Festival season is here, and with festival work, you can get the most out of these experiences—without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re looking to get backstage access, meet new people, or build your resume, this guide covers everything you need to know about finding the best festival jobs. From volunteer gigs to paid roles, festival work can give you unforgettable experiences and connections that go beyond the ticket price.
What You’ll Learn
- Why festival work is an exciting way to get involved in your favorite events
- How to choose between paid work and volunteer roles at festivals
- Tips for landing your first festival job and key times to apply
- The different types of festival work and the skills that help you succeed
Paid Work vs. Volunteering: What’s the Difference?
Festival work falls into two main types: paid and volunteer. Each option offers its own perks and level of commitment.
Volunteering at festivals is popular because it trades time for entry into the event, along with perks like access to private campsites and exclusive amenities. You can enjoy the festival atmosphere and catch some performances between shifts, all without the ticket price.
On the other hand, paid work at festivals typically involves a full schedule and comes with compensation. These roles might include festival bartender jobs, working with food vendors, or supporting the crew behind the scenes. If you’re interested in freelance festival jobs or building a career in events, paid positions offer valuable experience and a chance to make some cash while enjoying the festival vibe.
Why Volunteering at Festivals is Worth It
If you’re considering volunteering, here are a few reasons it’s well worth your time:
- Free Entry: Skip the ticket cost and get access to all the action for free.
- Flexibility: Many volunteer roles give you time to enjoy parts of the festival, so you can catch your favorite artists or explore the event.
- Valuable Experience: Interested in event and festival jobs long-term? Volunteering is a great starting point, offering hands-on experience and real-world skills that can help in future roles.
- Networking Opportunities: Working with other festival staff gives you the chance to connect with like-minded people and network with industry professionals.
- Exclusive Facilities: Many festivals offer volunteers access to private campsites and bathrooms, adding a little extra comfort to your stay.
Real Stories from Festival Volunteers
Wondering what it’s really like to work at a festival? Here are stories from past festival volunteers who had unforgettable experiences.
“Working backstage was an eye-opening experience. I got to see my favorite band up close and made friends I still keep in touch with today.”
“Helping in artist liaison taught me so much about event management, and it was so fun getting to see artists offstage. It’s the best summer I’ve ever had!”
Real experiences like these show the range of benefits festival work can bring, from career-building skills to memories that last long after the music fades.
Is Festival Work Right for You?
Festival work can be an incredible experience, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide if it’s a good fit.
- Outdoor Work: Are you okay with being on your feet for long periods, sometimes in less-than-ideal weather?
- High-Energy Environment: Festival jobs are lively, with lots happening all the time. If you thrive in busy settings, this could be a great match.
- Interest in Event Work: Do you enjoy working behind the scenes or exploring careers in event management?
- Basic Amenities: Check if your role provides essentials like food, access to bathrooms, and secure camping.
If this sounds like you, it’s time to dive in! Start by checking out festival job applications that align with your goals.
What to Know Before Signing Up
Ready to apply for festival jobs? Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience.
- Refundable Deposits: Some festivals require a refundable deposit to secure your spot. This guarantees they have reliable volunteers throughout the event.
- Hours and Expectations: Make sure you know what each role entails. Some positions may involve long hours or require physical tasks.
- Research Your Role: It’s always a good idea to research the festival or vendor you’re considering, especially if they’re new. Look up reviews or chat with past volunteers to ensure you’re in good hands.
With these points in mind, festival work can be a smooth and positive experience. Check out trusted event and festival jobs near you to find a role that’s a good fit.
Types of Festival Work to Explore
There’s no shortage of festival jobs available, whether you’re volunteering or looking for paid positions. Here are a few popular roles to consider.
Event Services
- Ticketing and Traffic Control: Help manage entry points, check tickets, and keep the crowd moving smoothly.
- Stewarding and Attendee Welfare: Provide guests with essentials like water or sunscreen, help with minor injuries, or assist those in need.
- Artist Liaison: Manage artist schedules, ensure dressing rooms are stocked, and coordinate the artist’s needs—an ideal job if you’re interested in backstage access.
Food & Drink
- Festival Bartender Jobs: Bars are central to festival enjoyment, and there’s always demand for bartenders. Look out for bartender festival jobs posted by the festival or catering companies.
- Food Vendor Support: With the popularity of festival food growing, vendor roles offer a fast-paced way to gain customer service experience while working among a variety of food choices.
Boutique Camping
- Some festivals have turned camping into a luxury experience, creating glamping areas for attendees. Working in boutique camping means setting up tents and providing support to guests—a unique way to get hands-on experience and see the event from a different angle.
Festival Ambassador
- Festival ambassadors help promote ticket sales to friends, family, and social media followers. Some festivals even offer pay for ambassadors who reach certain sales milestones, making it a rewarding role for anyone who loves sharing their favorite events.
Each role has its own unique perks and challenges, so consider what sounds most exciting. Many festivals have festival workers wanted ads posted early, so start looking now to find your ideal job.
Skills You’ll Need to Succeed in Festival Work
Festival work calls for a particular set of skills. Here’s what can help you succeed in almost any festival job.
- Adaptability: Things can change quickly, so being able to roll with it is key.
- Teamwork: Festivals require collaboration with other staff and volunteers, so being a good team player will serve you well.
- Communication: Whether you’re helping guests or coordinating with your team, clear communication is essential.
These skills not only make your festival work smoother—they also look great on a resume for future event and festival jobs.
Seasonal Timeline for Festival Jobs
Timing is everything when it comes to landing festival work. Planning ahead ensures you have the best chance of finding the roles you want. Here’s a quick timeline on when to apply, along with notable holidays that bring festival job opportunities.
Spring:
Perfect for summer festival jobs in music and hospitality. Begin applying for festivals that happen around:
Memorial Day Weekend (U.S.): Many music and food festivals kick off over this long weekend, offering roles in event services, food and drink, and guest management.
Easter Weekend (Various Countries): Easter brings art and food festivals worldwide, especially in the U.K. and Australia, with roles in event services and boutique camping.
Cinco de Mayo (U.S.): This holiday often features food and cultural festivals with demand for food vendors, festival bartenders, and setup crews.
Summer:
A great time to secure winter festival jobs and indoor event roles, particularly in food and beverage. Start applying for festivals held around:
Fourth of July (U.S.): Major music and cultural festivals happen across the U.S., with opportunities in event and festival jobs like security, ticketing, and artist liaison.
Bastille Day (France): France celebrates with large outdoor events, which bring roles in crowd management, food services, and attendee welfare.
Labor Day Weekend (U.S.): This holiday marks the end of summer and often features large music festivals and state fairs with roles in logistics, setup, and guest services.
Fall:
Great for winter festival jobs and festive holiday events. Start applying early to secure roles for celebrations around:
Oktoberfest (Germany and Worldwide): Oktoberfest celebrations provide food and beverage roles in beer tents and event services like ticketing and crowd control.
Halloween Events (U.S. and U.K.): Haunted houses and Halloween festivals need staff for customer service, ticketing, and event setup.
Thanksgiving Weekend (U.S.): Thanksgiving parades and holiday light displays create job opportunities in setup, event coordination, and guest assistance.
Winter:
Ideal for spring and summer festival jobs and music festivals planning their lineups. Apply early for positions around:
Christmas and New Year’s Events (Worldwide): These holidays bring festivals, winter markets, and music events worldwide, with roles in guest services, boutique camping, and setup crews.
Chinese New Year (Various Countries): Celebrated widely in Asia and some Western cities, this holiday needs workers for parade setup, food and drink service, and crowd management.
St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland, U.S., and U.K.): Parades and cultural festivals around St. Patrick’s Day offer work in event services, crowd control, and bar support.
With this seasonal breakdown, you’ll know when to keep an eye on festival job boards. Planning ahead makes it easier to find opportunities that fit your schedule and interests.
Tips for Landing Your First Festival Job
Landing your first festival job can be exciting, but with lots of eager applicants, it’s helpful to have a strategy for standing out. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you secure a spot and make a strong impression.
Apply Early
Festival roles fill up quickly, especially at popular events, so it pays to get your application in as soon as possible. Many festivals start hiring months in advance, so keep an eye on job boards and set alerts to catch new openings.
Network Where You Can
Building connections within the festival or events industry can open doors to future opportunities. Reach out on social media, attend local events, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people already working in the field.
Pro Tip: Join social media groups or online forums dedicated to festival workers and event professionals. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook often have industry-specific groups where you can meet others and get insights on open positions.
Customize Your Application
Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight any skills relevant to festival work, like customer service, crowd management, or experience in fast-paced environments.
Pro Tip: Use keywords from the job description in your application. If a festival is looking for someone with experience in “guest services” or “event support,” be sure to mention those terms on your resume or cover letter. This can make your application stand out and ensure it passes any initial screening.
Showcase Flexibility and Enthusiasm
Festivals are dynamic environments, so employers value candidates who are adaptable and positive. Emphasize your willingness to take on various tasks, even if they’re outside your comfort zone, and convey your excitement about the opportunity.
Pro Tip: Include an example in your cover letter of a time you handled a change in plans or took on a challenge with a positive attitude. Showing that you’re adaptable and unphased by last-minute shifts will make you an attractive candidate.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
If you have experience in customer service, events, or working with large crowds, be sure to emphasize it. Many festival jobs involve handling crowds, assisting guests, and keeping a calm demeanor in busy settings.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if you lack direct festival experience. Transferable skills from retail, hospitality, or other service roles are highly relevant. Mention these in your application, and explain how they apply to the festival job you’re seeking.
Get Certified (Optional)
For certain roles, having a certification can be a plus. For example, a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification might be useful for festival bartender jobs. Similarly, a CPR or first aid certification can help if you’re applying for positions in attendee welfare or security.
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in festival work long-term, consider investing in a relevant certification. It can help you stand out and open doors to specialized roles.
Prepare a Portfolio (If Applicable)
For roles involving event setup, social media, or marketing (like those for festival ambassadors), having a small portfolio of past work can be impressive. This doesn’t have to be formal—just a few examples of relevant work or photos of past events you’ve been involved with.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to the industry, even volunteer work can be included. Showing initiative and creativity can make a big impression.
Follow Up Politely
After submitting your application, a polite follow-up email can demonstrate your interest and professionalism. Wait about a week or two after applying, then send a short message expressing your enthusiasm and asking if there’s any additional information you can provide.
Pro Tip: Keep your follow-up concise and friendly. Something as simple as, “I wanted to follow up on my application and express my continued interest in joining your team for the upcoming festival season,” shows you’re proactive and courteous.
Additional Resources and Next Steps
Ready to take the leap into festival work? Here are some resources to help you on your way:
- Festival Job Boards: Browse open roles on dedicated festival job platforms.
- Resume Tips for Event Jobs: Customize your resume to highlight event-related skills.
- Platforms Like Liveforce: Use tools to discover festival work and apply for jobs around the world.
From free entry to career-boosting experience, festival work has it all. Start exploring roles today to make this festival season unforgettable!
Landing your first festival job can be the start of an unforgettable experience. From enjoying live performances to gaining valuable event skills, working at a festival offers both personal and professional rewards. By applying early, networking, and highlighting relevant skills, you can secure your spot and make the most of your festival season.
Ready to take the next step? Explore opportunities with Liveforce to find the latest festival jobs, connect with top events, and kick-start your journey in festival work today!
