VOLUNTEERING
Radical Participation at Happy Castle
Whether it’s at Happy Castle Art Camp, your own community, or wherever else life takes you, participation is at the heart of everything we do. For our first-ever art festival, your involvement is what will bring this dream to life. Whether you’re slinging paint, building structures, offering skills, sharing resources, getting tickets or simply spreading the word—whatever you contribute, you’re helping create something incredible.
The Happy Castle Art Festival is more than just a reward for our backers—it’s the first heartbeat of what Happy Castle is becoming. Your participation doesn’t just make the event happen—it builds the entire commune and makes dreams into reality. It shows the world what we can accomplish together. Life is meant to be lived fully, with intention and creativity. So bring your energy, your curiosity, your voice, and let's make something spectacular together. Let’s build a commune!
This is more than a festival—it’s the beginning of a movement. A movement towards sustainability, self-sufficiency, self-actualization, and community. And you’re a vital part of it.
VOLUNTEERING TO WORK THE FESTIVAL
A big part of community is contributing to the bigger picture. Our first festival will take a lot of work to pull-off and we want your help. Are you ready to be more than just a festival-goer? Volunteering at Happy Castle isn’t just about lending a hand; it’s about being part of the magic that makes it all happen.
We’re calling on those who truly believe in our vision—people who want to help bring this festival to life in a big way. Whether you’re helping with setup, working the info booth, manning the merchandise stand, running the box office, or even being part of our emergency services team, there are countless ways to get involved. By joining our team, you’ll get exclusive behind-the-scenes access, unique perks that regular attendees won’t have, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped build something truly incredible. Whether you're passionate about seeing Happy Castle succeed or just looking for an unforgettable experience, volunteering gives you the chance to connect with amazing people, learn new skills, and make lasting memories. Don’t just attend the—create the festival you’ve always dreamed of! Fill out our form and learn how you can help.
Perks of Working at the Happy Castle Art Festival
Joining the team at the Happy Castle Art Festival is not just about volunteering; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant community while enjoying a host of exclusive perks designed to enhance your festival experience. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our dedicated crew:
​Exclusive Merchandise
As a member of our festival team, you'll receive unique festival merchandise that’s not available to the general attendees. This includes specially designed apparel, collectible items, and branded gear that celebrates your contribution and showcases your involvement in this amazing event. Wearing your exclusive merch becomes a badge of honor, connecting you with fellow crew members and festival-goers alike.
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Crew Wristband
The Crew Wristband grants you access to designated crew-only areas, such as lounge areas, shaded rest spots, and backstage access to performances, enhancing your ability to navigate the festival with ease and convenience. The Crew Wristband also allows you to freely exit and enter the festival grounds as needed, making it easier to manage personal errands, enjoy downtime, or take a break when you want.
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Special Campsites and Amenities
Enjoy access to specially designed Crew Campsites during the festival! As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to stay in specially designated areas that offer a more tranquil and spacious atmosphere, equipped with essential amenities that most other campsites do not have. You’ll have a comfortable and convenient space to rest after your shifts, allowing you to recharge and fully enjoy the festival festivities.
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Community Building Opportunities
Working at the festival is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for art, sustainability, and community, particularly the commune's fulltime members. Engage in meaningful conversations, forge new friendships, and collaborate on projects that resonate with your values. These connections extend beyond the festival, fostering a network of support and camaraderie that lasts long after the event ends.
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Discounted Tickets
In appreciation of your hard work, you’ll receive discounted tickets for the festival, making it easier to invite friends and family to experience the magic of Happy Castle. Share the joy of art, music, and community with your loved ones, all while enjoying a reduced entry fee.
Extended Stay with Early Arrival and Late Departure
As a volunteer, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to arrive early and stay late at the festival. This means more time to explore the grounds, connect with other volunteers, and soak in the creative energy of the event before the crowds arrive. Enjoy a more leisurely experience before the hustle and bustle begins and take your time packing up after the festival ends.
Intimate Exclusive Events
In addition to the main festival activities, volunteers and organizers are invited to participate in exclusive, intimate events held on the Early Arrival and Late Departure days. These gatherings may include workshops, small group discussions, and special performances, providing a unique chance to engage with artists and fellow volunteers in a relaxed setting. This is your opportunity to deepen your understanding of the festival’s mission, learn new skills, and be part of a creative community that thrives on collaboration and connection.
JOBS
Setup Team
The Setup Team is the backbone of the Happy Castle Art Festival, arriving early to ensure that all essential public structures and art installations are ready for the festivities. Your hands-on approach will help create the welcoming atmosphere that defines our community. As you set up various elements throughout the campground, you’ll also be on the lookout to assist guests and artists as they arrive and establish their own campsites, ensuring everyone feels supported and ready for an unforgettable experience. You help create an atmosphere of community and cooperation, adding an extra dimension to Happy Castle that isn't found at other festivals.
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Setup Lead
As the Setup Lead, you will oversee the logistics of the setup process, coordinating team members and managing the assembly of public spaces and art installations. Your organization and leadership will be key in ensuring that everything is in place before the festival kicks off. You’ll also serve as the go-to person for any questions or assistance needed by guests and artists during setup, facilitating smooth communication and collaboration among all participants.
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Setup Crew
As a member of the Setup Crew, your role will involve a mix of tasks, from erecting tents and installing art pieces to providing hands-on assistance to guests and artists as they prepare their campsites. Your friendly demeanor and willingness to lend a hand will foster a sense of community and support, helping to create an inviting environment for everyone. You’ll be the friendly face that helps ensure that all aspects of the festival are set up and ready to go, making it a memorable experience for all.
Info Booth Crew
The Info Booth Crew serves as the friendly navigators of the Happy Castle Art Festival, staffing several key locations throughout the campground to help guests find their way and make the most of their experience. Your role is vital in ensuring that everyone feels welcome and informed, whether they’re looking for event schedules, art installations, or essential facilities.
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Info Booth Lead
As the Info Booth Lead, you’ll oversee the operations of the information booths, coordinating team members and ensuring that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date. You’ll be the point of contact for any inquiries, helping to manage guest questions with a smile and directing them to where they need to go. Your leadership and communication skills will help create a positive and efficient atmosphere for both guests and crew members.
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Info Booth Crew Member
As a member of the Info Booth Crew, you’ll be stationed at one of the various info booths around the campground, ready to assist guests with their questions and provide information on scheduled events, locations of art pieces, and essential facilities. Your friendly and approachable demeanor will help create an inviting environment, making it easy for attendees to navigate the festival and discover all that Happy Castle has to offer. Whether it’s directing someone to Lost and Found or pointing out the nearest bathrooms, you’ll be an essential resource in enhancing the overall festival experience.
Parking Team
The Parking Team plays a crucial role in creating a smooth and enjoyable arrival experience for all guests at the Happy Castle Art Festival. You’ll guide attendees to their campsites and direct vendors and artists to their designated areas, ensuring everyone knows where to go and that no one sets up in reserved spots or blocks important roads and pathways. Your presence will help maintain order in the parking lot, keeping traffic flowing and access clear for a safe and enjoyable festival experience.
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Parking Lead
As the Parking Lead, you’ll oversee the entire parking operation, managing team members and ensuring all areas are utilized efficiently. You’ll coordinate with vendors, artists, and festival teams to address any concerns or changes in parking and camping logistics, ensuring that everyone arrives at the correct locations. Your leadership will be essential in maintaining a friendly and organized atmosphere as guests and participants find their way around the festival.
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Parking Staff
As a member of the Parking Staff, your primary responsibility will be to assist guests as they arrive, directing them to the appropriate parking areas and campsites. You’ll also play a key role in guiding vendors and artists to their predesignated spots, helping ensure a smooth setup process. Your helpful demeanor and clear communication will create a welcoming environment, making sure every guest, vendor, and artist feels at home from the moment they arrive.
Trash Team
The Trash Team is essential in keeping Happy Castle’s grounds clean, beautiful, and respectful of the land we’re developing. While we promote a "Leave No Trace" culture, accidents happen, and your job is to make sure any discarded items or trash are picked up and properly disposed of. Roaming the campground during and after the event, you’ll be responsible for collecting trash, recycling or composting when possible, and maintaining the natural beauty of the desert.
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Trash Team Lead
The Trash Team Lead oversees the entire crew, ensuring the festival grounds stay clean and presentable. You’ll coordinate daily clean-up routes, manage supplies like trash bags and gloves, and ensure full bins are regularly emptied. You'll also monitor Lost and Found for any important items discovered by the crew. Your leadership is key in ensuring Happy Castle lives up to its "Leave No Trace" ideals.
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Trash Team Staff
As a Trash Team Staff member, you'll be on patrol, picking up any items left behind, whether it’s a forgotten water bottle, misplaced hat, or discarded wrapper. You’ll also help sort out recyclables, ensuring the festival’s eco-friendly values are upheld. You’ll be walking the festival grounds and campground, making sure the landscape remains pristine while contributing to the festival’s overall vibe of respect for the environment.
Fire Safety Team
The Fire Safety Team is a critical part of the Happy Castle Art Festival, ensuring all fire-related performances, installations, and communal fires are safe, controlled, and mesmerizing. This role isn’t just about safety—it’s about creating unforgettable moments while ensuring guests can enjoy the heat worry-free. As part of the team, you’ll be responsible for monitoring fire performances, art installations, and communal fires, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. You’ll collaborate with performers, ensuring they’re trained and equipped to manage fire safely, while also being prepared to handle any fire-related emergencies.
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Fire Safety Lead
As the Fire Safety Lead, you’ll oversee the entire Fire Safety Team, coordinating with fire performers, artists, and other festival teams. Your responsibilities include ensuring that all fire installations and performances comply with safety regulations and are up to code. You’ll lead safety briefings with your crew and artists to ensure everyone understands proper procedures, and you’ll monitor weather conditions like wind to determine if fire activities need to be adjusted or paused. In case of any hazards, you’ll lead the emergency response. Your leadership is vital in balancing the thrill of fire performances with the safety of everyone involved.
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Fire Safety Crew Member
As a Fire Safety Crew Member, you’ll help set up and manage fire safety perimeters around installations, performances, and designated burn areas. Acting as a fire spotter, you’ll be equipped with fire extinguishers and other necessary equipment, always ready to respond at a moment’s notice. You’ll assist with the setup and takedown of pyrotechnic displays and fire art installations and ensure guests and volunteers are educated about safe fire practices. At nighttime, you’ll patrol the festival grounds to ensure all communal campfires, torches, and fire installations are safely under control. Your job is to ensure the fire remains a captivating part of the festival without posing any danger to attendees or the environment.​
Medical Team
The Medical Team at Happy Castle Art Festival is dedicated to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of all attendees. As part of this team, you’ll respond to medical situations, provide care, and assist with health and wellness needs in the festival environment. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries or more serious conditions, your role is vital in maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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Medical Team Lead
As the Medical Lead, you’ll oversee the entire Medical Team, coordinating emergency responses and ensuring that your crew is prepared for anything from minor injuries to more significant health issues. You’ll manage medical stations, ensuring they are well-equipped and staffed, and you’ll be the point of contact for other festival teams if a health-related emergency arises. Your leadership helps maintain a safe, supportive environment, ensuring that Happy Castle remains a place of joy and exploration, without compromising health and safety.
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EMT/First Responder
As an EMT/First Responder, you’ll provide essential medical care during the festival, handling anything from minor scrapes to more serious incidents. You’ll be stationed at medical tents or circulating the grounds, ensuring that help is always available. You’ll assess the health issues of attendees, offer first-aid, and determine when additional medical intervention is necessary. You may also assist in transporting individuals to designated rest areas for further care.
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Medical Support Crew
As a member of the Medical Support Crew, you’ll assist EMTs and first responders in providing medical care. You’ll help keep the medical tents clean and organized, and you’ll be on the lookout for festival-goers who may need assistance, especially in high-traffic areas. Your role includes distributing water and helping attendees manage the desert heat, ensuring that everyone remains safe and hydrated throughout the event. You'll patrol the event and often be the first-point of contact for guests seeking medical attention as well as attend to less serious injuries.
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Wellness Specialist
As a Wellness Specialist, you’ll focus on the mental and emotional well-being of festival attendees. You’ll help guide people to rest and recovery areas, offering support to those feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted. Your duties also include leading wellness workshops, offering advice on self-care, and ensuring that attendees have access to calm, relaxing spaces where they can recharge.
Security Team
The Security Team is the backbone of safety and peace at the Happy Castle Art Festival, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the event in a secure and welcoming environment. Your primary responsibilities include monitoring wristbands at entry points, checking vehicles for prohibited items, and maintaining order throughout the festival grounds. You’ll play a crucial role in creating a safe atmosphere where creativity and connection can flourish.
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Security Lead
As the Security Lead, you’ll oversee the entire security operation, managing team members and ensuring that all protocols are followed. You’ll coordinate with law enforcement when necessary and handle any escalations or conflicts that arise during the event. Your leadership is vital in maintaining a balance between safety and the festival's vibrant atmosphere, ensuring that guests feel secure while still having fun.
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Security Staff
As a member of the Security Staff, your role involves checking wristbands at entry points and conducting inspections of vehicles to ensure no prohibited items are sneaking in. You’ll be on the lookout for potential conflicts, stepping in to mediate and maintain a peaceful environment. Your vigilance and presence will help everyone feel comfortable and safe, allowing the festival to thrive in a harmonious setting.
Merchandise Tent Team
The Merchandise Tent Team is essential for showcasing the spirit of Happy Castle Art Festival! You’ll help bring our unique creations to life, ensuring that guests leave with a piece of the experience to cherish. From clothing to stickers, buttons, enamel pins, flags, and hats, your role is to create an inviting and engaging shopping experience for all festival-goers.
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Merchandise Lead
As the Merchandise Lead, you’ll oversee the entire merchandise operation, managing inventory and ensuring everything is displayed attractively. You’ll coordinate with other festival teams to promote merchandise, track sales, and handle any issues that arise during transactions. Your leadership will help create a vibrant atmosphere in the tent, encouraging guests to explore and purchase items that celebrate the festival and fund the commune.
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Merchandise Staff
As a member of the Merchandise Staff, your responsibilities include ringing up purchases, keeping inventory organized, and assisting guests in finding the perfect festival keepsake. You’ll engage with attendees, sharing the story behind our merchandise and ensuring a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Your enthusiasm and knowledge will help guests feel excited about their purchases, making their festival experience even more memorable.
Artist Coordinator Team
The Art and Performance Coordinator Team at Happy Castle Art Festival is responsible for bringing the creative vision of the festival to life. You’ll coordinate a wide variety of performances, installations, and workshops, ensuring that each artist has the support and resources they need. From live music and fire performances to interactive art installations, you’ll play a key role in delivering a dynamic and unforgettable experience for attendees.
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Lead Performance Coordinator
As the Lead Performance Coordinator, you’ll play a pivotal role in organizing and scheduling our diverse lineup of artists, performers, and instructors. From yoga classes and DJ sets to fire performances and live music, you’ll manage all aspects of the performance schedule, communicating directly with artists and performers to ensure that every act has a time and place to shine. You’ll work closely with the performers to understand their technical needs, schedule time slots, and manage locations across the festival grounds. You’ll troubleshoot any last-minute logistical challenges, coordinate with other festival teams, and ensure that performances stay on time and run smoothly. Your leadership will help shape the artistic flow of the festival, making sure each performance is a highlight for both artists and the audience.
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Performance Crew
As a member of the Performance Crew, you’ll assist with setting up performance spaces, coordinating with artists, and managing the flow of performances. You’ll help with the setup and breakdown of stages, ensure equipment is ready, and manage transitions between acts. Your role is hands-on, putting you in the heart of the action, making sure each performance goes off without a hitch and that artists have everything they need to create their magic.
SHARING YOUR ART
Putting the Art in the Happy Castle Art Festival
At the Happy Castle Art Festival, we believe that artists and creators are the very soul of our celebration, infusing our community with vibrancy and imagination. By volunteering to perform, you’ll not only have the opportunity to showcase your unique talents and gain valuable exposure to an audience that values artistic creativity but also to actively shape the atmosphere and culture of the festival you envision. Your art matters deeply to us, as it has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and forge connections among attendees.
We invite you to embody the spirit of creativity that defines Happy Castle, and to contribute to an immersive experience that resonates with everyone present. As a performer, you’ll be at the heart of our artistic endeavors, helping to craft a festival that reflects our collective passion and values. We encourage you to apply for an art grant to support your creative journey with us; your contributions can make a lasting impact and elevate the festival experience for all. Join us in this celebration of art, community, and self-expression—we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring!