Another year in the books and it's all thanks to you! As we say goodbye to the 45th edition of the Calgary Folk Music Festival we can't help but reflect on all the planning, positive energy and down right hard work all of our volunteers brought to the island. Same time same place next year!
Time to bundle up for the tenth edition of Block Heater! Our winter extravaganza returns again this February.
If you are a returning Block Heater volunteer, you have been contacted directly to ask for your intentions for the 2025 season.
Want to join our team? Join the waitlist here!
January 29
February 6
Feb 9 - 2-5pm at Festival Hall
Feb 12 - 5-8pm at Festival Hall
No newsletters available
What is Festival Hall?
Festival Hall (FH) is a boutique 200-capacity performance space and the Festival's office where we present the diverse indie, roots, traditional and world music the Festival is known for year round. It also hosts private bookings such as weddings, concerts and films.
FH volunteer opportunities
The Festival Hall volunteer program includes with over 40 volunteers from our loyal CFMF volunteer base. We rely on the support of our volunteers to help us run a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, orientations and meetings. We are not currently accepting applications for the FH volunteer program. Existing FH volunteers will be contacted with season updates and volunteer opportunities as they arise. If you are interested to join the Festival Hall volunteer program, please email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com and request to join the waitlist.
What is Block Heater?
Block Heater is our annual winter music extravaganza featuring diverse programming in the heart of downtown Calgary. We are looking forward to our tenth edition in 2025.
When is Block Heater?
February 2025.
Can I volunteer at Block Heater?
Returning volunteers will have received an email to confirm their intentions. If you are a new volunteer at Block Heater, join our waitlist!
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
We have volunteer opportunities for folks 13+. Please note, our youth volunteer positions are limited, so be sure to check each crew’s age requirements before you request to join.
Block Heater Youth Crews:
Volunteer ID (13+) - currently full.
All other crews are 18+.
What is the hourly commitment?
While exact hours vary crew to crew, this year most Block Heater volunteers are required to volunteer for one concert block during the event (approx. six hours).
What type of duties can I expect?
Duties will vary from crew to crew! Check out our crew catalog for a more detailed look into what each crew does.
What should I bring as a volunteer?
Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can direct any questions to the Volunteer Services Team at vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.
What are the volunteer benefits?
As a Block Heater volunteer, you will receive:
How do I redeem my complimentary ticket?
Confirmed volunteers for Block Heater 2025 are eligible for a free ticket to a concert at the Palace Theatre on Friday or Saturday night.
The process for ticket redemption will be shared in the volunteer newsletter. Tickets will be emailed, and volunteers are responsible for bringing their ticket to the performance. Badges are not sufficient for concert entry.
I’m going to be late or miss a shift, what should I do?
Email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com right away. If you fail to show up for a shift and do not let us know, you may be permanently removed from the volunteer program.
I can no longer volunteer, what should I do?
Let us know as soon as you do! Send us an email at vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.
What happens at package pick-up?
Package pick-ups are scheduled opportunities for Block Heater volunteers to come pick-up their volunteer packages. Package contents include:
Do I need to bring anything to the package pick-up?
Just the name of your crew! If you can’t make it and have someone picking up your package, please make sure they are prepared with your crew name.
When and where is package pick-up?
February 9, 2025 | 2pm - 5pm | Festival Hall (1215 10 Ave SE)
February 12, 2025 | 5pm - 8pm | Festival Hall (1215 10 Ave SE)
See parking map here.
What if I can’t make it to one of the scheduled package pick-up dates?
While we ask that you attend the package pickup dates (or send a friend or family member to grab your package), we understand that things happen. Volunteers who have missed the scheduled package pick-up dates can grab their items from the Venue Supervisor on the first shift. Make sure to come early to get your package and have a chance to change into your volunteer shirt. Please email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com to let us know you require this arrangement.
Can I have a friend or family member pick up my package?
No problem! You can have a friend or family member pick up your package as long as they know the name of your crew.
What is the Calgary Folk Music Festival?
The Calgary Folk Music Festival (CFMF) was founded in 1980 and is produced by the not-for-profit Folk Festival Society of Calgary (FFSC).
This annual family-friendly musical extravaganza takes place on the last weekend of each July; and has been held at Calgary's Prince’s Island Park since its inception. Diverse programming presents 70 some artists across seven stages; ranging from local favourites to international artists, there is sure to be something for everyone. Come be a part of the magic and join the community of over 50,000 Calgarians and tourists as we gather for good music and great times!
--
"Thank you! This is such an amazing event and I appreciate that there is diversity in the music that's played. My 14 year old didn't want to come with me and as we sat at a stage on Sunday he turned to me and said - Mom, this band is on my playlist! He had a totally different definition and expectation of what folk music could include. It was a magical moment; he had the biggest grin and will come happily next year!"
- 2022 volunteer
Returning volunteers
We will open the portal in March 2025. Keep an eye out for an email with instructions!
New Volunteers
We will open up to newbies in late spring, 2025. Keep an eye on our website for details!
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We have volunteer opportunities starting at age 13 (you must be 13 on the day of your first volunteer shift). You can join the following crews when you are:
13+: Environment, pot washing, snack bar/beverage
14+: Food servers
15+: Cold food, music & merch
16+: Instrument lock-up, stores, folk buddies, family area, lamp lighters, signage, eco, set-up & strike
What if I can only work the weekend?
Our volunteer commitments run 16-24 hours during the festival. Therefore, if you only work on the weekend you would be volunteering a minimum of 8 hours each day.
We recommend joining the festival parties crew (who work volunteer parties Sat/Sun), or checking out some of our pre-festival crews to get your hours in beforehand. Otherwise, we welcome you back next year.
What if I can’t make my shift/can no longer volunteer?
Let your crew coordinator know as soon as you do! Send an email to both your crew coordinator and vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com so we can make arrangements to run without you.
How do I confirm my intentions for CFMF 2025?
You will receive instructions in the spring on how to confirm intentions for 2025.
Am I guaranteed a spot on my crew from the last Festival?
While we cannot guarantee a returning spot, if you follow instructions to sign up when you first get them you will likely have a spot on your previous crew. Once a crew fills up, folks are still welcome to return, but may have to transfer to another area. Volunteers who have been marked as ‘recontact’ for 2+ consecutive years are automatically marked as ‘discontinue contact.’ If this has happened to you, and you want to return, please contact vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com and we will help you register for an orientation and reactivate your account.
Who will be contacting me about my crew?
Once you have confirmed your 2025 intentions, your crew coordinator will contact you with further team details.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Your first point of contact should always be your crew coordinator. If you can’t get a hold of them, please contact vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.
Click here for instructions on how to log into the volunteer portal and update your 2024 status.
Click here for instructions on how to update your email address.
Click here for instructions if you have forgot your password.
Click here for instructions on how to request a crew transfer.