VOLUNTEERS
The National Folk Festival engages 850+ volunteers each year to deliver an amazing Festival. It's a big job and a fun one, where you can gain valuable industry experience, meet new people, and learn new skills. We are always looking for enthusiastic, friendly, and motivated people to support one of Australia's key cultural folk events.
​As a thank you for your generous contribution, all volunteers get a Season + Camping ticket for the National Folk Festival and an invitation to the Volunteer Party plus other little perks.​
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Returning volunteers can apply from 1 October 2025
New volunteers can apply from 1 November 2025
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​For more information please read through our FAQs at the bottom of the page and check out the teams below. Still got questions, please email volunteers@folkfestival.org.au.
Want to be a Volunteer Team Coordinator?​​
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​Coordinators are the link between the Festival Staff and the volunteers and are engaged throughout the year. They are a very important part of the folk festival family, and receive extra perks in recognition of the time they put into making the Festival happen. Opportunities are currently available for some roles for the 2026 Festival.
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Duties include:
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Attendance at two Coordinator meetings between October and the Festival
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Communication with Volunteers after applications open
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Rostering and managing volunteers
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Liaising with Staff to ensure smooth operation of your area
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Sound like you? Click below to let us know!
Teams
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Support/ContactIf after reading through the application form you have unanswered questions or need help applying, please email: artistic.director@folkfestival.org.au
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AccommodationArtists are responsible for their own accommodation, travel and meals, unless otherwise negotiated. On site camping is available to all contracted performers at the National Folk Festival, which may incur a nominal fee in 2026. Artists may choose to bring their own tents and bedding, or pay a discounted rate for a pre-erected rent-a-tent which offers a convenient and comfortable alternative. Additionally, our friends at Canberra Rex Hotel offer special discounted rates for Festival goers, and there are many accomodation providers in Canberra within easy distance to the Festival site. Click here to learn more.
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Choir InformationChoirs add incredible vibrancy to the Festival and their performances offer a wonderful opportunity for patron interactions. Because of this, most choirs will be programmed to perform outdoors in busy areas that allow for patrons moving through the site to enjoy their music. These performances will be busking style, but scheduled to a time and location which may be designed to appear spontaneous or be listed in the Festival program. Some choirs may be scheduled to perform in indoor venues however we ask applicants to understand that they should expect to be offered at least one programmed performance outdoors.
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ContractsThe Festival will supply successful applicants with a standard Festival contract.
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Public LiabilitySuccessful artists will be required to supply a certificate of currency for a current Public Liability Insurance Policy for all members at the time of contracting. Any volunteer artists or groups not receiving a fee will not be required to hold their own Public Liability Insurance Policy and will be covered by the National Folk Festival insurance policy.
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Artist Green RoomThe National Folk Festival provides an Artist Green Room area that offers a comfortable space for down time, tea and coffee facilities, a phone charging station, plus easy access to our Artist Liaison team who can assist with any questions you may have during the Festival. Please note that the National Folk Festival does not offer specific riders for artists.
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Artist and crew ticketsAll contracted artists are provided with an artist ticket redeemable for their wristband on arrival at the Festival site. Any additional tickets for support staff, technical crew or management must be negotiated with the Artistic Directors at the time of contracting.
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Artist family ticketsFamilies are a very important part of our Festival, which offers plenty of things for children and young people to enjoy. All artists are offered discounted tickets for their immediate family. We encourage artists with young children to include any costs and/or supports they may need to participate in the festival in their application.