Volunteer Information
Volunteer applications for the 2026 Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival are now closed. We are unable to accept new volunteers the week prior to the festival.
Thank you for your interest and support.
We have the utmost respect for the skills, time and passion volunteers bring to the festival and are honoured to show our appreciation in the following ways:
- A volunteer ID name tag and wristband(s) (provides Friday, Saturday and Sunday festival access)
- A sandwich from Askew’s Foods on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available (if you have a severe allergy you may want to pack your own meal)
- Access to the Volunteer Lounge, providing snacks, coffee and tea throughout the entire weekend.
- Access to the volunteer after-party on Sunday night
- A volunteer t-shirt, sponsored by Askew’s
- A volunteer parking pass for the East Parking Lot
- Discounted camping provided in the Volunteer Camping area
Additional benefits are provided to our Head Supervisors, including access to VIP. Want to become an even more integral part of bringing world class music to the Shuswap? Select “Head Supervisor” on your application or email volunteer@rootsandblues.ca to be put into consideration.
Come Prepared!
- Water Bottles: We would like to remind all of our volunteers to bring your own water bottle (BYOWB). The festival will not have plastic water bottles or plastic cups available on-site, in an effort to cut down on single-use waste. Water stations will be available for fill ups.
- Sunscreen & Sunhat: Please bring sun protection, shaded areas are limited and you may be required to work in open sun.
Footwear: You must wear comfortable closed-toe shoes while on shift. Volunteers not wearing appropriate footwear may be asked to come back with better footwear.
Environment
- Please go to the environment stations and dispose of your trash properly
- We have separate garbage, recycling, refundables, and compost; please use them appropriately
- Be a good host – If you see something you can safely clean up, please do
Accessibility
There will be a section in the application where you can note any mobility limitations or accessibility needs. Our Volunteer Department will be happy to assist you with finding the best fit.
For more questions please contact volunteer@rootsandblues.ca
All volunteers are hosts at the Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival. Help us spread a positive, passionate vibe throughout the festival by always being kind and helpful.
All volunteers must submit a new application each year. This is to ensure all information is correct and up-to-date.
Applications take 5-10 minutes.
Step 1: Read and understand the Volunteer Code of Conduct
Step 2: Determine which volunteer position interests you by reading the Crew Descriptions
Step 3: Determine if your volunteer position requires additional certification (ex. Serving It Right). Prepare a digital version of the certificate to attach to your application.
Step 4: Prepare a photo (headshot only) in JPG format for your application. Photos are mandatory and used for ID nametags.
Step 5: Fill out a the application at the link above. This form includes a Waiver and Release of Liability that must be read and agreed to before submitting.
If you have any issues during the application process, please reach out to the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@rootsandblues.ca
Volunteer Crew Descriptions | CLICK HERE
During Festival Crews: 16-20 Hours
Volunteers have 1 shift per festival day (Fri-Sun), generally running 4-5 hours. All volunteers must complete a set up and/or tear down shift. Your exact schedule will determined by your Head Supervisor, once you have been placed into a crew. We will take into account your availability and preferences, please note these on your application.
- Set Up Shifts: July 19 – 22
- Festival Shifts: July 23 – 25
- Tear Down Shifts: July 26 – July 29
Pre-Festival and Post-Festival Crews: 25-32 Hours
These crews put in more hours, but have the festival off to enjoy. All hours are completed during Set-Up and Tear-Down dates.
Please Note: Volunteer hour requirements are based on the needs of the crew. Check out the crews here.
All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18 must be the children of a current volunteer or be sponsored by a current volunteer who can provide direct oversight during the youth’s festival shifts.
- The Festival reserves the right to determine who will be acceptable as responsible adults. The parent or responsible adult must agree to the Waiver and Release of Liability form before a minor is formally assigned to a crew.
- All youth volunteers will be expected to fulfill duties to receive volunteer benefits. They will be expected to conduct themselves appropriately.
- Volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18 will be placed to the best of the volunteer coordinator’s ability but there is limited space and there are no guarantees of volunteers being placed.
Each crew has their own minimum age for applicants. Check out the crews HERE
SAFMS is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all attendees, artists, staff, and volunteers at its events. The SAFMS harm reduction approach is designed to reduce health and social risks related to substance abuse, dehydration, sexual health, and mental wellness. Rather than relying solely on zero-tolerance measures, this approach prioritizes safety, dignity, and access to non-judgmental support services.
Clearly marked and readily accessible first aid and medical services are provided at events, along with designated chill-out zones for individuals experiencing distress, overheating, or overstimulation. Free water stations are available throughout the event grounds.
Where possible, SAFMS partners with qualified harm reduction and outreach organizations to provide peer support, education and appropriate on-site resources.
Staff and medical personnel are trained to recognize the signs of overdose, alcohol poisoning, heat related illness, and psychological distress. Established procedures enable situations to be escalated quickly and compassionately to the medical tram, ensuring that attendees who seek assistance for themselves or others are treated with respect and priority care, with immediate health and safety as the primary concern.
Event sites are planned to reduce the risk of injury and to support accessibility for persons with disabilities. Alcohol service follows responsible service standards, and non-alcoholic options are offered for those who choose not to consume alcohol or who are in recovery.
Volunteer parking is available at our East Parking Lot at no cost. Passes can be requested from your Head Supervisor once placed into a crew.
Parking Map | CLICK HERE
Volunteer camping is be located on 10th Ave SW, across the street from the main festival grounds behind Campground 3A.
Camping Map | CLICK HERE
Applications will be available June 1, 2027
Camping Details:
- Type: 4-day, tent-only camping exclusively for ROOTSandBLUES volunteers
- Cost: $25 (plus applicable fees) per person for the entire weekend
- Availability: First-come, first-served
- Amenities:
- Porta-potties
- Water station (no showers)
- Restrictions:
- No pets
- No open flame of any kind
- No trailers
- No refunds or transfers
Check-in Process:
- Visit Campground 3A upon arrival
- Collect your ‘Camping’ wristband from the campground volunteers
Additional Notes: If you plan to bring a trailer, please reserve a site through regular camping at standard rates on our website.
By securing your spot early, you help ensure a smooth experience for both yourself and the festival community. Thank you for volunteering!
Frequently Asked Questions
You will be notified of how to pick up your volunteer package by your Head Supervisor. General volunteer information can be picked up at Salmon Arm Folk Music Society Volunteer Department, give us a call at 250-833-4096 or email volunteer@rootsandblues.ca. During event weekend, please direct questions to your Head Supervisor or at Volunteer Services located at the EAST GATE.
Tell your Head Supervisor immediately via phone AND email. Failure to properly notify your supervisors may result in removal from the SAFMS volunteer program.
It is expected that you arrive 15 minutes early to each shift to help facilitate a smooth shift transition. If you are unsure where to go once approaching the event grounds, please go to Volunteer Services at EAST GATE.
Tell your Head Supervisor immediately. You should send a follow-up email to your Head Supervisor and CC. volunteer@rootsandblues.ca. Failure to notify your Head Supervisor may result in volunteer follow-up and possible removal from the SAFMS volunteer program.
Your first point of contact should always be your Head Supervisor. If you can’t get ahold of your Head Supervisor, you can contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@rootsandblues.ca
The festival offers 4-day tent only camping to volunteers at a discounted rate.
If you wish to bring a camping trailer, please purchase regular camping at regular prices on our website. Due to the high demand for regular festival camping, ROOTSandBLUES is unable to accommodate a special rate for volunteers in our main campgrounds. We appreciate your understanding regarding this matter.
ROOTSandBLUES only allows certified service dogs on the festival site and campgrounds.
Volunteers are provided with an East parking pass which is located diagonally across from the ROOTSandBLUES festival office. Please see the map above under East Parking Map.
Collect your parking pass when you pick up your volunteer package (t-shirt, wristband etc)
Due to the information the ROOTSandBLUES volunteer department requires each year, all volunteers will have to fill out a new form and attach a new photo. Filling out the form confirms your intentions. We do know how important a simplified returning volunteer process is for many of you. Please know we have heard you and we are doing our best at this time. We hope for your understanding and patience.
Returning volunteers who have filled out an application are guaranteed placement on their crews until May 15, 2026. After that date, they are still welcome to return, but may have to transfer to another area if their crew becomes full.
Snacks and sandwiches are available at the Volunteer Lounge starting the Friday of the event. For set up or tear down shifts, we ask volunteers to eat before or after their shift as most shifts are only 4 hours long. Always bring a water bottle with you and stay hydrated. Please do not consume alcohol before or during your shift. You must remove your volunteer t-shirt before consuming alcohol.
YES, click here for Festival Map
You can also pick up a crew specific map at the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society Volunteer Department, please give us a call at 250-833-4096 or send an email to volunteer@rootsandblues.ca During the event weekend, you can pick up maps and more at Volunteer Services, which is located at EAST GATE.
Please check your email’s junk folder before calling. If you have not received any emails by please call 250-833-4096 and ask for the Volunteer Department.
Yes! Google Maps has an estimated walk time of 21 minutes from the ROOTSandBLUES festival site to the Wharf and Marine Peace Park.
Please note that ROOTSandBLUES does not offer showers.
Feel free to call the Salmon Arm Rec Centre to ask if they offer showers.
SASCU Recreation Centre
2550 10th Avenue NE
Salmon Arm, BC
Phone: (250) 832-4044
Estimated walk time 44 min
Estimated drive time 6 min
Please check near the main gate for a self-serve bike lock-up. We are in the process of upgrading our current bike lock station.