Are you already psyched about the possibility of seeing over a hundred bands at this year’s Wakarusa? Wanna get even more excited? For just a little work, you can get into the festival (camping included) free of charge.
The folks in charge of parking are looking for about 100 local volunteers who are willing to put in 15 hours of work in exchange for a free pass to over 60 hours of music. For those who’ve never been to Wakarusa, the bands typically start at around Noon and run until about 5am. In other words, this seems like a pretty sweet deal to us. Plus, you can request to not be scheduled during your favorite bands’ sets.
Full details are listed below but the gist of it is this:
- Fill out the registration form (below) and pay a $10 application fee.
- If selected, you’ll have to provide a credit card number as collateral in case you ditch out on your job before fulfilling your duties.
- Help park some cars and then enjoy the festival for free.
Here are the details as sent to us by the parking staff:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When may I apply?
Applications to become a parking volunteer for the Wakarusa Music Festival will be accepted up until all positions are filled. You may apply at using the form below. Please note that there is a $10 non-refundable application fee to apply to become a parking volunteer for this year’s Wakarusa Music Festival.
What do I need to do to apply to be a parking volunteer for Wakarusa?
In order to become a parking volunteer for the Wakarusa Music Festival, you must complete the form below and then use the “Buy It Now” button to pay your application fee. Once received, you will be notified by e-mail.
Do I have to pay a deposit like similar volunteer organizations require?
No, but you will be required to submit a credit/debit card (we’ll make a copy and return your card immediately) upon arrival to the festival to secure your spot. Your card will not be charged unless you do not fulfill your duties to our satisfaction. If you fail to complete your duties as a parking volunteer, your credit/debit card will be charged $200 (the price of a ticket to the festival and camping).
When will I know when I have been accepted?
If you fill out the application, pay the application fee, and can tell a car to go left or right: You’re in.
What do parking volunteers receive?
Parking volunteers will receive admission to the festival, a camping pass, and an amazing experience. Camping is provided and water will be available to parking volunteers while on shift.
What kinds of duties do parking volunteers perform?
Parking volunteers will perform a variety of tasks to assist in the festival’s success. Any task in which a parking volunteer is not physically capable of performing should be noted by the parking volunteer to the supervisor and the parking volunteer will be deferred to another task. All tasks will be supervised.
How much time must a parking volunteer commit?
All parking volunteers must work a minimum of 15 hours for admission to the festival. This will be broken down into three five-hour shifts.
What happens if I am relieved of my parking volunteer duties by my supervisor because I am under the influence?
If a parking volunteer coordinator feels that a volunteer is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs and cannot perform the assigned duties, the volunteer will be relieved of duties and their credit card will be charged $200 (full admission price + camping). Absolutely no exceptions will be made or discussed.
Can I request to not miss a band?
You may choose on your application your top three bands that you prefer not to miss. Please note that we will try our best to honor your request, but there is no guarantee that you will not be working during your top three bands. Most night shifts are located inside the music festival concert area.
Can I get a refund for a ticket I purchased and still be a parking volunteer?
Unfortunately purchased tickets cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
How old do I need to be in order to be a parking volunteer?
Parking volunteers must be at least 18 years or older as of June 3rd, 2009.
How is the schedule created?
Schedules are determined by festival labor needs, past experience, friend requests, band requests and any other appropriate factors. You must expect to work at least one night shift during the festival. Please do not email us requesting certain shifts or departments.
How do I know when I am confirmed to be a parking volunteer?
You will receive an acceptance e-mail after you fill out the parking volunteer application and pay your $10 application fee.
What forms of payment are accepted?
ONLY Paypal and credit cards/check cards will be accepted. If you do not have a credit/check card, please bring arrange payment with a friend or family member. Once we receive your application, you will be sent a payment request via e-mail.
What happens if I sign-up to volunteer and fail to show up for a shift, or to the festival at all?
If you register to become a parking volunteer and are accepted, but do not show up to work a shift or even show up at the festival at all, you will be frowned upon by us forever, and you’ll forfeit any future volunteer opportunities with our organization.
I am coming with NON-parking volunteer, how does that work?
If you are scheduled to volunteer before the gates open on the festival days, non-parking volunteers will NOT be allowed on the festival grounds until the gates officially open.
What is the low-down on Orientation?
There will be a mandatory orientation on the Wednesday prior to gates opening and another on Thursday for those who can’t make the first one.
Where can I stay?
There is on-site camping. Please visit Wakarusa’s travel section for more information on other options in the area.
What if I need to cancel my parking volunteer position?
Please let us know as soon as possible. Parking is a very important part of making this year’s festival a success. Festival attendees will be anxious to park, set up their tents, and begin enjoying the activities we will offer. We want to make parking as smooth as possible.
Where may I direct other questions not answered by this FAQ?
Please read the entire most recent FAQ menu before sending a question to: [email protected]. Any question that is answered in the facts above will not be responded to.
Where may I direct suggestions?
If you have serious suggestions from past volunteering experiences or just in general, please e-mail: [email protected].
REGISTRATION FORM
[contact-form 4 “Wakarusa Volunteer”]
APPLICATION FEE PAYMENT
Please use the following “Buy It Now” button to pay your non-refundable volunteer application fee. Please do this after filling out the above application form and be sure to use the same e-mail address for both so we can verify your payment. Thanks!
Disclosure: As a thank you to us for posting this form, the individuals who were in charge of finding parking volunteers gave us a gift card the following year. It wasn’t considered payment and it wasn’t expected or discussed, but it was certainly appreciated. Read our full disclosure policy here.
