Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the festival this year?
The festival dates are Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The festival location is the Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2000 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940
When are applications available?
Applications will be available beginning March 15 – August 15. No applications will be taken after August 15.
When will we know if we have been accepted to volunteer?
Once applications close, you will receive an email with further instructions and information.
What are the schedules like?
In most areas the schedules are 4-5 hours in length from the time the gates open to when they close. Some may be longer depending on the need.
Can I work the week before the festival?
Of Course!! We are always looking for people to assist us in preparing for the weekend. Those options are available on the application.
I only want to usher in the main arena – is that possible?
We assign all ticketing operations people where they are needed. Ushering, Gate admissions, crowd control, etc. are all part of ticketing operations. We do need lots of people in all of those areas – so if you are flexible, you might end up in the arena as an usher for a shift.
How do I know where I will be assigned?
You will receive an email with the schedule and location of where you have been assigned. Keep in mind, the more flexible you can be, the more locations you might get to experience. Emails with schedules will be sent out August 26th.
Is there training involved?
Yes, there is a general training that is completed through zoom and then each area manager will give you more information once you arrive on site. Two training courses are scheduled for the week of September 14th, one for returning volunteers and one for new volunteers. Exact dates, times and links will be emailed with schedules.
Will we be able to walk through the festival grounds to get our bearings before the festival?
We will be scheduling a walk-through of the festival grounds Saturday, September 19th from 2pm-4pm, but you must attend one of the Zoom meetings the prior week.
Do we get t-shirts?
We have been fortunate to be able to provide shirts for our volunteers, which is why it is important in your application that you provide that information.
Can I see a show in the Main Arena?
Unless you have purchased a ticket for the arena, or are not working in the arena, you cannot enter the arena.
Can I see any shows?
Absolutely! You have access to the grounds and the 4 stages available there for the day you work.
How will people know I am a volunteer?
- The shirt that you will receive is a specific shirt for volunteers, staff, and artists so you will stand out.
- Some areas of volunteers will have vests to wear as well.
- You will also receive a wristband that is specific to each day, you must get a new wristband when you check in for your shift daily.
Where do I check in?
Check-in is through Gate 6, and up the road to the Volunteer Hut across from the RV lot.
Where do I park?
- There is street parking all over the area, but please be considerate of the neighbors.
- We also offer a shuttle from Monterey Peninsula College (MPS) for a fee. Shuttles run every 10 minutes but they do stop running 30 minutes after the last show ends.
- We cannot supply parking for our volunteers.
Hopefully, this has answered some of your questions. If you have additional questions or questions about the application process, please email [email protected]
See you in September!
