WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS

Vail Dance Festival Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Vail Dance Festival!

The wait is over: sign up today and join our Volunteer Crew for another unforgettable
season of world-class artistry, inspired movement, and behind-the-scenes magic at the Vail
Dance Festival.

VOLUNTEER AT THE 2026 FESTIVAL

 

Below you’ll find the Volunteer Program Overview with information on Volunteer role descriptions, benefits and commitment, as well as training details. The following details apply to volunteers assisting with performances at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and in Vail. If you are interested in volunteering at a performance taking place at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, please visit https://vilarpac.org/volunteer/

Looking for more information? Email us at [email protected].

By volunteering for the Vail Dance Festival, you are volunteering for the Vail Valley Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership in arts, athletics, and education and address community needs to enhance our Valley as a place to live, work, and visit. You, our volunteers, play a critical role in our ability to achieve that mission.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

VOLUNTEER ROLES 

There are many ways our Volunteers help make the magic happen:  

Help manage pedestrian flow near the Rehearsal Tent at Golden Peak during a kids’ running race that overlaps with dancer rehearsals. Volunteers ensure dancers can cross safely while allowing the race to continue smoothly. (Outdoors position.) 

Welcome and check in donors of the Vail Dance Festival and the Vail Valley Foundation at rehearsals at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Provide general Festival information and a warm guest experience. (Outdoors position.)

Volunteers on the Transpo Team must be 25+ and will be required to pass a Motor Vehicle background check prior to the event. Volunteers will drive a Festival vehicle. (Indoors and outdoors.)

Airport Driver

  • Pick up or drop off artists, staff, and key Festival personnel at Denver International Airport (DIA).

In-Town Driver

  • Provide transportation for artists, staff, and key personnel within Vail or Eagle County.

 

 

Support check-in for artists and staff at one of the Festival lunch locations. (Indoors and outdoors.)

Assist guests at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater with seating, ticket scanning, program distribution, chair rental, guest greeting, and general information. (Outdoors position.)

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Most volunteer positions do not require any prior experience. You’ll receive an extensive volunteer handbook in advance that outlines each role in detail, and then you’ll get on-site training at the start of your first shift.

All Usher volunteers are invited to join our online training session to get ready for the Festival. It’s a great chance to meet your Usher Volunteer Coordinator, connect with fellow volunteers, and get key updates for this year. We’ll cover helpful tips, best practices, and everything you need to stay in step, hit your marks, and truly shine in your role. We strongly encourage all usher volunteers, new and returning, to join us and kick off the season on the right foot.
Save the date: Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 5:00–6:00 PM MST (online)

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS & REQUIREMENTS

Volunteers are required to sign up for 4 or more shifts to be eligible for the following benefits:

Invitation to our volunteer-only thank you and wrap-up celebration on Wednesday, August 12 (3:30 PM) at Blue Moose Pizza in Vail. Save the date for an afternoon of great vibes, giveaways, and a well-deserved recognition.

Lunch on your volunteer days if your shift is scheduled around lunch time (from 12 PM – 2 PM). A well-earned break, on us! Note: Lunch is not available for late afternoon or evening shift volunteers, including Ushers, or on days you are not volunteering.

Receive an exclusive volunteer discount at Concessions on nights when volunteering at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater [food only].

A rare opportunity to watch rehearsals at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater based on Festival schedule and space availability.

Enjoy a Volunteer-only discount on official Vail Dance Festival merchandise.

Volunteers unlock the opportunity to receive complimentary lawn tickets to up to three (3) Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater performances (up to two (2) tickets per performance / per person), based on day-of availability. On select occasions, volunteers may even be upgraded to pavilion seating, an added surprise when available (not guaranteed).

Earn the festival T-shirt by completing 6 or more shifts – a custom piece reserved for our most dedicated crew members.

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM (AGES 13-18)
Ambassador applications are closed for the 2026 Festival.

This program is a dedicated opportunity specifically designed to empower youth ages 13-18 to develop a variety of life and work skills through their experience at the Vail Dance Festival, while contributing to the successful execution of the event. Being detail-oriented, time-efficient, and well-organized, as well as keeping a positive mindset, are some of the crucial skills Ambassadors will develop during this program.

The Ambassador Volunteer Program is part of the Vail Valley Foundation NextGen Volunteer Initiative, which gives high school students meaningful ways to get involved while building real-world skills and gain valuable work experience. Learn more about other NextGen opportunities: Volunteer with us – Vail Valley Foundation

The Ambassador Team for the 2026 Vail Dance Festival has already been selected. Applications for the 2027 program will open in December 2026. Learn more about this program: Work with Vail Dance Festival | Vail Dance Festival

Volunteer Photo Highlights

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