Volunteering helps not only those in need of aid, but also those who are paying it forward—as found in a 2015 study in the journal, Motivation and Emotion. When you fundraise or donate your time, it helps you engage more easily with others, lowers your stress, and helps you enjoy the support and intimacy that good friendships can bring. If you are interested in offering your time, which U.S. festivals have the most to offer in terms of the work you can do and the fun you can have when you are on a break or you have a day off?
Getting Loud at Lollapalooza in Chicago, Illinois
Lollapalooza began in 1991, when Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell started the event as a farewell tour for the band. The event became synonymous with top live grunge music and although it suffered a hiatus in 1997, it was restarted in 2003 and 2005 and today, it is one of the nation's top festivals (as opposed to the traveling tour it once was). If volunteering is on your bucket list of life changing activities, you can't go wrong with a super festival like this. Like other new experiences (think traveling solo or scuba-diving), volunteering pushes you out of your comfort zone. It also allows you to meet and interact with people you may never have met otherwise. The festival accepts volunteers aged 18 or over, offering them free access to the shows in return. You simply have to work for four hours, and you can only access the events on the days you are working. You should send your application early (by the middle of May) to boost your chance of acceptance.
A Plethora of Volunteer Opportunities at SXSW in Austin, Texas
SXSW, which held its first event in 1987, has a host of volunteering opportunities. The sky truly is the limit when it comes to letting your talents and skills shine. You can help with event organization, work in customer service, support fellow volunteers, or shine in front of or behind the cameras. If you are into film and TV or comedy is your thing, then two events you might consider working for are the SXSW Film & TV Festival or the Comedy Festival. If you associate festivals with music and your favorite bands, on the other hand, the SXSW Music Festival may be more your jam. For the Music Festival, you have to be 18+ or 21+ if you want to work with stage crew. For the Film & TV or the Comedy Festival, you can start working at the age of 16+ if you have legal permission from your guardian. Some crews are 18+ or 21+, so being flexible is a good idea if you are dead set on joining crews at these gigs.
The Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas
This fairy tale carnival is known the world over, since it has also taken place in the UK, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. As is the case with most big festivals of renown, there are perks linked to paying it forward. For instance, you have free admission to the festival. You will have to work two days out of the three, though in this case, you will be meeting so many people and keeping busy and the time will most certainly fly! Even when you are working, you will most likely have the chance to check out sets you may be interested in throughout the day. The good news is that you can choose the days you work, so you can enjoy your favorite performances without worrying about having to rush back to your workspace.
Lollapalooza, SXSW, and the Electric Daisy Carnival are just three of many festivals that accept volunteers every year. If you are thinking of doing something different, don't think twice. Working at a big festival will teach you skills like organization, time management, and teamwork. It will also give you access to free performances, many of which you will probably catch with the many friends you make while you're volunteering!
