Join The Team And Volunteer With Us

Applications Are Now Open

Don't just go to the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, become a part of it!

We're looking for reliable, hardworking and fun-loving individuals to join our team. Volunteering is a great way to earn a 3-Day Pass, meet new friends, get a free festival t-shirt and be a part of the show! All you have to do is fill out the application and choose the shifts and department that you'd like to join. For a list of positions, click here.

We appreciate all of our volunteers, especially those of you who come back year after year, bringing your experience and enthusiasm to the festival. You are all an integral part of the event and we could not do it without you!


Come Prepared To Work

Weather conditions in Telluride vary and can change quickly. We recommend that volunteers come prepared for all types of mountain weather. This includes high altitude sunshine, rain showers, cold temperatures at night, and even the possibility of snow showers. Wearing sunscreen is always a good idea. Pack a bag with warm layers that you can change into if the temperature suddenly drops (pants, socks, shoes, long sleeve shirt, warm jacket), always have a rain jacket handy for surprise storms, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated (drinking lots of water helps reduce altitude sickness). Having these items will ensure you are set up for success at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival.

What’s It All About?

Volunteers will receive a 3-Day Festival Pass and a Festival Staff T-Shirt! We strive to make volunteering as easy and fun as possible. Volunteering is also a great way to meet friends and catch a glimpse of the "behind-the-scenes" action of festival production.

All volunteers must complete two 6-7 hour shifts in order to earn a 3-Day Festival Pass. Shifts are available in a variety of positions before, during, and after the festival. Volunteers who are scheduled for pre-festival or post-festival shifts that are 9 am - 6 pm (9 hours) only need to complete one shift in order to earn a 3-Day Festival Pass. Shifts are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to apply early!

We ask that all volunteers pick up their festival passes from the box office as soon as they possibly can once arriving in Telluride. Your cooperation with this helps cut down queue times at the box office for everyone. If you fail to satisfactorily complete all assigned shifts, you will be charged the full amount for a 3-Day Festival Pass in the amount of $327.38.

The Festival Box Office is located at 300 E Pacific Street. The Festival Box Office is open during the week of the Festival, and its hours of operation are:

  • Wednesday: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

  • Thursday:  9:00 am - 6:00 pm

  • Friday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

  • Saturday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

  • Sunday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Ticket Policy

Applicants must pay a one-time non-refundable fee of $25 before they are accepted to join the Blues Volunteer Team. Volunteers will not be scheduled until the application fee is received. 

If a volunteer fails to complete their shifts they will be charged the full amount for a 3-Day Festival Pass in the amount of $327.38.

Anything Else I Need To Know?

All volunteers must be 18 or older to apply.

All volunteers must pay a one-time non-refundable application fee of $25.

All volunteers must submit an application below to be considered for a volunteer position. If accepted as a volunteer, you must complete two shifts (6-7 hours each) in exchange for a 3-Day festival pass and a festival staff t-shirt. We typically assign each volunteer one morning shift and one afternoon or evening shift.

All applicants must enter credit card information as a guarantee that you will complete your scheduled shifts if accepted as a volunteer. If you fail to satisfactorily complete your scheduled shifts, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival reserves the right to charge for the equivalent amount of a 3-Day Pass (refer to the 'I Agree' section on the volunteer application for more information).

Please note that Camping and Juke Joint passes are not included. If you are volunteering and would like to camp during the festival, you will need to purchase a camping pass separately.

Application Deadline

Volunteer applications are accepted until all positions are filled. Please note that volunteer positions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so the earlier you submit your application the better your chances of obtaining your preferred position.

Acceptance is done continually on a rolling basis. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival!

Cancellation Policy

The deadline for cancellations is Friday, August 18, 2023. In the event that you confirm your volunteer shifts and cancel after the deadline, you will be charged a courtesy fee of $75. This fee is commensurate with the time and labor costs associated with scheduling and confirming your assigned shifts.

Requirements . . .

  • All volunteers must be 18 or older to apply.
  • All volunteers must submit an application below to be considered for a volunteer position. If accepted as a volunteer, you must complete two shifts (6-7 hours each) in exchange for a 3-Day festival pass and a festival staff t-shirt. We typically assign each volunteer one morning shift and one afternoon or evening shift.
  • All applicants must enter credit card information as a guarantee that you will complete your scheduled shifts if accepted as a volunteer. If you fail to satisfactorily complete your scheduled shifts, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival reserves the right to charge for the equivalent amount of a 3-Day Pass (refer to the 'I Agree' section on the volunteer application for more information).
  • Please note that Camping and Juke Joint passes are not included. If you are volunteering and would like to camp during the festival, you will need to purchase a camping pass. Please note that Camping Passes will sell out in advance and we are not able to offer additional camping passes.
  • Volunteer applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $25 payable upon completion of application

Application Deadline . . .

  • Volunteer applications are accepted until all positions are filled. Please note that volunteer positions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so the earlier you submit your application the better your chances of obtaining your preferred position.
  • Note: the deadline for cancellations is August 18, 2023. In the event that you confirm your volunteer shifts and cancel after the deadline, you will be charged a courtesy fee of $75. This fee is commensurate with the time and labor costs associated with scheduling and confirming your assigned shifts.

Acceptance Notice . . .

Applications are processed on an ongoing basis. Acceptance notice begins in the early summer. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival!


Volunteer Positions

Artist Hospitality – Blues Stage

Assist festival staff with stocking green rooms for artists. You will be tasked with keeping things tidy, cleaned up, and helping with any needs that arise.

* Checking in for shift: Head to Blues Stage (Hanley Ice Rink) lobby to meet staff.

Artist Merch Sales

Assist festival staff with the inventory of all artist merchandise, artist merchandise sales, and signings.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the merch tent which is located along vendor row on the north end of town park.

Blisters & Blues 5k

Assist staff in race logistics.

* Checking in for shift: Head to Elks Park (on Main St.) to meet race staff. Please come dressed for cold morning temperatures. Please be ready to go by 6 am.

Blues for Breakfast

Assist staff in maintaining the overall set-up and appearance of the Elks lodge. Tasks include but not limited to, clearing empty food and drinks from tables, checking tickets at the door, and serving food.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the Elks Lodge (472 W Pacific Ave.) and check in with staff.

Blues Stage Breakdown

Assist stage crew staff with the deconstruction of the stage set up inside the Haley Ice Rink. This shift happens on Monday and Tuesday post-festival.

* Checking in for shift: Head to Blues Stage (Hanley Ice Rink) lobby to meet staff.

Blues Stage Seat Removal

Assist with the removal of seats from the blues stage. This shift is the Monday post-festival.

* Checking in for shift: Head to Blues Stage (Hanley Ice Rink) lobby to meet staff.

Blues Stage Setup

Assist stage crew staff with the construction of the Blues Stage inside the Hanley Ice Rink.

* Checking in for shift: Head to Blues Stage (Hanley Ice Rink) lobby to meet staff.

Blues Stage Venue Volunteer

Assist venue staff with, checking wristbands, monitoring capacity limits, and venue entrances and exits.

* Checking in for shift: Head to Blues Stage (Hanley Ice Rink) lobby to meet staff.

Box Office Ticket Exchange

Greet festival attendees, exchange tickets for wristbands, sell festival tickets, and answer questions related to the festival. We are looking for organized, technologically savvy, friendly people who are willing to work in a fast-paced environment. The Box office volunteer is likely the first interaction with the festival, so the first impression of the experience should be positive to set the tone for a great weekend of events.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the festival box office which is located at 300 E Pacific Street (next to the Post Office) and let the box office staff know you are a volunteer.

Brewers Showcase

Assist operations staff with event set-up and tear down. Must be able to lift and move 25-50lbs.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the beer garden and meet staff at the entrance of warner field (which is located between the main gate and the blues stage.)

CRT Team (Compost, Recycle, Trash)

Be a part of the Zero Waste Team and help the festival be environmentally conscious. In this shift, you will help ensure that festival attendees are sorting their waste correctly into either Compost, Recycle, Landfill poly carts. Help educate festival attendees on what items can be composted to ensure that the categories are not cross-contaminated. Volunteers will be rotated throughout the CRT stations so everyone has a chance to enjoy the music while volunteering. Feel free to bring a camp chair to this shift. Please meet the Waste Reduction Coordinator, at the main festival entrance where you will then be placed at a CRT station.

* Checking in for shift: Meet the Waste Reduction Coordinator at the front of the main festival entrance where you will then be placed at a CRT station.

Customs Gate

Greet festival attendees, check for proper wristbands and check all bags for glass or alcohol. This is the main entrance to the festival and sets the tone for the event. This position is for people who work quickly with a smile.

* Checking in for shift: Meet the head of security at the main festival entrance.

Fence Crew Teardown

Assist the park operations team with the breakdown of the festival fence. This shift is for people who are not afraid of a little bit of heavy lifting. Please wear closed-toed shoes, bring work gloves, a water bottle, and pack a lunch. Completing this one 8-hour shift will satisfy all volunteer requirements to receive a festival pass. This shift is post-festival on Monday.

* Checking in for shift: Meet park ops staff in the boneyard (which is located behind food vendor row).

Festival Kitchen

Assist kitchen staff in preparing for meals, washing dishes, and serving food backstage during mealtimes.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the catering facility which is located behind the main stage and checkin with kitchen staff.

Festival Merchandise Store

Assist festival staff to unbox and fold new merchandise ahead of the festival. During the weekend you will help keep merchandise organized, tidy and assist festival-goers shopping for different sizes of garments. Some retail experience is preferred.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the merch tent which is located along vendor row on the north end of town park.

FOH Sound Tower Construction

Assist stage crew staff members to assemble the front-of-house sound tower scaffolding. This shift is for people that don’t mind doing a little bit of heavy lifting and are available to work the Wednesday before the festival starts. This shift requires closed-toed shoes and gloves. Please bring a water bottle and lunch. Completing this one 8-hour shift will satisfy all volunteer requirements to receive a pass. This shift is pre-festival.

* Checking in for shift: Head into town park and meet staff in the grass center stage.

FOH Sound Tower Breakdown

Assist stage crew staff members to disassemble the front-of-house sound tower scaffolding. This shift is for people that don’t mind doing a little bit of heavy lifting and are available to work on the Monday post-festival. This shift requires closed-toed shoes and gloves. Please bring a water bottle and lunch. Completing this one 8-hour shift will satisfy all volunteer requirements to receive a pass. This shift is post-festival on Monday.

* Checking in for shift: Head into town park and meet staff in the grass center stage.

Informational Barricade

This shift is intended to greet all vehicles coming into the Town of Telluride. Volunteers will supply drivers with information on where to park, work with parking staff to alert drivers when certain lots are full, and answer general questions. To check-in for this shift, you will head to the 10x10 tent set up at the wide spot in the highway, west of the roundabout right before the high school. About a 20 min walk from the festival grounds. Consider riding a bike or taking the Galloping Goose. Please bring any clothing, food, and water you may need to get through your shift. You may bring a chair to this shift.

* To check-in for this shift, you will head to the 10x10 tent set up at the wide spot in the highway, west of the roundabout right before the high school. About a 20 min walk from the festival grounds. Consider riding a bike or taking the Galloping Goose. Please bring any clothing, food, and water you may need to get through your shift. You may bring a chair to this shift.

Juke Joint Venue

Assist venue staff with ticket exchange, checking wristbands, and monitoring venue entrances and exits. All Jazz After Dark volunteers must report to their shift sober and ready to work.

* Checking in for shift: Head to your respective night venue location and check in with the venue manager.

* Blues Stage is located in town park at the Blues Stage (Hanley Ice Rink).

* The Moon at O’Bannon’s is located on Main St at 136 E Colorado Ave.

* Elks Lodge is located at 472 W Pacific Ave.

* Sheridan Opera House is located on Main St at 110 N Oak St.

* Telluride Arts HQ is located on Main St at 220 W Colorado Ave.

Park Operations

Assist with the general setup and tear down of the park. Tasks include hanging signage, lights, and festival décor. This shift is for people that don’t mind doing a little bit of heavy lifting; it requires closed-toed shoes and work gloves. Please bring a water bottle and lunch. Completing this one 8-hour shift will satisfy all volunteer requirements to receive a pass. There are shifts available to work the week prior to the festival, during the weekend, and post-festival.

* Check-in for shift: Head to the warming hut which is located near the entrance of the festival and underneath the large white tent and ask staff to radio park ops.

Parking Vehicle Gate

Assist Vehicle Gate staff control the flow of traffic into town park campground, check parking permits, direct drivers to permitted spaces, and monitor a strict 30 min loading zone for campers. Please bring any clothing, food, and water you may need to get through the shift. Check-in for this shift at a 10x10 tent which is set up at the vehicle bridge at the north entrance to Telluride Town Park.

* Check-in for this shift at a 10x10 tent which is set up at the vehicle bridge at the north entrance to Telluride Town Park.

Rainbow Kids Area

Assist staff with selling kids area passes.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the kids area which is located at the east end of the park.

VIP & Backstage Security

Assist the security staff monitor important entrances and ensure people are wearing the proper wristbands.

* Checking in for shift: Meet security staff at the entrance gate to VIP.

Stagehand

Assist the stage crew with band changeovers and load-in and load-out of equipment. This shift is for people that don’t mind doing a little bit of heavy lifting and requires closed-toed shoes and gloves. Shifts are available to work the week prior to the festival, during the weekend, and post-festival.

* Checking in for shift: Meet staff backstage on the east side of the stage.

Town of Telluride Parking

Assist festival parking staff with directing Town Park campers into parking spots at various locations around Telluride. Please report to the vehicle bridge at the north entrance of town park and look for a 10x10 tent. The supervisor will then inform you where to go to assist with the parking. Please bring any clothing, food, and water you may need to get through the shift. If you have a bicycle, feel free to bring it. The bike will be useful for assisting people park on the street and counting cars.

* Checking in for shift: Please report to the vehicle bridge at the north entrance of town park and look for a 10x10 tent. The supervisor will then inform you where to go to assist with the parking. Please bring any clothing, food, and water you may need to get through the shift. If you have a bicycle, feel free to bring it. The bike will be useful for assisting people park on the street and counting cars.

Town Park Campground

Check-in with the campground host to begin your shift. You will assist the Campground Host with greeting campers, explaining campground rules, directing car traffic, keeping the campground clean, and being a friendly face for anyone who might have questions. Campground Volunteers are expected to be on their feet for most of their shift if necessary. Check-in with the campground host (CAMP SPOT #1) to begin your shift.

* Checking in for shift: Head to camp spot #1 to check in with the campground host.

Warner Field Campground

Assist the Campground Host with directing campers into designated spots, directing car traffic to loading zones, explaining campground rules, and being a friendly face for anyone who might have questions. Check-in with campground staff, at the 10 x10 tent next to the little white house/pool area, to begin your shift. Campground Volunteers are expected to be on their feet for most of their shift if necessary.

* Checking in for shift: Check-in with campground staff, at the 10 x10 tent next to the little white house/pool area, to begin your shift. Campground Volunteers are expected to be on their feet for most of their shift if necessary.

Vendor Attendant

Assist the Vendor Coordinator with load-in day, help vendors with iPad use, check-up on vendors periodically to make sure iPads are not overheating, and ensure they have enough battery life.

* Checking in for shift: Meet the vendor manager at the ice trailer which is located behind vendor row.

VIP Area Attendant

Assist VIP Area staff in maintaining the overall set-up and appearance. Tasks include but not limited to, clearing empty food and drinks from tables, greeting guests, and providing assistance. Checking in for shift: Head to the VIP tent and check in with festival staff.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the VIP tent and check in with festival staff.

VIP Area Setup & Breakdown

Assist with the setup of tables and chairs, games, and decor in the VIP area on Thursday pre-festival. OR Assist with the breakdown, organization, and packing of VIP decor and supplies. This shift is post-festival on Monday.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the VIP tent and check in with festival staff.

VIP Glamping Décor Setup & Breakdown

Assist staff in setting up the decor and furniture inside of each cabana tent. Completing this one 8-hour shift will satisfy all volunteer requirements to receive a pass. This shift is pre-festival on Tuesday and Wednesday or post-festival on Monday.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the Glamping area which is located at the main festival entrance and check in with festival staff. Please bring work gloves, a water bottle, and pack a lunch.

VIP Glamping Breakdown

In this shift you will help deconstruct heavy-duty safari-style canvas tents that are used in the Glamping Area. This shift is for people that don’t mind doing a little bit of heavy lifting and are available to work on the Monday post-festival. This shift requires closed-toed shoes and gloves. Please bring a water bottle and lunch. Completing this one 8-hour shift will satisfy all volunteer requirements to receive a pass.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the Glamping area which is located at the main festival entrance and check in with festival staff. Please bring work gloves, a water bottle, and pack a lunch.

Festival Grounds Clean-Up

Green the scene! Assist the park ops team with clean-up of the festival grounds and emptying poly-carts.

* Check-in for shift: Head to the warming hut which is located near the entrance of the festival and underneath the large white tent and ask staff to radio park ops.


Contact Us

Want to get involved? We would love to hear from you! For questions, please send us an email.