Volunteer at Wabash Riverfest July 11, 2026

Join the dedicated team of volunteers who make Wabash Riverfest a reality. This event wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable support of our volunteers.

Volunteers make Riverfest possible

In addition to enjoying our festival as a participant, we have lots of different opportunities to experience Wabash Riverfest as a volunteer. Volunteer slots are typically one to two hours. There’s something for everyone at various experience levels and different levels of physical ability. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Try-a-canoe

Experienced paddlers are needed to take both kids and adults out on the Wabash for a fun and safe first experience in a canoe. Teach basic paddling and take a short trip away from the riverbank and back. Paddling experience necessary.

If you’re not able to paddle, but you’d love to be on the riverfront, we also need folks to help at the paddling check-in booth. You’ll make sure everyone signs a liability waiver, gets fitted for a life jacket, and makes it to their boat.

Face Painting and Coloring Station

Hang out near the center of the action at Wabash Riverfest and paint festival goers faces or help kids color nature pictures. No experience needed! We provide paints, templates, crayons, and coloring pages. No heavy lifting required, and picnic tables provided.

5K Route Guides and Water Station

Help our 5K runners stay hydrated and on track! Route guides will hang out at intersections and make sure runners take the right turn. Water table workers will set up the table, fill cups with water, dispose of used cups, and cheer on the runners! This is a job for early risers; our race starts at 8am and you’ll start working around 7am!

Volunteer booth and Info Booth

We need volunteers to help festival participants and volunteers find the bathroom or the various festival activities. Volunteer booth volunteers will check in volunteers, provide them with a t-shirt, and direct them to their station. Info booth will give basic festival information to festival goers, and encourage people to vote for the conservation award winner. Chairs provided!

Bike Rodeo

Bike rodeo volunteers will fit children with free helmets, direct them through a bike course, and teach them on-the-road safety practices like signaling and right-of-way. Volunteers will be on their feet, but not lifting heavy items.

Clean up Rafts

Float trip participants will pull their boats out of the water near the Brown Street Overlook. Raft clean up volunteers will help haul rafts up and carry them to the clean up area, spray rafts off, and wipe them down. Heavy lifting and walking is involved!

Set up or tear down

Setting up the festival and tearing it down is a big job! Volunteers will set up tents, place signage, pick up trash, pack up supplies, and place chairs and tables. Heavy lifting and lots of walking are involved!

Volunteer Perks

Every volunteer will receive a free Riverfest t-shirt that was designed by a local artist.

When you commit to volunteering for more than one shift, you’ll receive your choice of one reward for every additional shift you work.