Join The Team And Volunteer With Us

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

Volunteer Applications open on February 1, 2024

We're looking for reliable, hardworking and fun-loving individuals to join our team. Volunteer for two shifts and earn a 3-Day festival pass, staff t-shirt, make new friends and be a part of the "behind the scenes" action. All you have to do is fill out the application and choose the shifts and department that you'd like to join (box office, customs, park operations).

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!

Volunteer Application

What do I have to do?

Volunteers must complete two 5-6 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 (8 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!

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 Jazz Festival.

What's in it for me?

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.

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 $252.87

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:

Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Ticket Policy

All volunteer applicants must pay a one-time non-refundable fee of $20 before they are accepted to join the Jazz Volunteer Team. Volunteers will not be scheduled until the application fee has been received. This fee is designed to ensure that all volunteers complete assigned shifts once they have picked up their 3-day festival pass.

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 $252.87

Anything Else I need To Know?

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 (5-6 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 Jazz 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 Jazz After Dark passes are not included. If you are volunteering and would like to camp during the festival, you will need to purchase a camping pass.

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 notice begins in the early summer. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Telluride Jazz Festival!

Cancellation Policy

The deadline for cancellations is Saturday, August 15, 2023. In the event that you confirm your volunteer shifts and cancel after the deadline, you will be charged a courtesy fee of $50. This fee is commensurate with the time and labor costs associated with scheduling and confirming your assigned shifts.

Volunteer Positions

Box Office

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 thrive 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.

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 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.

CRT Team (Compost, Recycle, Trash)

Be a part of the Zero Waste Team and help reduce the carbon footprint. Your role will be to guide and educate attendees about sorting their waste correctly into either Compost, Recycle, or Landfill bins. You will also ensure that the waste types are not cross contaminated. Please meet the Waste Reduction Coordinator at the main festival entrance where you will then be placed at a Zero Waste station. Volunteers will be rotated throughout the Zero Waste stations, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the music while volunteering. Feel free to bring a camp chair, headlamp, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, warm layers, and your groovy dance moves to this shift.

* 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.

Fence Crew Set-Up

Assist the park operations team set up the festival fence. This shift is for people that don’t mind doing a little bit of heavy lifting and are available to work the week prior to the festival and 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 festival pass.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the “boneyard” which is behind vendor row and check in with Park Ops staff.

Fence Crew Tear-Down

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, work gloves, a water bottle and 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: Head to the “boneyard” which is behind vendor row and check in with Park Ops Staff.

Festival Kitchen

Assist kitchen staff in preparing for meals, wash dishes and serve food backstage during mealtimes.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the catering facility which is located behind the main stage and check in 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.

Jazz After Dark

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 venues and check in with the venue manager.

2nd Line Parade Assistant

Parade volunteers will be stationed along Colorado Avenue at intersections to block traffic while the parade is taking place. Once the procession has passed by you will follow behind and help clear the street of garbage from the parade.

* Checking in for shift: Head to Elks park and meet Patrick in the breezeway next to Box Canyon Bicyciles at 11:30am.

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.

* Checking in for shift: Head to the “boneyard” which is behind vendor row and check in with Park Ops staff.

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

* Checking in for shift: Head to the white 10x10 tent that will be setup next to the bridge that leads into the campground.

Patron Area Attendant

Assist Patron 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 as needed.

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

Security

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

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

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.