Volunteer at Irish Fair of MN

The Irish Fair of Minnesota and its mission are POWERED BY VOLUNTEERS!

Every year, over 600 volunteers generously donate their time and talent across multiple events to bring Irish dance, music, and culture to Minnesota. We invite you to be part of our community and look forward to welcoming you!

 

Who can be a volunteer with the Irish Fair?

The Irish Fair is committed to creating an environment of inclusivity and diversity. We welcome volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. (We do prefer volunteers 16 and older due to the nature of some of the work but will work with families to see if there are good options for children younger than 16.)

Perks of being a volunteer

Besides the warm fuzzy feeling of giving back to your community, being a volunteer with the Irish Fair of MN has its perks, which include:

  • free snazzy t-shirt
  • free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
  • free weekend admission to the fair
  • free parking on the day you volunteer
  • free beverage ticket that can be used for an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage
  • ​volunteer appreciation party after the fair

*For every shift you complete, you will be entered into a drawing for a prize (to be announced), awarded at the volunteer appreciation party. 

Volunteer position descriptions

There are many types of opportunities available. We can help you find one that is best suited to your interests and abilities. Click on each position to read more about the position and to register for it.

Note: We request that all volunteers attend one session of Alcohol Awareness Training, regardless of their position, to ensure everyone knows the Fair's policy for handling guests who have had a little too much to drink. This training is MANDATORY for positions that serve alcohol or check IDs, identified in the position descriptions. Please plan on attending one session in person. Dates and times of training sessions for 2024 are below:

  • Tuesday, July 30 from 6-7:30pm (location is TBD)
  • Sunday, August 4 from 3-4:30pm (location is TBD)
  • Thursday, August 8 from 6-7:30pm in the Pub Tent on Harriet Island

Volunteer Positions

Artist Advocate

 

Get ready to snag the best seat in the house while supporting incredible talent! Be up close and personal with musicians, poets, storytellers, and artists of all stripes as an Artist Advocate during your volunteer shift. Your mission? To make sure our artists have everything they need to dazzle the audience and ensure a fantastic experience for all.

Responsibilities include:

  • Helping artists with the nitty-gritty of stage setup—think positioning chairs and microphones, making sure everything's just right.
  • Tweaking the sound to perfection, or teaming up with a sound tech to get it spot-on!
  • Being the artists' go-to for anything they need, from refreshments to keeping an eye on their personal items and equipment.
  • Collaborating with the stage area managers, Christine and Greg, to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone has a blast.

It's not just about the responsibilities; it's about being part of a community that brings art to life. Come join us and play a pivotal role in creating unforgettable moments!

Beverage Runner

Keep the beverage stations stocked and ready to keep guests cool! When beverage stations or the pub tent are running low on supplies, the beverage runner comes to the rescue by delivering and redistributing supplies per the direction of the Beverage Operations Lead.

Responsibilities include:

  • coordinating with beverage stations
  • lifting kegs, cases of soda and water. and bags of ice
  • transporting soda, water, and bags of ice to beverage stations via golf cart

Qualifications: 

  • must be able to lift up to 150 lbs. with assistance

Beverage Tent Bartender

Have a blast serving drinks (with and without alcohol) and working with other great volunteers! You'll laugh while you pour, sell, and serve drinks to all the thirsty guests. Bring a friend and enjoy the memories together!

We have three beverage tent locations to choose from: Beverage East Tent, Cub Pub Tent, and Guinness Pub Tent.

Responsibilities include:

  • working a point-of-sale system and collecting payment
  • checking guests’ IDs and putting wristbands on them
  • pouring the perfect pint
  • keeping the beverage coolers stocked and cold

Restrictions: 

  • must be 21 or older for this position. 
  • must be able to stand for the length of the shift
  • must attend mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training session in person (annual requirement)

Box Office Sales Associate

Be the first smiling face Irish Fair guests see as they enter the Fair! You will be assigned to one of two gates after registration.

Responsibilities include:

  • using a point-of-sale system to sell tickets
  • checking-in advance ticket holders 
  • answering general guest questions

Fair Set-Up/Tear-down Team Member

Bring the Irish Fair of MN to life by creating the framework that will support the festivities...or help tear it down.

Set-up responsibilities include:

  • moving supplies from the pavilion to the applicable tent
  • setting up folding chairs in front of stages
  • assembling dance floors
  • assembling fencing

Tear-down responsibilities include:

  • disassembling and packing up materials and equipment for various venues
  • loading materials and equipment on pallets for return to the warehouse
  • making sure we're leaving Harriet Island in pristine condition

Qualifications:

  • moderate lifting in teams
  • must be able to lift 30 lbs (preferred)

Notes:

  • Bring work gloves and a power drill with charger, if available 
  • Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for light construction. 

Green Team Member

Help keep the Irish Fair green! Join our Green Team to help make sure we're being good stewards of the environment. Each volunteer will be assigned to a Green Station to monitor what goes into each bin (recycling, organics recycling, or trash). You will receive training on what items are recyclable and compostable so you can help guests discard items appropriately. You will be stationed under a tent for your shift and have the option to sit, if needed.

Responsibilities include the following:

  • helping guests understand what can be placed in the recycling bins to help ensure a clean recycling stream
  • educating guests on what can be recycled to ensure we're collecting as many recyclable items as possible
  • ensuring only recyclable items are placed in the recycling bins and only compostable items go in the organics recycling bins (gloves and trash pickers will be provided
  • You may be asked to spot check recycling bins around the fair to ensure they are free from trash.

Qualifications:

  • a basic understanding of why recycling and organics recycling is so important
  • a basic understanding of what items can be recycled and what can't be

Info Booth/Welcome Booth Attendant

Do you have the gift of gab? Wish guests céad míle fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes) to the Irish Fair of Minnesota at the Info Booth/Welcome Booth!  

Responsibilities include:

  • being an ambassador for the Irish Fair of MN by being welcoming and helpful
  • providing maps/directions and programs
  • assisting with lost property (lost & found)
  • responding to frequently-asked questions, (e.g., performance times, restroom locations, etc.)

 

Merchandise Booth Set-Up Team Member

Do you have an interest in merchandising? Help set up the Merchandise Booth that will send guests home with keepsakes from their visit to the Irish Fair of MN. 

Responsibilities include:

  • unpacking merchandise boxes
  • stocking tables and shelves
  • creating an organized and appealing display

Merchandise Booth Sales Associate

Do you have a knack for retail and customer service? Volunteer at the Merchandise Booth and send guests home with keepsakes from their visit to the Irish Fair of MN. The Merchandise Booth is always located next to the Main Stage, so you get “front row-adjacent” seats for performances!

Responsibilities include:

  • providing excellent customer service to guests
  • using a point-of-sale system and collecting payments for merchandise
  • keeping Irish Fair and performer merchandise stocked and displays tidy
  • taking inventory of merchandise
  • last shift on Sunday will help tear down the booth and pack everything up

Photographer

Do you have what it takes to capture the essence of the Irish Fair? Are you able to think on your feet with a camera in your hand? We are looking for help from experienced photographers (professional or amateur). Registering for this position does not guarantee a spot. Our Photography Manager will reach out and conduct a short interview to see if this position is a good fit.

Signage Set-up Team Member

Help bring the Irish Fair to life by hanging all the signs that let people know what's what.

Responsibilities include: 

  • hanging signs and banners around the grounds

Qualifications: 

  • must be able to lift 30 lbs
  • must be a motivated/hard worker who can take direction from the Area Manager and execute
  • must be able to kneel frequently to set zip ties

Volunteer Check-in Team Member

Are you organized and have a knack for efficiency? Help keep the Irish Fair running smoothly by assisting at the Volunteer Check-in Booth. 

Responsibilities include:

  • welcoming and checking-in volunteers
  • distributing volunteer t-shirts, name tags, and beverage tickets 
  • directing volunteers to their work locations
  • providing general volunteer support

Whiskey Experience

Are you a whiskey aficionado? Share your knowledge with guests at the Whiskey Experience. Guests are able to try different kinds of whiskeys and whiskey cocktails all in one area.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to, maintaining alcohol compliance checks, mixing (simple) drinks, pouring shots, opening cans of premixed cocktails, working the register, maintaining the event space, and other duties as necessary to ensure a fantastic whiskey experience for our guests.  Knowledge and love of whiskey is not required, but is helpful.  If you would like to be an advocate of this uniquely Irish spirit, please volunteer.

Responsibilities include:

  • working a point-of-sale system and collecting payment 
  • checking guests’ IDs and putting wristbands on them
  • serving whiskey to guests and telling them a little bit about each one
  • mixing a small variety of (simple) whiskey cocktails to order (bartending experience preferred)

Qualifications: 

  • must be 21 or older for this position
  • must be able to stand for the length of the shift
  • must attend mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training session in person (annual requirement)

Zero K Assistant

Assist with the Zero K – the 3ft “race” where everyone is a winner! 

Responsibilities include: 

  • selling tickets to participate in the race
  • checking in participants and providing race t-shirts 
  • explaining to participants how the Zero K works 
  • directing participants to the infield 

Qualifications:

  • moderate lifting in teams.

Marketplace Set-up/Tear-Down Team Member

Help bring the Irish Fair to life by being part of the Marketplace Set-Up Team! Create the Marketplace where the vendors will set up shop. Or, join the Marketplace Tear-Down Team and help disassemble the Marketplace and pack it away neatly for next year.

Set-up responsibilities include: 

  • positioning tables and chairs
  • hanging signage
  • helping vendors unload merchandise and supplies

Tear-down responsiblities include:

  • disassembling tents
  • moving tables s and chaairs
  • removing signage
  • helping vendors load merchandise and supplies into their vehicles

Qualifications: 

  • must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs.

VIP Hospitality Team Member

Are you passionate about creating an exceptional VIP experience for people? Do you have a passion for hospitality? As a VIP Hospitality volunteer you will play an important role in creating special memories for our VIP guests. 

Responsibilities include:

  • assisting with set up, tables, chairs, kitchen area, food storage and organization
  • hanging signage, and decorations
  • packing supplies at the end of the day
  • food prep and service: Maintaining a clean area in VIP area and keeping snacks filled. This may require using a knife. 
  • maintaining hot and cold food stations during lunch and dinner service
  • serving food or providing information to VIP guests 
  • serving of alcoholic drinks (must be 21)
  • washing dishes and preparing food for the following day
  • checking IDs and handing out VIP wristbands.
  • general positive attitude and willingness to assist VIP guests and performers. 

Qualifications:

  • must be 21 or older for this position
  • must attend mandatory, in-person Alcohol Awareness Training session (annual requirement)
  • labeling and good organization skills are helpful 
  • ability to lift or move up to 25lbs occasionally (totes, crates of beer, wine) - not necessary for all volunteers
  • ability to stand or walk for the entire shift. Sitting may be needed during food prep otherwise you’ll be moving and mingling for the majority of your shift.