Volunteer with Summer of the Arts

Welcome!

We are looking forward to seeing you again this year. We want to remind and alert you to changes to our registration process and volunteer guidelines.

As of 2024, we are using the VolunteerLocal platform for volunteer registration, so the form and registration process is different than it has been in previous years. NOTE: if you would like to register yourself and someone else, you MUST fill out the registration separately for each person.
To register for volunteer shifts, you MUST: a) fill out the Volunteer Application, then b) sign up for volunteer shifts. These are two separate steps.
Application Form and Volunteer Shift Sign-Ups are in the left sidebar if viewing on a desktop or laptop or near the bottom of the page if you are scrolling on your mobile device.
Volunteers 14 years of age or older can volunteer independently of a parent/guardian. Volunteers 8 to 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/older sibling.

Please note that these guidelines are subject to change throughout the season, and we will keep volunteers informed of these guidelines as we get closer to events.

Volunteer FAQs

How do I sign up?

Desktop: Look to the left sidebar on this page for the Volunteer Registration Links and Booth Instructions and Resources. We are digitizing our festival booth binder instructions, so that you can prepare ahead of time.

Phone: scroll to down to for the Volunteer Registration Links and Booth Instructions and Resources.

What are the perks of volunteering for Summer of the Arts?

Volunteer T-Shirt and Goodie Bag (weekend festivals only; includes snack & sponsor swag)
Free Water during all weekend festival shifts (we have compostable cups available, or you can bring your own reusable water bottles). Please note that the bottled water for sale at our Hydration Station MUST be purchased.
Discounts on festival t-shirts at the Merchandise Booth.
Community Service hours/Silver Cord credit
Being a part of our exciting, accessible events with fabulous music, art, and food, and getting to know your fellow community members!

Who can volunteer for our events?

Individuals age 14 or older can volunteer independently.
Volunteers 21 or older are welcome to volunteer in our Beverage Garden
Volunteers 8-13 years of age are welcome to volunteer with a parent/guardian.

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers at our festivals and events help with various tasks, such as working at sales stations (water, merchandise, and beverage garden; helping with children’s activities at the Iowa Arts Festival; festival setup and tear down; and parking/equipment at the Free Movie Series.

For a full list of available volunteer opportunities and descriptions, visit the volunteer registration forms and select the opportunities that interest you.

What should volunteers bring and wear?

Festivals take place outside rain or shine, so dress according to the day’s weather. All volunteers must wear a volunteer t-shirt during their shift(s).
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring a snack if needed and a water bottle – volunteers get free refills during their shifts! You can also purchase food from our food vendors.
Groups/Organizations are encouraged to wear their nametags and company swag!
You are encouraged to bring a small bag to keep with you for personal belongings such as: jacket sunscreen, ID, etc. Please leave all valuables at home.

How can I help out before volunteering at Summer of the Arts events/festivals?

1) Because it takes such an amazing crew to make sure our events run smoothly, please pass along this information (and webpage) to anyone you know who might be interested in volunteering.

2) You can also like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share our posts!

I’m volunteering for a class, church, club, courts, etc…how can I prove I was there?

At the festival: if you have a form that needs to be completed, simply bring it with you and our on-site volunteer coordinator can sign it for you. Please fill it out at the festival-we do not sign blank forms.

After the festival: if you need a letter from us, email info@summeroftheARTS.org. Please note that we will verify hours worked; again, we will not add a signature to a blank form for you to fill out later.

How do I review or change my volunteer shift(s)?

Please email info@summeroftheARTS.org if you have questions, or to confirm or cancel shifts.

Volunteers