The 2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival - June 16-21

Bar crew volunteers make and serve beverages at Old Market Square to patrons who purchase beverages from Bar Sales volunteers. Bar ‘runners’ serve canned drinks while relaying drink orders to ‘barbacks’ who prepare mixed drinks. These enthusiastic, friendly crew members spend their shifts on their feet, helping to set up, clean up and serve beverages in a responsible manner while listening to live music. 

Duties 

• Set up bar service under the direction of the Bar Crew Coordinator(s).

• Work closely with Bar Sales volunteers to receive, communicate, and fulfill drink orders. 

• Serve drinks to patrons responsibly.

• Report observed irregularities in alcohol service, inventory, or security to the Bar Crew Coordinator.

• Keep the bar area clean at all times during the festival. 

• Clean up & close bar service when on closing shift. 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Smart Choices Responsible Service Certification is an asset.

• Energetic, friendly and responsible.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work with a team. 

• Ability to work some late night shifts. 

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the festival.

• Must be prepared to work outside in all types of June weather.

• Must be willing to stand for long periods during your shift.

• Must be comfortable working in a loud and busy bar environment.

• Ability to lift 25 pounds (11.4 Kg) or less is an asset. Please advise Crew Coordinator for any restrictions. 

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 12-16 hours (in 4-5 hour shifts) during the festival.

Bar Sales volunteers sell alcoholic drinks to Jazz Festival patrons at Old Market Square. Volunteers work at the front line of the bar, effectively processing cash and card payments while helping to communicate drink orders to Bar volunteers. Bar Sales volunteers will work individually (no longer in pairs) to process payments, and will be paired with a Bar Crew ‘runner’ who will fulfill drink orders. This crew enjoys speaking with patrons, and working in a fast-paced atmosphere. 

Duties

• Sell alcoholic beverages to patrons at the OMS bars using Square POS terminals.  

  • Process electronic and cash payments with Square POS. 

  • Communicate orders to Bar Crew ‘runners’, who fulfill drink orders.

• Keep all cash and receipts safe at all times. 

• Liaise with Finance Crew volunteers to ensure safe transport of cash and receipts. 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Energetic, friendly, and responsible.

• Effective communication skills.

• Ability to work individually and with a team. 

• Able to multitask and problem solve in a busy environment.  

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Able to accurately process financial transactions. 

• Basic cashier handling an asset. 

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the festival.

• Must be prepared to work outside in all types of June weather.

• Must be comfortable working in a loud and busy bar environment.

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at 12-16 hours (in 4 hour shifts) during the festival.

Are you “Green Minded” and love live music? If so, the Enviro Crew is the perfect place for you. As an environmental ambassador, you get to move around during concerts, maintaining the cleanliness of Old Market Square. This includes the areas around the stages, seating areas, bars, and vendor market. 

Duties 

• Empty & sort garbage and recycling containers throughout the site.

• Act as a Festival Ambassador as you go about your duties.

• Encourage patrons to use the waste reduction facilities, such as recycling bins.

• Re-stock toilet paper in porta potties.

• Ability to do some heavy lifting is an asset, but not required of all crew members.

• Ideally participate in the final clean up during tear-down at the last night of the festival.

Skills & Knowledge 

• Able to manoeuvre on site independently without assistance. 

• Ability to work as a team and on your own. 

• Knowledge of environmental issues an asset. 

Requirements

• You must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the festival.

• Must be prepared to work outside in all types of June weather.

• Must be willing to walk for extended periods.

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 12-16 hours (in 3-4 hour shifts) during the festival.

Event Safety Crew volunteers are considered festival safety ambassadors. Crew members function as the eyes and ears of the event, monitoring crowds to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all spectators. Event Safety Crew volunteers work at various locations throughout the festival and follow the Event Safety Volunteer No Force Policy. 

Duties 

• Act as the eyes and ears of the festival, keeping a look out for any issues.

• Assist with crowd control and help restrict access to backstage areas (and other areas as assigned). 

• Help ensure the safety of volunteers, festival attendees, Jazz Winnipeg merchandise, and festival equipment. 

• Act as an ambassador, always promoting the Jazz Festival.  

• Notify the Event Safety Crew Coordinator, professional security team, or Jazz Winnipeg staff of any safety issues that arise. 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Ability to work with a team.  

• Flexible and adaptable nature.

• Effective communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Requirements

• You must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the festival.

• Must be prepared to work outside in all types of June weather.

• Must be willing to stand for extended periods during your shift.

• Understand and abide by the Event Safety Volunteer No Force Policy.  

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 12-16 hours (in 4-6 hour shifts) during the festival.

Working in pairs, finance crew volunteers are responsible for ensuring funds raised through donations, bar sales, raffle, walk-up box office, and merchandise are properly recorded and reconciled for deposit every day of the festival. This crew’s important work ensuring the safety and security of funds raised in various venues are key to the festival’s success.

Duties 

• Create cash floats for Bar Sales and Raffle volunteers. 

• Reconcile proceeds from all sales, and prepare deposits. 

• Complete daily financial paperwork for Jazz Winnipeg accountant.

• Review and reference Square sales reporting when reconciling sales.

• Keep all cash and receipts safe at all times. 

• Liaise with Event Safety Crew volunteers to ensure safe transport of cash and receipts for all venues. 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Background in managing money in a retail or accounting setting is essential.

• Ability to work with a team. 

• Effective communication skills.

• Able to multitask and problem solve in a busy environment.  

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Able to accurately process financial transactions and conduct reconciliations.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the festival.

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 10-12 hours (in 3.5-4.5 hour shifts) during the festival.

Front of House (FOH) crew volunteers serve as the first point of contact for Jazz Festival shows - welcoming guests, selling tickets, providing information and direction, and scanning tickets for entry. FOH volunteers work with Venue Managers and alongside Merchandise volunteers to ensure patrons have an enjoyable experience and that concerts run successfully. 

Duties 

• Familiarize yourself with all details about the Festival to assist patrons. 

• Provide information to patrons about performances, venue details, facilities, and directions at venues.

• Scan tickets at venues and troubleshoot patron ticketing issues as they arise.

• Process payments for walk-up ticket sales using Showpass and Square POS. 

• Encourage patrons to fill in the Jazz Festival survey about their experience. 

• Work alongside Merchandise crew, and manage basic merch sales with the help of Venue Managers when needed.

• After indoor performances, ensure all patrons have left, check for forgotten items.

Skills & Knowledge 

• Energetic and friendly with effective communication skills.

• Able to multitask and problem solve in a busy environment. 

• Comfortable using electronic POS devices.

• Able to accurately process financial transactions.

• Able to manage inventory, and professionally display product for sale.  

Requirements

• You must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the Festival.

• Must be willing to stand for extended periods during your shift.

• Ability to work some late night shifts.  

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 12-16 hours (in 4-5 hour shifts) during the Festival.

The Merchandise crew collect, set up and sell Jazz Winnipeg and performer merchandise at the Old Market Square (OMS) Jazz Store and at performance venues. This crew enjoys helping fans purchase merchandise to support performers, while helping to promote festival information. This crew manages inventory and processes payments from patrons. 

Duties

• Liaise with Jazz Winnipeg staff, Venue Managers, and performers to complete inventory of all merchandise prior to selling.

• Process payments using Square POS terminal.

• At the end of the shift, complete inventory count, balance sales, and verify performer payment amounts. 

• Help to deliver festival information to patrons and promote the festival survey.

• (OMS) Set up and sell festival and artist merchandise at the Jazz Store, alongside simple concessions items.

• (Venues) Work alongside Front of House volunteers and manage artist merch with the assistance of Venue Managers.

Skills & Knowledge 

• Energetic and friendly with effective communication skills.

• Able to multitask and problem solve in a busy environment.  

• Comfortable using electronic POS devices.

• Able to accurately process financial transactions.

• Able to manage inventory, and professionally display product for sale.  

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the Festival.

• Must be willing to stand for short periods during your shift.

• Ability to work some late night shifts.  

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 12-16 hours (in 4-6 hour shifts) during the Festival.

Raffle Crew volunteers sell raffle tickets (using Square POS devices) at Old Market Square to help raise money and support the festival. As a Raffle volunteer, you get to move around between songs and enjoy the music and atmosphere as you interact with patrons and contribute to the festival spirit.

Duties 

• Gather all materials for your shift, such as signage, tickets, POS machine, and float prior at the start of your shift. 

• Approach Jazz Festival patrons to sell raffle tickets using a POS machine and/or cash. 

• Act as an ambassador, promoting the Jazz Festival.  

Skills & Knowledge 

• Effective communication and customer service skills.

• Enthusiasm for speaking with new people.

• Able to work in a team with little or no supervision.

• Comfortable using electronic devices and handling cash.

• Experience volunteering as a 50-50 or raffle ticket volunteer is an asset.

Requirements

• You must be 16 years of age or older at the start of the festival.

• Must be prepared to work outside in all types of June weather.

• Must be willing to stand for long periods during your shift.

• Must be willing to walk for extended periods.

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 12-16 hours (in 3-4 hour shifts) during the festival.

Stage and Set-Up volunteers set up and tear-down seating, stage, bars, and other infrastructure at Old Market Square (OMS) at the start and end of the Jazz Festival. During the festival, this crew works backstage under the direction of Stage Managers to assist production and technical staff with changeovers between sets and other duties during on-stage performances.

Duties 

• Set-up and prepare OMS with tables, chairs, tents, fencing, water station, garbage bins, signage, umbrellas, and other infrastructure.

• Assist with daily stage set-up and tear-down as needed. 

• Assist production and technical staff with changeovers between acts during performances at OMS and other venues under direction of Stage Managers. 

• All Stage and Set up Crew volunteers are asked to help with tear down at OMS on the Sunday after the final performances of Jazz Festival. 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Ability to work with a team.  

• Ability to take direction and carry out assigned tasks. 

• Experience working with on-stage musical equipment is an asset. 

Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age or older at the start of the festival.

• Must be prepared to work outside in all types of June weather.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. 

• Must be willing to stand and walk for extended periods during your shift.

• Ability to work some late night shifts. 

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Ethics and all policies referenced in the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Handbook.

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 12-16 hours (in 3-4 hour shifts) during the festival.

Transportation Crew volunteers pick up and transport Jazz Winnipeg performers throughout the festival at all times of day and night. Transpo Crew members are often the first person performers meet when arriving in Winnipeg, so they act as excellent ambassadors for the festival. They are problem solvers and responsive to all transportation requests by their Crew Coordinator. 

Duties 

• Pick up and transport festival talent and management from the airport to hotels and performance venues as scheduled.   

• Act as an ambassador, promoting the Jazz Festival and Winnipeg. 

• Assist with moving performer bags (not exceeding 50 pounds). 

• Pick up and drop off of supplies and items as requested by the Crew Coordinator.

Skills & Knowledge 

• Must have an up-to-date Class 5 Manitoba Drivers’ Licence (standard).

• A Class 4 Manitoba Driver’s License is an asset, (for larger vehicles), not essential.

• Mature, flexible and adaptable nature, with excellent problem solving skills. 

• Effective communication and excellent interpersonal skills.

• Punctuality and reliability are critical. 

• Drivers are responsible for any parking or speeding tickets incurred. 

Requirements

• You must be 25 years of age or older at the start of the Festival.

• Must be willing to work outside in all types of June weather.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to climb stairs.

• Must be willing to stand for long periods during your shift.

• You must adhere to the Jazz Winnipeg Volunteer Code of Ethics.  

Time Commitment

• Attend one orientation meeting prior to the start of the festival (~1.5 hours).

• Volunteer at least 15-20 hours (in 3-5 hour shifts as assigned) over the course of the Jazz Festival, including some late night or early morning airport runs.