Volunteer

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 admission to the fair
  • 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 of these three sessions in person:

  • Wednesday, August 2 at 7pm (location is TBD)
  • Sunday, August 6 at 4pm (location is TBD)
  • Thursday, August 10 at 6pm in the Pub Tent on Harriet Island

Volunteer Positions

Beverage Tent Bartender

Have a blast serving drinks (alcoholic and non) 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 two beverage tent locations to choose from (East and West) which are mostly the same except for location.

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)

Pub Tent Bartender

Have you been practicing pouring that perfect pint? This is the opportunity to show off your skills in the Pub Tent! Keep guests refreshed by selling and serving them beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at the 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

Qualifications: 

  • must be 21 or older for this position
  • Must attend mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training session (annual requirement).

VIP Hospitality Team Member

Provide VIP guests exceptional hospitality by being part of the VIP Hospitality Team!

Responsibilities include: 

  • cleaning and preparing VIP area for each service: breakfast/lunch/dinner
  • greeting, checking in guests, and providing exceptional hospitality to VIP guests
  • preparing and serving food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
  • helping with kitchen duties and replenishing food and beverages throughout the day

Qualifications: 

  • must be 21 or older for this position.
  • Must attend mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training session in person (annual requirement).

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 whiskey cocktails to order (bartending experience preferred)

Qualifications: 

  • must be 21 or older for this position
  • Must attend mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training session in person (annual requirement).

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 and cases of soda and water 
  • transporting soda and water to beverage stations via golf cart

Qualifications: 

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

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!  This booth also serves as an ID checkpoint for guests who need wristbands to be served alcohol.

Responsibilities include:

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

This position must attend mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training 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

Marketplace Set-up 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. 

Responsibilities include: 

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

Qualifications: 

  • must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs.

Marketplace Tear-down Team Member

All good things must end…until next year! Help disassemble the Marketplace once the Fair is over. 

Responsibilities include: 

  • disassembling tents. 
  • moving tables and chairs. 
  • removing signage. 
  • helping vendors load merchandise and supplies.

Qualifications: 

  • must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs.

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

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.

Fair Set-up Team Member

Bring the Irish Fair of MN to life by creating the framework that will support the festivities.

Responsibilities include: 

  • moving, arranging, and assembling materials and equipment for various venues including dance floors, folding chairs and tables, and fencing

Qualifications: 

  • moderate lifting in teams. 
  • must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Notes:

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

Fair Tear-down Team Member

All good things must come to an end…until next year! Help tear down the framework that supported the Irish Fair’s festivities.

Responsibilities include: 

  • disassembling and packing up materials and equipment for various venues. 
  • loading materials and equipment on pallets for return to the warehouse. 

Qualifications:

  • moderate lifting in teams.

Notes:

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

Signage Set-up Team Member

Are you great at grabbing attention? Be part of the Signage Set-up Team! 

Responsibilities include: 

  • Changing banners around the grounds. 

Qualifications: 

  • must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Floater

Can’t decide which volunteer position to choose? Lucky for us! You will be assigned at Volunteer Check-in to wherever you are needed and meet the position’s qualifications.

This position must attend mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training in person (annual requirement).

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

Artist Advocate

Spend your volunteer shift with the best seat in the house for musicians, poets, storytellers, and other artists! Your job is to ensure the artists have what they need to share their craft with the audience and that everyone has a positive experience. 

Responsibilities may include: 

  • assisting artists with light stage set-up (chair and microphone positioning, etc.)
  • adjusting the sound
  • attending to the artists' needs (refreshments, watching over personal belongings/equipment)

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.

Photographer

Do you have what it takes to capture the essence of the Irish Fair? 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.

Tea Service Team Member

Can we call this an Irish Fair without tea? Provide excellent hospitality for Irish Fair guests to enjoy hot tea and coffee with pastries as the Fair opens and after Mass on Sunday.

Responsibilities include:

  • working a point-of-sale system and collecting payment
  • preparing and serving food, tea, and coffee