Volunteer at Farm Aid
Why volunteer?
Our annual festival wouldn’t run without the hard work of our hundreds of volunteers who donate their time to Farm Aid. Our tireless volunteers support our mission by spending their weekend with us as we prepare the venue for thousands of festivalgoers, and make sure that the festival runs smoothly.
Working a volunteer shift at the festival gives you an inside look into what it takes to put the Farm Aid festival together. Besides meeting seasoned volunteers, some of whom follow our festival around the country year after year, you’ll work with Farm Aid staff and get an insider’s view of the festival.
In exchange for volunteering your time, you’ll get one hot meal per shift, an official Farm Aid festival volunteer t-shirt, and access to the festival lawn to enjoy the show when you’re not working. Volunteering at Farm Aid is a great way to celebrate and support family farmers and Farm Aid!
How do I become a volunteer?
- Submit an online application once the festival is announced indicating the days and times are you available to volunteer. You will receive a confirmation email if your application is submitted properly – if you don’t receive a confirmation, please resubmit your application.
- The Farm Aid Volunteer Coordinator will email you to confirm your acceptance into the program within 2 weeks of your registration submission.
- You’ll receive your Farm Aid assignment 2-3 weeks before the festival. After receiving your assignment, you must confirm your attendance.
- Attend an online Volunteer Orientation.
Register to be a volunteer
We will be accepting applications to volunteer shortly, please check back soon.
If you have never volunteered with Farm Aid before and would like to be notified when registration opens, please email volunteers@farmaid.org
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers may be assigned to a number of roles! There are opportunities to do everything from catering to HOMEGROWN Village setup. Shifts are available beginning a few days before the festival through the day following the festival to ensure everything runs smoothly. Volunteers are expected to correspond with the Volunteer Coordinator over the summer, attend a pre-festival online Volunteer Orientation, and work one or two (or more, if you are willing!) four to five-hour volunteer shifts. While volunteering you are serving as an extension of the Farm Aid staff and representing Farm Aid to the public and the media.
Assignments will vary depending on volunteers’ ability, availability, and experience. We cannot guarantee that a requested role will be honored.
Farm Aid volunteers make an incredible impact on the festival! As an example, in 2024, Green Team volunteers helped us divert 59,250 total pounds from landfill and compost 14,550 pounds of material. Green Team members also helped festivalgoers understand our composting system and kept trash and recycling from contaminating our compost! This work would not be possible without our dedicated, hardworking volunteers.
Volunteer Code of Conduct
- All volunteers must be 18 years of age prior to the festival
- No unconfirmed volunteers will be permitted and each volunteer must be registered individually.
- No asking for artist autographs or photos. The artists are generously donating their time and we must all respect their privacy.
- Use of alcohol or controlled substances before or during your shift is NOT allowed. Illegal drug use and underage drinking are never permitted.
- All volunteers must confirm their shift and once confirmed, are expected to be at the scheduled shift on time and stay for the duration.
- No one is allowed to set up or reserve areas in the lawn/designated area before the gates open to the public.
- All volunteers must wear their volunteer shirt during their shift and must change out of it if consuming alcohol.
- Volunteers must be respectful of other volunteers, staff and concertgoers, arrive for their shift with a positive attitude and are expected to behave in a professional manner.
Volunteer FAQs
REGISTRATIONHow old do I have to be to volunteer?
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer at Farm Aid.
What perks are included for volunteers?
All Farm Aid volunteers are guaranteed access to the lawn or designated area to enjoy the show when they’re not working, an official Farm Aid volunteer t-shirt, one meal per shift and an invitation to attend the Press Event prior to the festival and a pre-festival Volunteer Social. Most importantly, volunteers get the unique and exciting Farm Aid festival experience!
When will I know if I have been accepted as a volunteer?
Farm Aid will be accepting volunteers on a rolling basis starting immediately after we announce the festival. We will notify you by email if you’ve been accepted within two weeks of submitting your application. Returning volunteers who register will take precedence over first-time volunteers. If we cannot accommodate you in our volunteer program this year, we will inform you by email and keep you on our waitlist for volunteer opportunities that become available.
What happens if I register but can’t come?
Let the Volunteer Coordinator know as soon as possible so that we can find another volunteer to fill your spot.
Can I work with my friends/family?
Maybe! We do our best to schedule groups together, but being scheduled for the exact same shift may not always be possible depending on needs. A request to work with other volunteers can be made on your volunteer application.
Can I register my family/group all at once?
Nope! Each person must register themselves individually so that we can account for individuals in our records.
Do I need a ticket to volunteer?
Nope! The application fee and working your required shift(s) includes your admission to the festival. Please note: if you already purchased a ticket, it will not be refunded if you are chosen to volunteer.
I already bought a ticket but I’d like to help for a few hours. Can I do that?
Yes! Please complete the application form and let us know when you’re available to volunteer.
Do volunteers get to watch the show?
Yes! The music at Farm Aid lasts all day, and most shifts are only four hours. Volunteers will have ample time to see music and enjoy family farm food and activities when they are not volunteering.
Do I need a ticket to volunteer?
Nope! The volunteer credential you receive upon arrival will be your ticket into the venue. Volunteers are welcome to buy higher level seats as available, but credentials are non-transferable.
What if I want to purchase a seat instead of sitting on the lawn?
If you have been accepted as a volunteer, you may purchase a ticket through Ticketmaster, or email the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
Do you need nurses/security/stage hands/specialized jobs?
Nope! Those roles will be filled by paid professionals.
Do I have to wear my volunteer shirt?
Yes! Volunteers must wear their official Farm Aid Volunteer shirt during their shift. You are able to change out of it when not on shift, but you should never consume alcohol or drugs while wearing it.
Can I join if I can’t handle physical labor?
Yes! We have all sorts of jobs available and want to accommodate everyone’s abilities. Just let us know in your application/registration.
Can I get backstage/meet an artist?
Nope! The artists generously donate their time and we must all respect their privacy. Interacting with the artists will result in expulsion from the show and a ban on volunteering.
What positions and shift times are available during the Farm Aid weekend?
Volunteers are needed for shifts throughout the week leading up to the festival as well as the day after. The majority of volunteers are needed throughout the day and evening on Saturday.
Can I choose what I do/when my shift is?
Nope! Farm Aid has a job for every volunteer, and we will assign shifts to each person based on a number of factors, including party size, need, experience, ability, and availability. If you have a specific request, we will do our best to honor it but make no guarantees. Volunteers must be available to work on festival day, but may also sign up for shifts in the preceding days.
How long do shifts last?
A typical Farm Aid volunteer shift lasts four hours. Volunteers are only required to work one shift, but we welcome volunteers to work as many shifts as they’d like. Those who can work more than one shift throughout the Farm Aid weekend will be given preference when registering.
Do I have to work a shift on festival day?
Maybe! Not everyone will be required to work on the day of the festival, but you should register with the assumption that you will be needed that day.
Can I switch my shift?
Maybe! Typically, we are unable to accommodate requests to change shifts, but we do our best to try. It’s usually only possible if another volunteer cancels. You may reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator to ask about switching shifts, but please be aware that switching shifts is not always possible.
When should I arrive for my shift?
All volunteers should check in at the main Volunteer Tent to receive their t-shirts prior to the start of their shift on festival day. Volunteers must be ready to work at their assigned positions and checked in with your supervisor 15 minutes before your shift begins. We will be sending more information to accepted volunteers.
What should I wear or bring with me?
If your role requires a dress code, you will get an email with the specifics a few days before the festival. Whatever your position, volunteers must dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget to bring weather-appropriate clothing. You must wear your official volunteer shirt during your shift, but you are encouraged to bring another shirt to wear after.
