That first music festival experience remains etched in your memory forever. Sunburns, barefoot dancing, ice cold beverages raised to the chords of your favorite song . . . Especially in Australia and New Zealand, festival culture is a recognized part of national identity. If you’re here on a working holiday visa, it’s worth your savings account to attend at least one such epic event. But when costs amount to hundreds of dollars, the experience is too often beyond the budget of backpackers.
Why not volunteer at a festival instead? Most big music events take on a limited number of helpers, paying with gig passes instead of wages. This can be an ideal way to gain experience in the events industry, make new friends, save money and even get backstage with those bands you love so much.
Here’s how to volunteer at Coachella, and other world famous music festivals:
- Coachella – Every year, rumors hint that this California arts and music shindig has stopped using volunteers. In the past, Coachella has hired workers through U.S.-based Work Exchange Team. Join the WET database to stay updated on the latest volunteer information.
- Glastonbury – Positions come highly prized at this renowned June gathering near Somerset, England. Most volunteer positions are filled through the Oxfam Steward and Festaff programs. Apply through both organizations to secure a spot on the Glastonbury field. Volunteers work 8 hour shifts in exchange for a festival wristband.
- South By South West – Volunteers help with three overlapping SXSW festivals: interactive, music and film. Up to 3,500 people divide into teams for the conference and production aspects of the event, which focuses on the future of the music industry. Register your interest online, then attend a call date in Austin, Texas to join the crew. Festival free time can be spent catching the newest up-and-coming acts.
- Outlook – Each September, Bass fans flood the ruins of an abandoned Roman fort in Stinjan, Croatia, for the largest Soundsystem Culture event in Europe. Sign up on the festival’s website for information alerts on volunteering. Positions cover everything from box office and decorations, to litter picking and stage management. In exchange for a fun-loving and enthusiastic attitude, helpers earn a free ticket to off-shift gigs.
- Melt! – Fancy a career in the music event field? Volunteers at the German party receive industry certification. Apply before May to work at this July rock festival, which focuses on eco-sustainable methods of music production. Volunteers must speak German.
- Byron Bay Blues Fest -Voted Australia’s best music event, Blues Fest echoes with the sounds of blues and roots. Volunteers at the five day festival must be 18 years or older, physically fit and have a valid working visa. For 25 total hours worked, helpers receive a reduced camping pass and free time to watch the performances. Roles include sales, information and crowd control.
- Bonnaroo – Volunteers earn the title of “C’roo” members when they work at the June festival in Manchester, Tennessee. Applications appear online between mid-February to mid-March. To wrangle a position, you must be over 18 years old, commit to 18 hours of help and pay a $300 deposit. Choose to work before or during the festival. Perks include meal tickets and free time between shifts.
- Shambhala – What began as a festive gathering on a private farm is now Canada’s longest running electronic festival. The August party on Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia, brings together artists, musicians, organic farmers and food vendors – without a dollar of corporate funding. Volunteers apply online in February; only Canadian citizens are eligible.
- Rainforest World Music Festival – In July, join folk and indigenous performers for several days of workshops and jam sessions. The Sarawak Tourism Board hires volunteers for this and two other events: Borneo Jazz and Asia Music Festival. Apply online for positions in marketing and operations. Accommodation, meals and access to off-shift shows come with the position.
Have you volunteered to work at a music festival? Tell me about your experience!
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli
Photo credits: Coachella – Jason Perrse, Flikr; Melt – Kristoffer Trolle, Flikr; Rainforest World Music Festival – Eugene Yong, Flikr