VOLUNTEER
SUPPORT OUR EVENTS
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO BRING CULTURE TO OUR COMMUNITY
We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit that relies on the dedication, talent and support of our Volunteers. As a volunteer, you support an event that not only enhances, but defines life in our community.
We seek friendly, reliable and enthusiastic volunteers who want to experience DC and the cherry blossoms in a unique way!
CELEBRATING FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
Each year we present the National Cherry Blossom Festival Barbara Ehrlich Volunteer of the Year (BEVY) Awards, which highlight outstanding volunteers whose dedicated service to the Festival made a significant difference and exemplify the Festival values of friendship and community spirit.
Mike Auldridge
The BEVY Award
Recognizes the all-around volunteer who commits more than the average amount of time, is flexible and adaptable in their volunteer roles as leader and doer, and whose contributions ensure a positive interaction with the Festival, for staff, other volunteers, and attendees alike.
Courtney Ferguson
The BEVY Rising Blossom Award
Recognizes a first-year volunteer for their exemplary service in their debut of volunteering with the Festival.
Lauren Brown
The BEVY Leadership Award
Recognizes one of our “Champion” volunteer members for their excellence in leadership, dedication, and service in their role.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please sign up for our newsletters to be the first to know when applications open:
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are volunteer roles for everyone! We also have group volunteer opportunities available at special events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®. If your workplace or organization is interested in group volunteer opportunities, please contact volunteer@ncbfdc.org.
The Opening Ceremony celebrates the kick-off of the National Cherry Blossom Festival through a showcase of great American and Japanese talent. Volunteer Roles May Include:
- Line Managers
- Merchandise Sales Assistants
- Ushers
- Talent Coordinators
Note: The Opening Ceremony volunteer roles are available to Lead Volunteers only.
The Blossom Kite Festival kicks off the kite-flying season as enthusiasts and spectators enjoy a day of kite competition and craft on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Volunteer roles include:
- Event Set Up Assistants
- Kite Cops (yes you get a badge!)
- Kite Activities
- Information Tent
- Kite Assembly
- Hospitality
- Event Breakdown Assistants
Participate in the nation’s grandest display of spring time pageantry with top entertainment, seen by hundreds of thousands live and on TV. We have over 600 shifts available on the day of Parade alone! Volunteer roles include:
- Parade Balloon Handlers
- Parade Banner Carriers
- Talent Wranglers
- Parade Ushers
- Parade Dispersal
- Streetmosphere Assistants
- Prop Coordinators
- Ticketing Assistants
- Merchandise Set-Up/Sales
- Parade Assembly Assistants
Petalpalooza is a full day of art, music, and play! Petalpalooza includes interactive art installations, live music, a spectacular fireworks show, and more. This is an all-day event with the following volunteer roles:
- Petalpalooza Activities
- Information Tent Volunteers
- Merchandise Set-Up/Sales
- Stage Managers
- Zone Managers
- Lounge Coordinator
- Operations Crew
Attendance at the walk through meeting is required for all Lead Positions.
Volunteer amongst the Blossoms! This convenient location at the Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Parking Lot offered by the National Park Service and its partners provides visitor services, first aid, souvenirs, interactive entertainment, books and more. Park Rangers and volunteers (where you come in) are on hand to answer questions about the Festival. Volunteer roles may include:
- Production Team Assistants
- Engaging Visitors at Information Tent
- Assist with Hands on Activities
Be a part of the 2022 Petcare Team! We are so excited to announce that the Better Cities for Pets ™ a Mars Petcare Program is back! The partnership will continue to help the Festival be pet ready and to ensure pets attending are healthy, happy and safe. As part of the partnership with Mars Petcare, the Festival will provide pet comfort services throughout the Festival.
Volunteer roles may include:
- Supporting Yappy Hours
- Engaging with event attendees at the Pet Comfort stations at Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza and the Tidal Basin
- Assisting with distribution giveaway items
From time to time, we have volunteer opportunities at our office located at 1275 K Street, NW. Volunteer roles may include:
- Assisting with mailings
- Assisting with Pre-Event Prep
- Auction Prep
If you are interested in being on our Office Volunteers list, please click here to let us know.
Lead Volunteer Opportunities
All Signature Events have specialized volunteer roles reserved for Lead Volunteers only. These roles have more responsibility and involvement in production aspects of our events. We need dedicated, talented and enthusiastic volunteers willing to take on the challenge (and reward) of being a Lead Volunteer!
Join the Volunteer Facebook Group
Once you join the volunteer community, connect with the Festival Volunteer Facebook Group! Meet fellow volunteers, stay up to date with upcoming news, and more.
Volunteer Handbook
Facebook Group
For more information on our volunteer program, shifts, responsibilities and more please check out our volunteer handbook available here!
We post news and updates on our Volunteer Facebook Group. Check it out!
MEET THE EEC
Event Execution Committee
Established in 2017, each year the Festival invites dedicated, talented volunteers to serve on our Event Execution Committee (EEC) a leadership committee for the NCBF Volunteer Program. Our EEC focuses on three major areas related to our Volunteer Program: Information, Hospitality and Volunteer Engagement.
