Volunteering at French Quarter Fest
Each spring, thousands of people fill the streets of New Orleans for one of the city's popular traditions, the French Quarter Festival. Behind the scenes of this free, city-wide celebration of local music, food, and culture is a dedicated network of volunteers.
Organized by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., the festival relies on community members to ensure events run smoothly. This year offers plenty of opportunities to get involved. With dozens of roles available, volunteers can find positions that match their interests, energy levels, and skills.
Volunteer Positions Available
For those who enjoy interacting with people, roles such as Information Center volunteers and Survey Takers offer direct engagement with festival goers. Information Center volunteers help answer questions about performance schedules, food vendors, and stage locations, serving as ambassadors for the event. Survey Takers circulate throughout the festival gathering feedback that helps organizers improve the festival year after year.
For individuals that would rather work in a more fast-paced setting, there are beverage service roles. Volunteers can assist in Beer Booths (for those 21 and older) or at Iced Tea and Coffee booths. Merchandise Booth volunteers support official festival merchandise sales, while Donations Krewe members help encourage financial support for the non-profit that produces the event.
Sustainability-minded volunteers work at waste-sorting stations to help reduce landfill impact by encouraging attendees to compost and recycle. There are also opportunities in the Children's STEM Zone, where volunteers assist child festival goers with hands-on educational activities. For those who prefer flexibility, the Festival Support Krewe acts as floaters, stepping in wherever extra help is needed throughout the day.
Applying to be a Volunteer
Applying to volunteer is straightforward. Registration opens in advance of the festival through the official volunteer portal on the festival's website. Priority registration opens February 23 and general registration will open February 26.
Individuals, community groups, students seeking service hours, and corporate teams are all welcome to sign up. Most positions are open to volunteers ages 16 and older, while alcohol-related roles require participants to be at least 21. Volunteers are typically asked to commit to a scheduled shift and attend a brief orientation or review provided guidelines prior to the event.
Additional Benefits
Volunteers receive an official collectible T-shirt to wear during their shift and as a memento. Each completed shift also comes with a pre-loaded RFID card that can be used toward food, beverages, or merchandise at the festival. Those who work multiple shifts may qualify for additional credits. Complimentary snacks and water are provided during shifts, and volunteers are often entered into raffles for special prizes and festival merchandise.
Volunteers gain a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest free music festivals in the South, meet new people, and play a direct role in celebrating culture and community in New Orleans.
