Get Involved and Enjoy Some Free Tunes, Culture, or a Party!

Looking to score tickets to a sold out music festival? Bored with your summer plans and want to do something completely out of the ordinary? Can’t afford tickets to the newest Broadway show? Well dust off your cowboys, grab your cool shades, or put on your dancing shoes and become a volunteer for one of Canada’s awesome summer events!

It’s a great way to spend a weekend and check out amazing bands for FREE (like my personal fave The Sheepdogs, playing at the upcoming Brandon Music and Folk Festival), or to work with one of the hundreds’ of fantastic independent theater shows happening in theater festivals all over Canada, or see all the behind the scenes and VIP sections of massive parties like the Calgary Stampede!

Volunteering with an event is a great way to get out of a summer “same old same old” funk and do something completely new! Not only is it an amazing experience to have on your resume, but it’s a great way to score tickets to the best seats in the house of sold-out shows, events and parties! Here are just a few happening in Canada this summer:

Toronto Fringe Festival: July 6th-17th

A little last minute but they are still looking for tons of volunteers to help with front of house, clean-up, ticket sales and props. There are over 900 volunteers that run the festival every year – and volunteers receive free t-shirts, a free show for every shift worked (and in some cases seeing the show is actually part of your shift!) and free entry into their closing party. Contact volunteers@fringetoronto.com or call (416) 966-1062.

The Calgary Stampede: July 8th-17th

Calling all Calgarians looking for a good time! The Stampede is one of the most fun and energetic events in Canada! With cool volunteer positions still available like mascoting as “Harry the Horse”, working with the huge sound crew as a sound-board volunteer, or driving around the famous acts in the various shows – there’s no way you won’t have an awesome time and all for free! Yeehaw! (Sorry I couldn’t help myself) Apply HERE.

Brandon Folk, Music and Art Festival: July 21st-24th

Now I am a bit biased on this one, as their closing act on Sunday night is one of my favorite new Canadian bands The Sheepdogs – which really is all the more reason to volunteer with this fantastic festival! Get a chance to see some amazing bands before they take off and spend a weekend surrounded by Canadian talent in the sun!

Youth Day 2011: July 24th

Dundas square in Toronto is hosting lots of events this summer to fundraise, raise awareness, party and celebrate the fabulous weather! Youth Day 2011 is all four rolled into one! Celebrating the talented youth of Canada by showcasing dance groups, bands, artists, and photographers, Youth Day engages Toronto youth into the magical world of the arts. Check out their facebook group for postings of volunteer opportunities and news about their awesome acts!

August

Rogers Cup: August 5th-14th

Happening simultaneously in both Montreal and Toronto is an awesome way for sports fans to get involved and get close to tennis legends. Both venues have amazing up-close volunteer positions and Toronto’s Legends Cup this year means lucky volunteer fans will get a chance to rub elbows with some golden greats like McEnroe and Agassi. Apply now, these volunteer positions are in high demand!

Edmonton Fringe Festival: August 11th-21st

Just like the famous Toronto Fringe Festival – Edmonton’s own theater extravaganza is a breading ground for upcoming Canadian talent. Shows that take-off here are often picked up for a following season on Broadway, London or even the exclusive Stratford. It’s a great chance to see shows before they have a huge budget and the script is fresh off the printer. As a volunteer you get to see shows, hang with actors, work with directors, schmooze at the wrap party and be a part of something huge! Applications are now open.

Eaglewood Folk Festival: August 26th-28th

With a tagline like “Fresh Air, Good Vibes, Great Music” how could you not want to be a part of Ontario festival? Originally dubbed as an “earth” festival, Eaglewood not only celebrates Canadian musicians, but does it all while being ecologically conscious! There are volunteer opportunities to fit every type (student volunteers, eco-team positions) and every schedule (prep for the event, event day volunteer and a clean-up team) so check out the positions NOW.