Information for Island Folk Festival Volunteer
July 24th, 25th, 26th 2026
Site map and information here
https://www.islandsfolkfestival.ca/venue
Volunteer Check In:
Volunteer Check-In has changed
If you are camping or parking you can check in at the West Gate.
It is in the west field off of Donnay dr. where you park and camp. You will be asked for your crew name and coordinator name to get your parking and/or camping tag, wristband and meal information!
If you are coming in by shuttle you can check in at the East Gate. This is in the area of the former main gate.
You will be asked for your crew name and coordinator name to get your wristband and Friday meal ticket.
West Gate Open at
9:00 am - 8 pm on Friday, July 24th
10:00am – 8 pm Saturday, July 25th
10:00 – 12:00 Sunday July 26th
East Gate
Friday from 9:00 to 4:00
Saturday 10:00 to 3:00
Check in a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of your 1st shift. Only volunteers ‘on shift’ are to enter the main site prior to 1:00 pm on Friday.
It is recommended that volunteers leave valuables at home.
Volunteer Camping and Parking: In the ‘West Field’, located off Donnay Drive. Volunteers arriving in this field will be asked the name of their crew and their coordinator. Display your parking and camping passes clearly on your tent/ camper/ vehicle. Traffic/parking crew is monitoring access to be sure ONLY volunteers are camping/parking in designated volunteer areas.
NO forest camping available
If you are in a public paid camping spot you will be expected to pay for it.
Access to Volunteer Camping: Will be available Friday morning from 09:00 am.
Volunteers with early shifts Friday can contact their coordinator for camping information.
Please note there will be NO ACCESS TO THE MAIN SITE until Friday morning. Crews working Thursday night and earlier than noon on Friday will be allowed access but only during their shift.
We need to be aware of and respect the farm programs and clients during the day Friday.
No cook stoves BBQ or open flames unless inside of a camper.
Coordinators camping: Paying public, have priority along the right side of Hutton Road. There may be some spots further down, just before and by the Shuttle stop, for some coordinators. Camping passes must be displayed. Coordinators wishing to camp in other areas should contact the camping coordinator.
No cook stoves BBQ or open flames unless inside of a camper.
Snack and Supper: we are unable to accommodate serious food allergies. We will aim to provide items that are gluten-friendly and dairy-free but we can’t guarantee items are free from cross-contamination.
Friday dinner Shriners truck 4:30-5:30 pm
Sides and beverages available in the Volunteer Center.
Breakfast 8 to 10:00
Volunteers Lunch 11:30 to 1:00pm. Afternoon refreshments/snack 3:00 to 4:00.
Volunteer Center closes at 4:30 pm
Volunteer meals and snacks will be served at the Volunteer Centre. The Volunteer Center is in St. Ann’s Garden, behind the main Providence Farm building.
There will also be vendors selling food and drinks or you can bring your own.
Please bring your own eating utensils, mug/plate/bowl/spoon/fork as none will be provided.
We strive to be a zero waste event.
Shuttle Info: Volunteers are encouraged to use the shuttle service and recommend it to friends and family. It will start running at 1:00pm on Friday with several pick-up sites around Duncan and North Cowichan.
Tear-down and Vollie Party Sunday:
Everyone that is able will be expected to help with site teardown. Check with your coordinator to see what might need doing.
There will be a volunteer party with dinner and music jam to follow Sunday evening site tear-down so the faster this is done the sooner we can all party.
Volunteer Appreciation
The "Super Volunteer" tickets are given out at Volunteer check-in. Extra tickets will also be with Coordinators to give out throughout the Festival. Please put your name and contact info on the back of the tickets. The Volunteer Appreciation booth is located in the Volunteer Centre. Draw will be held on Sunday at 12:00. Remaining items will be taken to the Vollie Party and anything left from that point, we will contact.
General information
No alcohol while on shift
Service dogs only on site.
Smoking, including vapes, ONLY in designated areas!
Questions anytime, day or night, can be answered at the Security tent located near the information booth.
Bring:
Plate, cup, bowl, cutlery
Water bottle, lots of places to fill it
Sunscreen/Hat
Special foods if needed, gluten free, allergies etc.
Your sense of humour 😀
Thanks for volunteering, we could not do this without you
and most of all…….enjoy the Festival!!