Volunteer

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!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 BEVY AWARD WINNERS!

National Cherry Blossom Festival thanks our amazing volunteers by awarding Barbara Ehrlich Volunteer of the Year (BEVY) Awards for their service.

bevy Rising blossom awards

Karen Darden and Kristin Parker

OVERALL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

David Cleckley

BEVY LEADERSHIP award

Josh Strenger

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

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.

BECOME A LEAD VOLUNTEER

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

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

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

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

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.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

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

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

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

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

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.   

DA7A1758 (1) (1)

Lead Volunteer Opportunities

At each of our Signature Events we have specialized volunteer roles that are 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 who are willing to take on the challenge (and reward!) of being a Lead Volunteer!

Volunteers and Balloon (6)

Group Volunteer Opportunities

We have group volunteer opportunities available at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade! If your workplace or organization is interested in group volunteer opportunities, please contact volunteer@ncbfdc.org.

Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront on Saturday, April 16th, 2022 in Washington. (Joy Asico / Asico Photo)

Volunteer Handbook

Balloon Handler - Smurfette

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. 

CHECK OUT OUR VOLUNTEER BLOG FOR MORE INFORMATION!