Volunteer at Cajun fest!

opportunities available

Cajun Fest relies on a team of volunteers to bring the event to life. With various roles to choose from, there's a spot for you! All volunteers must be over the age of 13, and for certain positions (as noted in the description), 18 or older. Work your designated shift to receive your Cajun Fest ticket and volunteer t-shirt. Secure your shirt by signing up before May 30; it will be distributed upon your arrival for your shift. Thank you in advance for your willingness to help celebrate Cajun culture and support local charities! For any questions, please email Volunteer Lead Karter Smith at karterksmith@gmail.com.

  • Our setup and tear down crew will transform Des Moines into the Iowa Bayou and back! Setup volunteers ensure the event is ready by arranging tables and chairs, preparing activities, placing signage, and assisting with pre-event cleanup. Tear down are the unsung heroes helping clean up tables and chairs, remove signage, and supporting all post-event cleanup.

  • Be the first to welcome event-goers to a ragin’ Cajun good time with Southern hospitality! Volunteers provide attendees with proper credentials, manage check-ins, direct attendees to activities, and answer questions.

  • VIP attendants provide exceptional service with Southern hospitality, meeting the needs of VIP guests. Specific roles will be assigned on the day of Cajun Fest, with responsibilities possibly changing throughout your shift. VIP Attendants handle tickets, drinks, clean-up, and wayfinding. All VIP Attendants must be 18 or older, as they may be serving or delivering drinks.

  • Crawfish, jambalaya, beignets, oh my! Support master chefs in preparing the best Cajun food in the Midwest. Volunteers ensure proper food stocking, equipment readiness, and timely delivery to attendees.

  • Keep the beverages flowing! Support lead bartenders at bar stations by delivering drinks to attendees, maintaining inventory, and ensuring the bar area is clean. Volunteers must be 18 or older, as they may be serving or delivering drinks.

  • Cajun Experience floaters embrace diverse roles to help bring the Mardi G!as experience to life! From helping with decorations and bead/mask making to face painting and interactive kids’ activities, enjoy a little bit of everything in this fun role.

  • The cleaning and sanitation crew ensures attendees feel safe in a clean environment. Be an event hero by sanitizing surfaces, restocking hand sanitizer, cleaning common areas, removing trash, and more.