volunteer with seafair

Seafair volunteers are the heart and soul of our tradition.

For 75 years, your support has kept the spirit of Seafair alive and well. We are beyond excited to welcome back our returning volunteers and celebrate with our first-time volunteers!

This summer, Seafair offers volunteer opportunities at Seafair Summer Fourth, Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade, and Seafair Weekend Festival featuring the Boeing Air Show and Seafair Hydroplane Races.

there’s something for everyone

Volunteers are the people behind the scenes who ensure that every attendee has a memorable and positive experience. A lot goes into offering a truly exceptional event, and volunteers are the people who execute much of the work. Duties vary by event but may include set up, take down, hospitality, volunteer coordination and check-in, ushering, information booth, security, first aid, runners, photography, social media, and behind-the-scenes operational duties.

Do you have a special skill like carpentry, plumbing, CPR, driving a forklift, or a dive certificate? Are you a boat owner? We have teams that can use your talents, such as the emergency management / medical team, the shore patrol, the dive team that sets up the hydroplane racecourse, and the highly skilled construction team that builds out the venues.

Questions? Email Volunteer@seafair.org We will assist you in finding the role and shift that works best for you.

who can volunteer?

Just about anyone who is excited to dedicate time and energy into our awesome events! But we do have some requirements for legal and safety reasons.

• Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older by the day of the event for which they are volunteering; however, an exception can be made for those participating as part of an organized and supervised group such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, sporting teams, school or church groups, etc.

• Volunteers younger than 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian complete our Parental Permission Form for the day(s) of the event.

· An adult (s) will be assigned to supervise, train and coordinate. All questions and concerns should be forwarded to this person.

· Documentation of hours for school credits will be signed off by the adult team leader

· All volunteers must be registered before July 1st and will receive a volunteer t-shirt.

teens and groups

Volunteering with Seafair is a great way to get involved and give back to your community. We offer flexible commitments to accommodate your schedule. Plus, we provide adult supervision and have precautions in place to ensure your safety.

As a teen volunteer, you may have the opportunity to work in a variety of roles, including event setup, customer service, and more. You'll gain valuable experience and skills that will help you in your future endeavors.

  • Members of this team will assist in directing patrons & participants in parking in one of the designated parking lots. Hours of operation start at 7:30am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until lots are full. Seafair Weekend - August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

  • Gophers are needed to assist various committees with a variety of tasks, including but not limited to hanging banners, delivering items, and odd jobs as needed. Seafair Weekend - August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

  • Scan tickets, greet attendees, and assist with line management. Shifts start at 8:00 am. Seafair Weekend - August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

  • No cash handling. All sales are made via wifi. A friendly smile goes a long way in this position! Seafair Weekend - August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

  • Security Team Volunteers have some of the best views for watching the races. Security volunteers are the eyes and ears of the “Pit” area where all the hydroplane boat camps are situated. Security teams allow only those with proper credentials into the hot pit fenced area. Any problems or concerns are passed on to the Security Chair who will handle the situation. Security volunteers work together with Police, Police Explorers and Fire Departments.

seafair family groups

In addition to volunteering for a specific Seafair event, there are many other opportunities to get involved and contribute to Seafair's vibrant community.

Our volunteer families offer a range of unique and exciting experiences and are among the most dedicated and fun-loving groups you'll meet.

They are involved in various events throughout the year across the Puget Sound region. If you're interested in becoming a part of this dynamic community, you can learn more about the Seafair Boat Club, Seafair Clowns, Seafair Commodores, Seafair Parade Marshals, and Seafair Pirates.

volunteer guidelines

Once you register you will be able to view the full volunteer guidelines and requirements. Here are some of the basics:

Code of Conduct: Treat everyone (visitors, participants and other volunteers) with courtesy. Never discriminate for age, gender, or race. Remain calm and level-headed in all situations. If problems occur, please contact a staff member, your team leader or a committee member. We are there to assist you.

Shift Completion: At the end of your shift, if you have not been relieved, please tell a supervisor and stay in your area until a replacement comes. If this is the final or only shift of the event, please check with your supervisor before leaving your shift.

Dress Code: Volunteers must wear the volunteer t-shirt that is provided to them with pants, shorts or capris and comfortable tennis shoes. Dress code may vary for specific volunteer roles. Please bring a jacket, hat, or sunglasses as is appropriate for the weather.

Attendance: We depend on your commitment to participate. Your presence and prompt arrival for your scheduled shifts are absolutely necessary. When you commit, you commit to the selected shift(s) and the entire shift time.

Weather: Our events are rain or shine, so please do not let rain stop you from coming – we still need you! For your comfort, dress according to the weather forecast. Volunteers will be notified in case of extreme weather conditions.

Placement: Please note, the Seafair Festival reserves the right to reassign volunteer assignments based on prior volunteer experience, unexpected needs or shifts in events. We will do our best to honor your first choice, but it is not guaranteed. The Seafair Festival utilizes nearly 3,000 volunteers for our events and programs; at times, schedule adjustments may be necessary. Thanks in advance for your understanding, flexibility, and patience!

major volunteer events

seafair weekend festival

  • August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2024. Genesse Park.

  • Do you have a special skill like carpentry, plumbing, CPR, driving a forklift, or have a dive certificate? Are you a boat owner? We have teams that can use your talents, such as the emergency management / medical team, the shore patrol, the dive team that sets up the hydroplane racecourse, and the highly skilled construction team that builds out the Seafair Festival.

    We are looking for approximately 300 volunteers to make this event a success. Duties may include set up, take down, gate agents, hospitality, volunteer coordination, and check-in, ushering, information booth, security, meals, first aid, runners, photography, social media, and behind-the-scenes operational duties.

    All volunteers will earn (2) tickets to the festival. Sign up with your family or friends, enjoy the festival, and give back to our community.

amazon seafair summer fourth

  • July 4th, 2024. Locations: Gas Works Park, Lake Union Park, Lake Union

  • Join us for Seattle’s favorite sky spectacle show on July 4th! We need volunteers to help us host this wildly popular Seattle tradition and ensure the fireworks display runs safely.

    There are all types of duties, including venue set up, take down, volunteer check-in, ushering, information booth, security, first aid, runners, photography, social media, and behind-the-scenes operational duties. Make a difference in your community, volunteer with friends, and enjoy the fireworks show as the day’s grand finale!

alaska airlines seafair torchlight parade

  • July 29th, 2024. Location: Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle

  • The key to the success of this event can be summed up in one word – Volunteers!

    Everyone loves a parade – and the Torchlight Parade has been a Seattle tradition since 1950. Be part of this rich history and join our volunteer team (individually or in groups) to manage floats, marching bands, drill teams, and pirates.

    There is a role for everyone, including assisting the parade marshals, checking in volunteers, directing attendees to their seats, giving directions at the information booth, providing security, and other operational roles.

    See the parade in a new way, make new friends, celebrate in the community, and make an impact!

Thank you, Volunteers!

“The reason I volunteer for Seafair is very selfish. It is for the intrinsic rewards! I love using my experience and skills to coordinate, organize, problem-solve, and manage events. Working with other volunteers and creating a community, seeing the smiles on attendee’s faces at the end of each day is the best reward.”

Mariana, Deputy Race Chair for Seafair Weekend

“Lots of work goes into making Seafair happen every year, and nothing beats that moment that I’m standing on the tower and feeling the Blue Angels as they fly over my head. It never gets old.”

Ian, Airshow Chairman

Seafair signature partners

Boeing
Alaska Airlines
Amazon
Apollo Mechanical Contractors