Volunteer with Pride
Volunteer with Pride!
We want you to find the right fit before you apply — browse the positions, check the FAQs, then hit Apply Now when you’re ready.
Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest!
We’re looking for enthusiastic, welcoming and thoughtful volunteers for the annual Windsor-Essex Pride Festival as well as for our year-round social programs and initiatives.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest; everything we do is done through the hard work of volunteers including our Board of Directors. Whether you do it for the experience, to give back to the community, to meet exciting new people, or just for the joy of volunteering, being a part of the team at Windsor-Essex Pride Fest ensures the continued success of the organization.
Find out how you can add your skills, personality and pride towards this year’s festival or towards our year-round social and recreational programs. Be part of the magic… be the difference… volunteer with us! We value diversity and need volunteers from all backgrounds with a variety of skills. We’re a dedicated group of people that believes volunteering on a festival should be fun!
Why Volunteer
Create new memories and connections while gaining experience in events production, hospitality, and management. Donate your time to strengthen the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, ensuring diversity and inclusivity, and contributing to the well-being of others.
Being a Windsor-Essex Pride Fest volunteer means joining a community that celebrates connection, care, and joy. Volunteering also comes with perks, including:
- Confirmation from our Volunteer Coordinator
- Volunteer Orientation session
- Windsor-Essex Pride Fest Volunteer T-shirt
- Complimentary Meal Voucher
- All the tools and assistance you need to succeed
Volunteer Positions
Every year, hundreds of volunteers support the Windsor-Essex Pride Festival across a wide range of roles and teams. Browse the positions below to find the right fit for you — then complete the application when you’re ready!
Festival Positions
Finance
Admissions volunteers run the box office and handle any issues that come up on the spot. They are trustworthy, have strong customer service skills and experience handling cash.
Note: A criminal record check may be required.
Donations volunteers educate guests on the benefits of membership and contributing to the festival. They have good knowledge of the festival and solid marketing and public relations skills.
Bartenders handle all alcohol service across all of our taverns. This busy role needs people who are friendly, responsible, and experienced behind the bar.
Requirement: A valid Smart Serve Certification is required.
Drink Ticket Sales volunteers handle the sale of drink tickets at the festival. They are friendly, honest, and experienced handling cash.
Requirement: A valid Smart Serve Certification is required.
Merchandise volunteers maintain stock levels for merchandise, tavern supplies, and cleaning supplies throughout the festival. They also make sure program books are stocked and ready for selling.
Logistics
Park and Fence Setup volunteers set up fencing and prepare the park the Wednesday before the festival. They are physically capable and good at taking direction.
Setup volunteers get the site ready for participants, vendors, and performers. Tasks may include assembling structures, moving equipment, and general site preparation. Should be physically capable and reliable.
Tear Down volunteers help break down structures, move equipment, and complete general site cleanup after the festival. Should be physically capable and reliable.
Site Environment volunteers collect garbage, compost, and recyclables, and educate patrons at waste stations about proper sorting. They also de-litter the site and make sure the portable washrooms are stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. They are physically active, comfortable engaging with the public, and don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Vendor Marketplace
Vendor Marketplace Assistants help vendors with setup, teardown, storage, and on-site problem solving. They check in with vendors periodically to make sure everything is running smoothly. Volunteers should have strong customer service and problem-solving skills, as well as the strength to carry product.
Pride Parade
Parade Front Generals set the pace and tone for the parade. Working directly with law enforcement and festival leadership, they manage the flow from the front of the line and handle any situations that arise. Must wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to walk the entire shift.
Mid Generals are positioned at key spots along the route where they monitor crowd flow, flag potential hazards, and communicate with all Marshals and Generals. They pay close attention to major transitions and any sections that tend to get tricky. Must wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to walk the entire shift.
The Rear General makes sure no one gets left behind and that any issues are taken care of. This person should be confident, vocal, and able to work independently until the Front and Mid Generals cycle back to assist. Must wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to walk the entire shift.
Parade Marshals make sure their section runs without a hitch. They’re friendly, observant, and comfortable giving direction to both parade participants and spectators. Must wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to walk the entire shift.
Stage
Volunteer Stage Managers make sure everything and everyone is in place before and during performances. They keep theatre staff informed about the status of the production in real time. These folks are organized, calm under pressure, and have a commanding presence.
Secondary Stage volunteers take on an above-average time commitment. They are team players with a basic knowledge of stage and sound equipment and the physical strength to assist with it.
Stage MCs provide information and messaging to the audience and introduce workshops and performers throughout the festival. They are great on a microphone and have strong public speaking skills.
Green Room volunteers make sure performers have what they need and can relax backstage. They are hospitable, professional, and able to solve problems on the spot. Fluency in languages other than English is an asset.
Access Safety volunteers manage all vehicle traffic moving through the backstage area, including performer buses, delivery trucks, and golf carts. They also keep an eye on the food vendor service road and the emergency access road.
Note: Must be 19 or older. A criminal record check may be required.
Volunteer
Volunteer Check-In volunteers are the first point of contact for incoming volunteers. They must have a good general knowledge of the festival and strong problem-solving skills. A laid-back attitude, good interpersonal skills, and a flexible schedule are all important.
Audience Services volunteers are often approached by attendees with questions about all aspects of the festival — washroom locations, vendor locations, and anything else a guest might need. Strong customer service skills and a friendly demeanour are a must.
Roaming Audience Services volunteers promote awareness of potential site hazards and help implement festival regulations, making sure everyone has a safe and fun time. They know how to handle tense situations with a level head. Good walking shoes and a sense of humour are a must; conflict resolution training is an asset.
Family Area volunteers present and facilitate entertainment, games, and hands-on activities for festival participants of all ages. They should be patient, creative, and have lots of energy to make sure that everyone in the Family Area has a safe and enjoyable time.
Note: A criminal record check is required for this role.
Year-Round Program / Event Support
The Social Program Assistant supports the planning and delivery of social and community-based year-round programs. This role assists with day-to-day program activities, participant engagement, and administrative tasks to ensure programs run smoothly, safely, and inclusively.
Event Assistant volunteers get the site ready for participants, vendors, performers, and others for year-round events. Tasks may include setting up and tearing down structures, equipment, and general event preparation including ticket sales and general support. Should be physically capable and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteer shifts during the festival range between 3 and 6 hours depending on the volunteer position.
On the volunteer application there will be volunteer positions and related shift times. You will have the opportunity to select the shifts that you want to volunteer for.
You only need to sign up for one shift. If you would like to donate more time and sign up for additional shifts, we would greatly appreciate it!
Yes. In order to volunteer with Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, we ask that you attend one of our Volunteer Orientation meetings. Various Volunteer Orientation dates will be provided for you to choose from.
The 2026 Windsor-Essex Pride Festival will take place from August 7–9, 2026 at Lanspeary Park.
No. On the registration form we ask if you are 19+ so that we can ensure there are no underage volunteers at 19+ events. There are plenty of roles open to volunteers of all ages.
Absolutely! There is a role for everyone regardless of ability. There is also an option on the registration form to let us know if you require any accommodations.
Yes! Please contact us at [email protected] to arrange sign-off approval.
How to Apply
Please make sure to follow the instructions carefully and read each section thoroughly. If you have any questions, concerns, access needs, or require any additional help filling in the application form, please contact us at [email protected] before applying — we’re happy to help.
The application is open through July 10, 2026. After applying, all volunteers receive:
- Confirmation from our Volunteer Coordinator
- Volunteer Orientation session details
- Windsor-Essex Pride Fest Volunteer T-shirt
- Complimentary Meal Voucher
- All the tools and assistance you need to succeed
Questions?
Not sure which role is right for you? We can help. Reach us at [email protected].