Camping

Camping Committee is a diverse committee that offers jobs for volunteers of all talents and abilities. We set up the roads in the campgrounds, guard the perimeter of the campgrounds, and guard all the gates. We run the Lost & Found in the campgrounds, staff the showers, and run the parking lot for ADA and VIP parking. We run the Equipment Shuttle, helping campers transport their camping gear to their campsites. Contact: Camping@folkfest.org

Graphix

We design, build, and paint infrastructural gates, bridges, functional signs, and thematic murals and installations that reflect a yearly festival theme. We arrive early (July 4th) and stay late (August 25th). A desire to be part of the pre-production team as a commitment to the Graphix Committee is a more significant dedication of time than committees that do not require shifts before prefest. Additionally, no prerequisite knowledge in construction or painting is required, only a desire to learn.

Volunteer Food Tent

We feed the Festival Volunteers two meals a day, breakfast and dinner, from Thursday to Sunday during Fest. Food volunteers are involved in prepping, cooking, serving, and cleaning – everything a normal production kitchen would do. We have a set schedule for each crew so volunteers can request based on their availability. Shifts typically are 3-4 hours long.

Parking

Parking Committee parks and directs traffic within the 3 main parking lots (but not performers parking). We put parking stickers on vehicles in the main lots. The Parking Committee job requires a fair bit of walking.

Performers Parking

We direct parking of performer’s cars and we work with Central Control to provide assistance to the performers. We keep track of empty parking spots at all times and help anyone with special needs park in a safe spot. We are there to serve! Our volunteers must show up for each work shift promptly. Be prepared to help the performers with their needs and gear. No slowdowns, no autographs, no excessive talking; just help them get parked and move their gear over to Central Control volunteers, who get them to the stage. This job is fun!

Performers Tent

We do three jobs: provide assistance to the workshop stages during the day, prepare the lunches and dinners at the Performers Tent for performers and families, and assist the performers during the main stage performances. We ensure that performer’s instruments are looked after. We work from the beginning of the workshop presentations on Friday through to the very last note on Sunday night. We also assist performers to get to their destinations for performances at the workshop stages and the main stage. Our food crews prepare and serve food and work on one of our two crews each day. Our instrument crews work one of three shifts per day and need to be able to lift and handle instruments safely and with care.

Security

We provide access control, crowd management, theft deterrent, and similar responsibilities to ensure a safe festival for all. Three 6-hour shifts during the festival are required. We require a sound mind and body during scheduled shifts and appropriate footwear and weather gear.

Production

Production Committee is all about the music! We work prefest and during fest beginning on Monday and ending on Sunday night after teardown on Main Stage. We build risers, hang curtains, set up and take down all the sound equipment. We assist and work with the Sound Company. We manage all the stages and assist performers. We work backstage and run the Backstage Desk. We provide technical support, move sound equipment, tune drums, and we are the liaison to The Great Groove Band. We have opportunities for walkers and Volunteens on our Gate Crew, escorting performers and their equipment on the Trail between Main and Camp Stages. Experience working on or around stages, experience moving and setting up sound equipment, and running sound is helpful but not required.

Medical

Medical Committee provides first aid to everyone at the Festival. Volunteers must be skilled/certified medical personnel. Volunteers work 3 shifts.

Tramcart

We drive golf carts on an existing route that loops through the campground and over to the Main Gate at the concert side and back again. We check for the proper wristlet on all passengers. A valid driver’s license, the ability to follow directions, and to work independently are required. Three 5-hour shifts on each day – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – are required.

Archives

We live record and document each stage and preserve the recordings in the PFS archives. Volunteers need A/V recording acumen and experience. Some positions are long hours.

Archives and Recording

We record Audio and Video at every stage, every workshop, every concert at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. It is helpful if volunteers are familiar with the artists, the music, and the instruments they are playing. We run recording equipment at every stage, and knowledge of recording equipment is preferred. We interface with performers, the Sound Company and Production, and other committees, so good people skills are very important.

Video Production

We provide live multi-camera coverage and recording for all main stage concerts. We provide technical support including broadcast-quality cameras, a production truck for mixing and routing the content to projection screens (we also provide the projectors), as well as for archival recording and live streaming. We also coordinate with lighting and sound on site for the best production values.

Main Gate

We provide customer service and help set the tone for ticket holders, artists, and volunteers. At the audience entrance gates, we scan tickets, monitor, and give out wristbands. We also provide escorts as needed into the fest grounds. Overall, we offer solutions and information to fellow festival attendees with efficiency and kindness. Volunteers work one shift per day during fest. Shade and seats are typically available. Volunteers must smile and help others feel comfortable.

Reserved Seating

We set up the reserved seating and VIP sections in front of the main stage. We check wristlets at the gates during the evening shows and help customers with issues, assist special needs customers and performers, keep things orderly in general, and take down the chairs on Sunday night. Volunteers must be dependable, courteous, and helpful. They need to be able to calmly de-escalate potential conflict or misunderstandings if needed. They also need to be able to bend, lift, and carry folding chairs.

Communicationz

We work on IT, computers, Wi-Fi, internet, phones, radios, and other low-voltage wizardry (and computer graphic arts). We are looking for friendly, helpful people; especially tech heads!

Communicationz Operators

We answer phones and answer simple questions. We also monitor the livestream and reply to comments and questions. Volunteers should have a good speaking voice and a cheerful Fest outlook.

Information/Lost & Found

We greet folks as they arrive, answer questions, share information, and assist in any way possible. We distribute Program Books, help with directions and information. We manage the lost & found and similar tasks. Communication skills are a must!

Kids Creations

We provide crafts for the kids to do at Dulcimer Grove. Volunteers must enjoy working with kids and have a friendly attitude.

Food Vendors

We contract with food and beverage vendors. We handle County Health Department guidelines concerning food vendors, sanitation, and water.

Crafts

We provide hospitality and smiles to the craft vendors near the Main Gate. We get vendors safely on and off the craft area. We coordinate vendors’ arrivals and departures including intake and placement. We assure that our vendors stay safe and happy during Festival hours. Volunteers need to be able to work in the heat for 6-hour shifts. They must be able to maintain a positive attitude and do some manual labor. Shifts are available Wednesday through Sunday, with Sunday evening load-out required.

Green Room

We provide catering to the Martin Stage artists. Skills needed are ability to serve food to performers with minimal interaction and to have a low-key, flexible personality. The shifts are not long and consideration is given to performances that the volunteers wish to see.

Graphix

We design, build, and paint infrastructural gates, bridges, functional signs, and thematic murals and installations that reflect a yearly festival theme. We arrive early (July 4th) and stay late (August 25th). A desire to be part of the pre-production team as a commitment to the Graphix Committee is a more significant dedication of time than committees that do not require shifts before prefest. Additionally, no prerequisite knowledge in construction or painting is required, only a desire to learn.