Our winter extravaganza returns again this February 5-7, 2026! ✨ If you are a returning Block Heater volunteer, you have been contacted directly to ask for your intentions for the 2026 season.
Want to join our team? Click here to fill out the new volunteer application.
11th annual Block Heater Festival
47th annual Calgary Folk Music Festival
No newsletters available
What is Block Heater?
Heading into our 11th year, Block Heater is an annual winter music musical celebration that brings together diverse programming in the heart of Calgary’s downtown. This year the majority of programming will be at The Confluence.
Let’s party and make new friends at our shows which will warm your soul this winter. See you there!
BH Volunteer Opportunities
With varied crews spread across multiple venues, our small but mighty Block Heater volunteer team offers hands-on event experience in unique and high-energy spaces.
We are currently accepting new volunteers - fill out the application here! If you are a returning Block Heater volunteer, you have been contacted directly to ask for your intentions for the 2026 season.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
We have volunteer opportunities for folks 13+. Please note, our youth volunteer positions are limited, so be sure to check each crew’s age requirements before you request to join.
Block Heater Youth Crews:
Volunteer ID (13+) - currently full.
Eco crew - spaces available.
All other crews are 18+.
What is the hourly commitment?
While exact hours vary crew to crew, this year most Block Heater volunteers are required to volunteer for one or two concert blocks during the event (approx. six hours each).
What type of duties can I expect?
Duties will vary from crew to crew! Check out our crew catalog for a more detailed look into what each crew does.
What should I bring as a volunteer?
Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can direct any questions to the Volunteer Services Team at vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.
What are the volunteer benefits?
Frontline Block Heater volunteers get access to the following:
*Only for volunteers choosing 2 shifts
How do I redeem my complimentary ticket?
Confirmed volunteers for Block Heater 2026 are eligible for a free ticket to a concert block.
The process for ticket redemption will be shared in the volunteer newsletter. Tickets will be emailed, and volunteers are responsible for bringing their ticket to the performance. Badges are not sufficient for concert entry.
When do I get my volunteer supplies?
We host package pick-up events volunteers to come pick-up their volunteer packages. Package contents include:
This year, package pickup will be held at the Confluence the following times:
February 1, 2026 | 2pm - 5pm
February 3, 2026 | 5pm - 8pm
Do I need to bring anything to the package pick-up?
Please be sure to come with the name of your crew! If you can’t make it and have a friend picking up your package, make sure they have your first and last name and name of your crew.
What if I can’t make it to one of the scheduled package pick-up dates?
While we ask that you attend the package pickup dates, we understand that things happen. Volunteers who have missed the scheduled package pick-up dates can grab their items from the Venue Supervisor on the first shift. Make sure to come early to get your package and have a chance to change into your volunteer shirt. Please email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com to let us know you require this arrangement.
What happens if I can’t attend one of my shifts?
We can’t run the festival without our volunteers, so we’re counting on your attendance! It’s expected that you show up for all of your scheduled shifts. In the case of illness or an emergency, email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com right away. If you fail to show up for a shift and do not let us know, you may be permanently removed from the volunteer program.
I will be late for a volunteer shift, what should I do?
Let us know as soon as you do! Send us an email at vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.
Block Heater contests
We love seeing all of your Festival photos! Send vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com your best shots from this year’s event by February 28, 2026 for your chance to win a folk-mazing prize! Please note that any photos submitted may be featured on our social media.
What is Festival Hall?
Within the CFMF's building, Festival Hall (FH), we are able to present the diverse indie, roots, traditional, and world music the Festival is known for, all year round. Not to mention private booking such as weddings, speaking events and birthdays!
FH volunteer opportunities
Directly recruiting from our loyal CFMF volunteer base, the Festival Hall Volunteer Program operates with over 40 people on our mailing list. We rely on the support of our volunteers to help us run a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, orientations, and meetings.
We are not currently accepting applications for the FH Volunteer Program. Existing FH volunteers will be contacted with season updates and volunteer opportunities as they arise. If you are interested in joining our waitlist, please email vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.
What is the Calgary Folk Music Festival?
The Calgary Folk Music Festival (CFMF) was founded in 1980 and is produced by the not-for-profit Folk Festival Society of Calgary (FFSC).
This annual family-friendly musical extravaganza takes place on the last weekend of each July; and has been held at Calgary's Prince’s Island Park since its inception. Diverse programming presents 70 some artists across seven stages; ranging from local favourites to international artists, there is sure to be something for everyone. Come be a part of the magic and join the community of over 50,000 Calgarians and tourists as we gather for good music and great times!
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“The CFMF volunteer experience is second to none! I wanted to see Booker-T play, which is why I volunteered, however after the volunteer experience I had I will definitely be back next year to volunteer!!! Great team, great food, and a great vibe! Thank you.”
- 2024 volunteer
Returning volunteers
You will be receiving an email in March when it is time to confirm your intentions. While we cannot 100% guarantee your previous spot on your crew, if you log in early to confirm it is highly likely you will retain your spot.
New Volunteers
We will begin to accept new volunteer applications in April. Keep your eye on our website for more instructions!
@cfmfvolunteers