FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS – works a variety of 2-3 hr shifts throughout Festival weekend
work shifts alongside committee members and staff during the event. Much of the volunteer work occurs outside in various temperatures and working conditions. Individuals should have good listening and communication skills and be able to work in various environments individually and in small groups. Volunteering as teams or in groups is encouraged!
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS – work ## hrs per year with staff liaison (2-3 meetings) and a variety of shifts throughout Festival weekend.
If you are interested in a more significant commitment, FESTIVAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS are volunteer leaders who support event planning and operations. Committee membership requires a more significant time commitment throughout the year to help shape decisions and selections for the Festival. They also receive special perks that identify them as committed Festival committee members. CLICK HERE to see available committee positions.
All Festival volunteers must be 12 years and older and committee members should be 16 and older and have a valid drivers license to operate a golf cart. Volunteers need to purchase admission to get into the park. If a volunteer cannot afford admission, generous underwriters have provided admission through the Festival Families First program. https://www.riverfestival.com/attend/#admission
Volunteer Opportunities
Snapshots of our fantastic volunteers at work
Ambassadors [Artist Hospitality]
Location: Art Show
Time Commitment: 2 hours per shift
- Work directly with artists, providing hospitality
- Provide at-booth beverages and short breaks to Festival artists
- Serve individually, as a couple, with a friend, as a family, or as a corporate team
Artist Parking [artist parking assistance during load-in]
Location: East side of Art Show
Estimated time commitment: 2-3 hours
- Direct artists into the artist’s parking area
- Meet and interact with Festival artists during brief morning load-in shifts before the park opening
Artyopolis [support craft-making in kids area]
Support craft-making and games for kids and Families.
Location: Creation Crossing Tent in Artyopolis Kid’s Area
Time Commitment: 2 hours per shift
- Assist children in assembling art projects and playing free games
- Refill craft supplies and keep supplies organized
Serve individually, as a couple, with a friend, as a family, or as an organization or business team
Gates [first point of contact for attendees]
Location: Festival Entrance Gates
Time Commitment: 2 hours per shift
- Greet Festival goers as they enter and exit the park
- Distribute Festival Programs
- Take money for Festival admission and entry into the event
Check Festival goers entering the park for appropriate Festival admission
Contact Kansas Wesleyan University to volunteer
Hospitality [assist staff, participants and attendees at Festival HQ]
Location: Festival Headquarters (next to 4th Street Bridge)
Time Commitment: 3 hours per shift
- Work in air conditioning
- Meet Festival artists and entertainers
- Answer telephone, do radio callout reminders
- Assist staff person on duty
- Fill drinks and snacks
Technical [Support set-up before and tear-down after Festival]
Location: Oakdale Park
Time Commitment: 2 – 15 hours
- Work with Festival staff to accomplish technical tasks
- Assist installation artists with their work (limited spots available)
- Proficiency with hand tools and the ability to lift at least 25 pounds is helpful in some cases, but there are plenty of opportunities for individuals of varying abilities
- Hand tools and gloves will be provided, or you can bring your own
