable position. There's a place for everyone to contribute to making this festival a success!

Pre Festival Production Assistant-Be part of the behind-the-scenes action by assisting the production crew in setting up for the festival! Responsibilities include helping to set up fencing, hang signs, and carry tables, chairs, and other equipment. This role involves physical tasks that require bending, kneeling, lifting, and standing for extended periods. Volunteers must be able to lift heavy objects and work outdoors in all weather conditions, rain or shine. Please wear close-toed shoes and bring your own work gloves for safety.
Pre Festival Programming Assistant- Responsible for organizing and labeling copies, tech/emcee books, and evaluation sheets into clearly marked folders. You will also assemble credential packets, sorting them by role and securing them in labeled envelopes. Additionally, you will print, label, and efficiently arrange stage signs according to the respective stages, ensuring everything is prepared and organized ahead of the event.
Busker-Didn’t get into the festival lineup this year, or have a unique instrument that always sparks curiosity or a performance based act you like to share? Volunteer to busk at one of three covered busking tents at the entrance areas of the Northwest Folklife Festival. All performances must be acoustic or naturally projecting; no amplified sound is permitted. Each location includes a tent and two chairs....tip seeking welcome! (no glass, knives, swords or fire or amplified sound)
Lost Child Attendant-As a Lost Child Attendant, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of children who have become separated from their accompanying adults. Your primary responsibilities include conducting searches for lost children, remaining with the child in a calm and reassuring manner, and adhering to established guidelines to facilitate a safe and timely reunion. This role requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with care. By providing a comforting and secure presence, you help create a positive and safe environment for all attendees.
Hospitality Assistant: Hospitality Assistants help hand out and restock snacks and refreshments in the hospitality area for performers, volunteers, and other participants. Volunteers will also help maintain the area by cleaning up any debris, pushing in chairs, and wiping down tables. Some volunteers will also distribute refreshments to stages, info booths, and vendors throughout the Festival. requires food handlers permit
Performer Registration Assistant -Volunteers in performer registration will check in performers and direct them to the location of their performance. Volunteers will need to work well under pressure, take instructions well and be patient. Must have good knowledge of the Festival grounds and be comfortable working on a computer.
Visual Arts Assistant in Makerspace,Kuleana Corridor and Art Galleries-Serve as a helpful guide and resource for patrons navigating the Makerspace, Kuleana Corridor, Art Galleries. As a Visual Arts Assistant, you'll help direct visitors, answer questions about workshops, exhibits, and participating vendors, and ensure the space operates smoothly. This role is perfect for those who enjoy engaging with the public and supporting artists and makers in showcasing their work and creative processes.
Clothing Swap Exchange Assistant-helps set up and organize clothes by category, assists with check-in and sorting, and guides attendees through the swap process. They maintain a clean and tidy area throughout the event, monitor clothing quality, and ensure swap rules are followed. The role also involves packing up unswapped items and providing a friendly, helpful experience for all patrons
Fashion Show Assistant-Help Fashion Vendors load in and out there saleable items from the storage area for fashion show participants. Ideal candidates are organized, approachable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Volunteer Registration Assistant- Volunteers in the volunteer registration will check in volunteers and direct them to the location of their shift. Some volunteers will be asked to be data entry or escort volunteers from registration to other areas of the festival. Volunteers will need to work well under pressure, take instruction well and be patient. Customer service skills are essential for this position.
Sustainability Ambassadors – Work alongside SPU’s expert MCSS Sustainability Stewards to support sustainability efforts. Promote recycling and reusable cup initiatives within the beer garden area. Monitor and assist with waste sorting stations to ensure proper disposal of recyclables, trash, compost and reusable cups. Assist in periodic clean-up activities within the beer garden space.
Welcome Station Volunteers-Provide festival information, answer questions, and guide visitors to different attractions. Engage and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sharing the organization's mission and encouraging support year round through our Friends of Folklife programs.
Greeter-Greeters are the immediate faces (and sometimes first impressions) of our Festival- staffing our entrances and acknowledging [patrons as they enter and exit the Festival grounds. As members of the Festival fundraising team, Greeters will hand out program guides to the patrons entering the Festival- encouraging patrons to make donations as they enter and exit the Festival. This position is for individuals who are friendly, assertive and embody the spirit of Folklife. Takes place outdoors rain or shine. Please dress accordingly.
Archive Production Volunteer-Volunteer will assist in décor, furniture, and equipment set up for the Story Collection Booth and Listening Booth/Viewing stations. This position requires a high level of mobility as the volunteer will be required to bend, kneel, lift, scoot, etc. Volunteers need to be able to stand for extended periods of time, lift heavy objects and bend over. This job often takes place outside rain or shine.
Merchandise Store Assistant-Assist with setup and breakdown of NWFL merchandise booth. Manage inventory, restock items, and track sales. Engage with customers and process transactions. Maintain a clean and organized booth space.
Unkitawa Stage Assistant- Responsibilities include teepee raising, canoe arrival, unloading equipment, setting up fencing, hanging signs, and arranging tables, chairs, and refreshment stations for performers and staff. This role involves physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, lifting, and standing for extended periods. Volunteers should be prepared to lift heavy objects and work outdoors in all weather conditions, rain or shine. Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring your own work gloves for safety
Flex Volunteer-Flex Volunteers get to help with all aspects of the Festival by filling in for no-shows and helping with last-minute requests! Flexibility and willingness to help with any of our volunteer jobs are a must! This position requires a high level of mobility as volunteers will be required to bend, kneel, lift, scoot, run, lift.

THE ROADHOUSE AND THE FOLKFLOOR

Every year a small volunteer army constructs a dance floor at the Northwest Folklife Festival. This is the story of the Folkfloor.

Video by Volunteer Doug Plummer

https://www.youtube.com/@DougPlummerMusic

Thank You to Our In-Kind Sponsors!

Volunteers are an essential part of the Northwest Folklife community and help make this free, inclusive festival possible each year through their time and energy. Joining as a volunteer gives you a chance to help out while earning fun rewards and entries for special in‑kind sponsor gifts from community partners listed below.

Volunteer Gift Tiers (5  Hours = 1 Shift)

1 Shift (5 Hours)
Previous Years T‑shirt

2–3 Shifts (10–15 Hours)
Previous Years T‑shirt +1 of below set
NWFL volunteer button set
Festival poster
Festival CDs

4+ Shifts (20+ Hours)

Entry into Friends Of Folklife Donor Lounge after reaching 20 hrs.
Super Volunteer T-Shirt
One pair of tickets: Mariners tickets or Museum of Glass tickets (festival weekend only) or 5th Avenue Theater tickets