Volunteer at the Festival

Northwest Tune-Up is a vibrant, community-forward festival powered by volunteers like you. We're seeking help across teams like ticketing, event, operation, production, security and more. In return, you'll score a 1-day or 3-day festival pass—and a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic comes together.

Check out our various roles below, then click below to schedule your shift(s) using our self-serve platform, FestiVOL. You must create an account to begin.

Contact Amber at volunteer@nwtuneup.com.com with questions or application support.

Apply now

2025 Available Volunteer Roles

  • Event setup
  • Stagehand
  • Event strike
  • Merchandise
  • Box office & ticketing
  • Volunteer check-in
  • Exhibitor crew
  • Zero waste
  • Branding & signage
  • Hospitality
  • Parking & traffic
  • Bike shuttles & events
  • Site operations
  • Security

To volunteer for the beer garden, first aid, bike parking, Cascadia Dirt Cup or Gravel Gran Fundo, please contact the following organizations:

Volunteer FAQs

Are there any perks for volunteering?

Of course! You'll receive a limited-edition NW Tune-Up Volunteer Shirt, plus a 3-day festival pass for every 8 hours you volunteer, or a 1-day pass for a 4-hour shift. All parking, late-night security and late-night zero waste shifts will receive a 3-day pass for a 4-hour shift. Volunteering for Tune-Up is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and get a glimpse into the inner workings of Bellingham’s first bike and music festival.

How does the volunteer application process work?

Start by joining our Volunteer Mailing List. We’ll email you when volunteer sign-up opens, typically in May. (Mailing list folks get first dibs, so keep an eye out!) Once the volunteer registration portal opens, sign up for shifts through our self-serve platform, FestiVOL. You'll get a Tune-Up festival pass in exchange for your completed shift(s).

Do I need a bike to volunteer?

No. Bikes are only recommended for Cascadia Dirt Cup volunteers and Galbraith parking attendant volunteers. Any shift at the Waterfront Festival Grounds does not require a bike.

What kind of qualifications do I need?

A friendly, helpful personality is essential. Volunteers are also required to join our online safety briefing about 1 week prior to the festival. The date, time and URL of the safety briefing will be emailed in advance.

When will I see my volunteer schedule?

After you sign up for festival shifts using our Volunteer Management platform, FestiVOL, you will be able to access your schedule, change/cancel a shift and contact the Volunteer Coordinator and Department Lead anytime. You can also email volunteer@nwtuneup.com for further assistance.

Are accommodations provided for volunteers?

No, we do not provide lodging or accommodations for volunteers.

How do I get to the festival?

Find our address and transportation options on our Getting to the Festival page.

Where can I park while I'm volunteering?

Limited pay parking is available in festival parking lots. We highly recommend taking public transit or riding your bike or walking, if possible. Bike parking by donation will be onsite on the festival grounds. See all transportation options on our Getting to the Festival page.

How do I get my festival wristband?

All volunteers must collect their festival volunteer credentials and festival t-shirt on Thursday, July 11 between 12–6 PM at the Volunteer Check-In tent, located next to the Box Office on festival grounds. Our festival address is 1100 Granary Ave., Bellingham, WA, 98225.

Where do I check in for my volunteer shift?

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In tent at the festival grounds 15 minutes before the start of your scheduled shift. Inform staff about your department and shift, and they'll connect you with your Shift Lead, who will clock you in.

What should I wear/bring to my volunteer shift?

Please check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress appropriately for the conditions. All volunteers are required to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and a supplied festival volunteer t-shirt. We suggest bringing a backpack with the following: refillable water bottle, snacks, hat, sunglasses, cell phone, sunscreen, and jacket/sweater. Weather in the PNW can change drastically from morning to night.

How long are the shifts?

Volunteer shifts are 4-6 hours long. With the exception below, volunteers must fulfill 2 shifts to receive a 3-day festival pass; or 1 shift to receive a 1-day festival pass. Your schedule will confirm your shift lengths, as well as your department crew assignment. You are responsible for ensuring your Shift Leader clocks you in/out on FestiVOL so you can receive your pass. All parking, late-night security and late-night zero waste shifts only need to fulfill a 4-hour shift to receive a 3-day festival pass.

Will I be outside all day?

Yes. Please be prepared to be outdoors.

Will lunch be provided?

All shifts are responsible for their own food, but we will provide non-alcoholic beverages.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

You must be at least 16 to volunteer. If you are under 18, you are required to submit a waiver signed by a parent or guardian before or during the sign-in of your first shift.

What if I already bought a ticket but want to volunteer?

Upon volunteer check-in, simply show proof of ticket purchase. If you complete a qualifying volunteer shift, we’ll refund your pass. Most 4–6 hour shifts qualify for a 1-day pass refund. A 4-hour shift in parking, late-night zero waste, or late-night security earns a 3-day pass refund. Volunteering 8+ hours also qualifies for a 3-day pass refund. Refunds will be initiated the week after the festival and can take up to 7 business days to process.