The Vancouver International Children’s Festival presents the world’s finest music, theatre, dance, puppetry, acrobatics and storytelling, as well as creative arts activities for the entire family! Families come from near and far to experience this extraordinary annual arts festival created specifically for children and families. We are dedicated to providing creative, diverse programming that engages and delights our young audience. 

Volunteers are essential to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. Our Festival can only run smoothly with the generous help of hundreds of devoted volunteers. Each year, volunteers, like you, contribute to the success of the Festival by helping us welcome 25,000 attendees! It is a huge endeavour and we could not do it without you.

Interested? Looking for high school volunteer opportunities? Corporate volunteering? Fill out our online application form through the link below. Email  or call 604-708-5655 with any questions. We would love to hear from you!

Why volunteer?

• Go behind the scenes to see what makes our 40+ year-running festival tick!
• Get involved in an exciting creative project and open your mind to different perspectives
• Meet extraordinary people
• Learn and develop new skills
• Take part in a festive community event where you are encouraged to dress up every day you come to work
• Share your love of interacting by volunteering with kids
• Show that you care about your community
• Create wonderful experiences for kids, adults, and co-workers

What are the perks?

• Free snacks and treats at the Volunteer Centre, where you can rest, refuel, and hang out during your break and expand your circle of friends.
• Standby pass for all performances
• Extra Activity Village Wristband: You will receive one Free wristband to the Activity Village for each day you volunteer. This means you can bring young children or come back to the Festival at a later time.
• Signed Confirmation outlining that you volunteered “x” hours for the Festival. 
• School credit for hours volunteered. If you require Work Experience forms and Work Experience Evaluation forms completed, you need to volunteer a minimum of 21 hours. We have high school opportunities available.
• Reference Letter upon request for volunteers who contribute a minimum of 24 hours
• Prize draw for volunteers who have completed over 30 hours

What makes a successful volunteer?

• Good command of the English language.
• Strong communication skills.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Attend training session(s).
• Willing to give your time with a smile.
• Contribute to the best of your abilities.
• Flexible, patient, respectful, with a good dose of humility.
• Like to have fun!

What positions are available?

There’s a job at the Festival for everyone, depending on your interest, commitment level, and skill set.

DURING THE FESTIVAL (May 26 to June 1) and the week before: We have a lot of positions to choose from, so we have categorized them in three groups depending on the time commitment and duties required. A full shift is approx. seven hours long. Apply now for the spots you want most!

Our volunteer opportunities:

• Regular Volunteer (creative arts, wayfinding, ushering, administration) position requires a commitment of 2 shifts
• Host position (guiding school classes) requires a commitment of 3 shifts
• Crew Captain (assistant to paid coordinators/staff) position requires a commitment of 5 shifts