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MEMBER'S AREA

BESTIVAL VOLUNTEER INFO

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BESTIVAL 2026 KEY INFO

VOLUNTEERS: Please check in 15 minutes before your shift starts to give yourself time to get to your station.

Festival Date: Friday September 11 / Saturday September 12 2026

Vendor Setup Hours: Friday 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

Festival/Vendor Open Hours: Friday 5:30 to 10:30 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM

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NOTE: This is a draft sitemap, it may change in the days leading up to BESTIVAL.

SITEMAP

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Confirmed Volunteer Information

Welcome! You’re officially part of the BESTIVAL crew! We’re so happy you’ve chosen to spend part of your festival weekend helping make the LOCAL KICKASS FUN happen.

BESTIVAL runs Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, 2026. Your confirmation email will include your assigned shift, role, check-in time, and any role-specific instructions.

Please review this page before the festival and keep your confirmation email handy.

Before Your Shift

Before festival weekend, please:

  • double-check the date and time of your shift;

  • let us know as soon as possible if your availability changes;

  • review any instructions sent for your specific role;

  • dress for the weather and for being active outdoors; and

  • arrive ready to have fun, help out, and meet some great people.

 

Some volunteer assignments may change as festival needs evolve. We may ask you to help in a different area, but we’ll always explain what is needed and make sure you feel comfortable with the task.

NOTE: Some Saturday morning shifts start at 9AM, please make sure to be here by 8:45 because the kids activities begin at 9AM.

Parking and Vehicle Access

Download, print and display your Volunteer Parking Pass. Please use only the volunteer parking location beside Argyle Park identified in the current sitemap. Since Belmont is closed, access is through the alley behind the stores. There is additional parking at Catalyst if the Volunteer parking area is full. 

Checking In

Please arrive at the volunteer check-in location (the orange i on the sitemap below) 10 to 15 minutes before your shift.

At check-in, you’ll:

  • meet your volunteer lead;

  • receive your stylish BESTIVAL volunteer shirt;

  • learn where you’ll be stationed; and

  • have a chance to ask questions before getting started.

 

Please check in before going directly to your assigned area so we know you have arrived.

What to Wear and Bring

BESTIVAL is an outdoor, rain-or-shine festival, so please check the forecast and come prepared.

We recommend bringing:

  • comfortable, closed-toe shoes;

  • weather-appropriate clothing;

  • sunscreen, a hat, or rain gear as needed;

  • a refillable water bottle;

  • any medications or personal items you may need; and

  • a fully charged phone (and battery pack if necessary).

 

Please avoid clothing or accessories that could make it difficult to move safely or perform your assigned role.

During Your Shift

Your volunteer lead will explain your responsibilities and will be available if you need support.

While volunteering, please:

  • be friendly, welcoming, and respectful;

  • follow instructions from your volunteer lead, festival organizers and security;

  • ask questions whenever you are unsure;

  • remain in your assigned area unless asked to move;

  • report safety concerns or incidents right away; and

  • let your lead know before taking a break or leaving your shift.

 

You are not expected to handle a medical emergency, physical confrontation, or unsafe situation yourself. Find a volunteer lead, security team member, festival organizer, or emergency responder and let them take over.

 

For liability reasons, volunteers are not permitted to supervise booths or sell on behalf of marketplace or food vendors at the festival. 

Breaks, Water, and Food

We want our volunteers to be comfortable and well looked after.

Your volunteer lead will help coordinate breaks based on the length and needs of your shift. Water will be available, but bringing a refillable bottle is strongly encouraged.

Snacks will also be available. If your shift is long, we encourage you to pack a meal or try one of the yummy food vendors. 

 

Please tell your volunteer lead if you are feeling unwell, overheated, overwhelmed, or need a moment to reset. Asking for help is always okay.

Creating a Welcoming Festival

BESTIVAL is built around community, creativity, and LOCAL KICKASS FUN.

Please treat attendees, performers, vendors, fellow volunteers, local businesses, residents, and festival partners with kindness and respect.

Harassment, discrimination, threatening behaviour, abusive conduct, fraud, deceitfulness, or unsafe activity will not be tolerated. You do not need to solve every problem yourself. When in doubt, bring the question or concern to your volunteer lead.

Photos and Social Media

Photos and video may be taken throughout BESTIVAL, and volunteers may appear in festival coverage or promotional materials.

You’re welcome to share your BESTIVAL experience on social media, but please:

  • avoid posting private attendee or participant information;

  • do not share internal documents, access codes, or emergency procedures;

  • before posting close-up photos of someone, ask them permission; and

  • direct media questions or official requests to the BESTIVAL team.

 

Feel free to tag us #BESTIVAL #BESTIVALvolunteer and show everyone what a fantastic volunteer crew looks like!

If Your Plans Change

Life happens. If you can no longer attend your shift or expect to be late, please tell us as soon as possible so we can adjust the schedule. Contact: volunteer@belmontvillagebestival.com

Please do not simply skip your shift without letting us know. Even a quick message makes a big difference.

Guitar Giveaway

Confirmed 2026 BESTIVAL volunteers who meet the Contest requirements and opt in receive ten entries in the BESTIVAL Guitar Giveaway.

The prize is a new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 Acoustic/Electric Guitar donated by Long & McQuade.

Full Contest Rules and entry information are available at: www.belmontvillagebestival.com/contest

Volunteer Terms

By volunteering at BESTIVAL, volunteers agree to follow:

Where these instructions conflict with the BESTIVAL Participant Terms & Conditions, the Participant Terms & Conditions govern.

Thank You!

BESTIVAL could not happen without its volunteers.

Whether you are welcoming visitors, helping performers, supporting vendors, assisting with activities, keeping things organized, or jumping in wherever needed, you are a huge part of what makes the festival work.

Thank you for bringing your time, energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit. We can’t wait to BESTIVAL with you!

Contact us

HEADLINE SPONSORS

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GOVERNMENT SPONSORS

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Bestival has been brought to you by Canadian Heritage.

We couldn't have brought you this event without their support!

Belmont Village Bestival acknowledges that the land on which we live and work today, is of the Haldimand Tract within the territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee people. We are thankful to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who care for these territories and those across the province.

© 2017 - 2026 Belmont Village Bestival

Join our newsletter mailing list! Ontario residents will get an entry to win a new guitar from Long & McQuade (value $1159)

Existing subscribers will automatically receive an entry.

By entering this giveaway, you agree to the Official Contest Rules and the BESTIVAL General Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement.

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