Work Exchange Volunteer Program

Thank you for your interest, but work exchange applications are closed for the 37th Annual Blissfest! 

If you applied and have not received a confirmation, please contact the office via volunteers@blissfest.org or 231-348-7047

Please check your SPAM folder, you may have an email waiting for you! 

On-Site Work Exchange Sign Up Requirements and Info

• Must have wristband purchased in advance and come to the festival wearing it.
• Sign-Up at Information Booth by the Main Stage
• Half Shifts must be approved by the Info Booth Coordinator (We prefer full shifts please!) AVAILABLE SUNDAY ONLY!
• Once your shift is completed reimbursement will be given on-site.
  • Full Shift Refund= $115.00
  • Half Shift Refund= $50.00 (AVAILABLE SUNDAY ONLY!)

Early Entry Volunteers

*Only authorized staff, services, and early entry volunteers are allowed on the Blissfest grounds prior to 9am on Friday, July 7th*

• You are an early entry volunteer if you have a shift on Friday, July 7th that begins between the hours of  7am-2pm
• Early entry volunteers MUST be able to attend the training session held Thursday, July 6th at 7pm at Second Stage.
• These coveted shifts are for pre-approved, or veteran volunteers only. 

*Otherwise,  volunteers may arrive sometime on Friday, July 7th after the main gate opens at 9am to be received at the new Volunteer Check-In Tent*

Apply below to Join the BlissCrew Work Exchange Program

• Follow the page below and choose the correct application option!
  • Teen (14-17 yrs) Rookie (1st or 2nd Year), or Veteran (this is your 3rd year+)
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until we reach capacity.
• Please note that work exchange positions will be determined by staff according to festival needs with consideration for seniority, experience, and skill set. 
• As an applicant, we need you to be willing to communicate with a valid email address (one per individual) as only major details will be communicated via regular mail. We need to keep in touch with you regularly! Please inform us if this is a hurdle.

Important Dates 2017

March 15th –Camping Reservation & Online Coordinator Check-In Due

March 18th– Volunteer applications available, taken until we reach capacity

June 1st-Coordinator Guest Registration Due

May 20th – Coordinator Picnic @ Blissfest Festival Farm

May 21st- Work Exchange Volunteer Blissformation Day @ Blissfest Festival Farm with Special Guest Seth Bernard, Earthwork Music

• Recommended, not mandatory
• Available for approved applicants, and scheduled volunteers

July 6th- Coordinators and Early Entry Volunteers Arrive

July 6th– Coordinator and Early Entry Volunteer Meeting – 7pm @ Second Stage

Teen (14-17 yrs) Applications

• Teens aged 14-17 are eligible to volunteer
• Teens work One (1) Four (4)-hour shift in exchange for a $50.00 Refundable Deposit
• Parents must contact the volunteer manager via 231-348-7047 to receive a teen volunteer application
• Teen volunteers are subject to the Under 18 Policy. Must have proof of a ticketed guardian as per the policy linked above.

Rookie BlissCrew (1st and 2nd Year)

• $10 Non-Refundable Work Exchange participation and application  Fee
• $115 Refundable Deposit
• In exchange for an 8-hour work commitment, you’ll receive a weekend wristband when you arrive at the Main Gate’s *new* Volunteer Check-In Tent.
• First-come, first-served camping is included with your weekend work exchange wristband.  At this time, member reserved campsites are no longer available. See FAQ’s for more info.
• Deposits are refunded at the festival once both shifts are completed

When we receive your application and fees we will schedule you and email your work assignment. It may take a few weeks for your application to be processed.

We try to meet your requests for time, area and co-worker preferences. Please be specific on your application. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive your requested preferences. You will be notified asap if your application has been denied.

Have questions? please don’t hesitate to contact the Blissfest Office 231-348-7047 or volunteers@blissfest.org

Click here for the direct link to apply, or apply below:

Rookie BlissCrew (1st and 2nd Year) Applications:

       Placement will occur following Veteran BlissCrew assignments. 

Veteran BlissCrew
(Must be your 3rd year or more)

Request an Application Below 

• $10 Non-Refundable Application Fee
• In exchange for an 8 hour work commitment, you’ll receive a weekend wristband when you arrive at the Main Gate’s *new* Volunteer Check-In Tent.
• First-come, first-served camping is included with your weekend work exchange wristband.  At this time, member reserved campsites are no longer available. See FAQ’s for more info.
• You will receive a self-scheduling application within two (2) weeks. Check your email, you may have already received a 2017 Blissfest Veteran Application from volunteers@blissfest.org

                       The Bliss Crew Make Bliss Happen!

Here at the Blissfest, we love our team! Our work exchange program allows you to work in exchange for a weekend wristband to the festival, or another arranged perk package. Beyond that arrangement, or in place of, your work is then considered volunteer. It takes around 700 people working pre-fest, during festival, and post-fest to bring it all together!The Blissfest Music Festival literally could not happen without our loyal and hard working work exchange participants.

 The festival is our organization’s main program service and a fundraiser for our outreach programs throughout the year as well as the Blissfest Arts Recreation Center Project. Without this fundraiser, we would not be able to continue to support programs like Ukes for Youth, the Elyce Fishman Scholarship fund, Fall and Winter Concert Series, country dances, songwriting seminars, programs for schools, the forthcoming Blissfest Arts Recreation Center (BARC) and much, much, more.

Folks frequently tell us that they can’t imagine coming to the festival and not working. It is an integral and fun part of their weekend. There is a fitting place for anyone who would like to do the work exchange program.

Work Exchange Training
Mission Statement

 To provide skills, promote community awareness and empowerment, provide safety for all that participate, ensure protection for the organization and its surroundings, and foster a positive environment through necessary and effective risk management techniques.

Please Read Me:

 Work Exchange Training Manual PDF

Work Exchange Information

Work Exchange participants work 8 hours total, generally split into two 4-hour shifts. In return, we provide you with a weekend wristband to the festival.

          Work Exchange Job Descriptions

 It is important that everyone have a general understanding of their job and duties before arriving at the festival. This not only helps to make the volunteer shift more enjoyable, but more effective.

Thank you, thank you, for joining the Bliss Crew! 

2016 Job Descriptions 

The volunteer manager and your area coordinator will provide you with 2017 training material electronically. Be prepared to check your email and read!

• Bliss Assist Job Description 
• Bliss Store Job Description
• CD Sales Job Description 
• Exit Gate Job Description 
• First Aid Job Description
• Hospitality Job Description
• Host Post Job Description
• Ice Cream Job Description 
• Kids Area Job Description 
• Main Gate Job Description
• Off Limits Area Job Description 
• Office Job Description
• Parking Job Description 
• Post-Fest Job Description 
• Raffle Booth Job Description
• Recycling Job Description 
• Stage Gate Job Description
• Stage Hand Job Description
• Transportation Job Description
• Volunteer Booth (Info Booth) Job Description
• Water Crew Job Description

All Blissfest work exchange participants are subject to the policies, procedures & guidelines for their level of participation as embodied in this Volunteer Training Manual.

              Additional Work Exchange Opportunities

Pre-Fest Bliss Crew

Pre-fest setup and Post-fest cleanup volunteers are required to provide 12 hours total. Note: There are so many folks who want to work pre-fest that these coveted positions are by invitation only. We really need your help during the festival!

• Invitation-only skilled work exchange or volunteer.
  • If interested please contact the office. 231-348-7047
• Pick a work exchange package:
  • 12 hours= 1 Wristband
  • 20 hours= 1 Wristband + 1 Hospitality Pass
  • 24 hours= 2 Wristbands
  • 40 hours= 2 Wristbands + 2 Hospitality Passes
  • Any other arrangement must be pre-approved by staff

Area Coordinators

Our Coordinators work 16 hours total over the course of the weekend, plus additional hours pre-fest and post-fest to organize their areas. They are the backbone of the festival and the leaders of every area. If you are a passionate and bliss-loving volunteer, talk to your current area coordinator about training with them and becoming one!

•  Invitation-only volunteer leadership position
• Coordinator Program Benefits
  • 16 hours=1 Coordinator Wristband (for yourself) + 1 Guest Wristband + 1 Hospitality Pass + 1 Complimentary Campsite
• Must maintain an up-to-date Blissfest Music Organization Membership to be eligible
• Coordinators, please indicate your return by March 15th by completing the Coordinator Check-In form online. If you have not received this in your inbox, please contact the office ASAP.