Volunteering

Volunteer applications for Ilosaarirock 2026 have now closed – a massive thank you to everyone who applied!

All applicants will hear from us by email from [email protected] no later than Friday 3 July. Remember to check your spam or junk folder, too!

If you're selected as a volunteer, you'll receive all the info you need to get ready for the festival, including your volunteer guide and arrival instructions. Make sure to read everything through carefully – you'll find plenty of important practical information to help you prepare for your volunteer experience.

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Looking for an easy way to experience a festival while being part of Ilosaarirock, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how music festivals come together, and meeting amazing like-minded people? Volunteering at Ilosaarirock offers an unforgettable experience for first-timers, seasoned festivalgoers, younger and older participants alike – and for anyone who might not otherwise have the chance to attend.

You don’t need any previous experience, special skills, or professional background. All volunteering at Ilosaarirock is supportive in nature, and there’s a wide range of ways to get involved. You’ll often be interacting with the festival’s wonderful visitors, so a friendly, positive attitude will take you far.

Most volunteering takes place during the festival weekend, from Friday to Sunday, between late morning and evening. Typically, volunteers take part on two festival days, for around 8 hours each.

Ilosaarirock is an all-ages event, but please note that any non-Finnish-speaking volunteers must be at least 18 years old to apply. The recommended minimum age for Finnish-speaking volunteers is 16 years old. For 12–15-year-olds applying to volunteer for the first time, there’s a chance to join us through our Rokki-TET program.

Volunteer Teams

Customer Service

A large part of volunteering at Ilosaarirock involves customer service. You’ll meet festival-goers at the cloakroom, wristband exchange, info point, and staff services. This suits volunteers of all ages, and no special skills are needed – a positive, attentive attitude and an easy smile go a long way.

Recycling & Clean-Up

The recycling and clean-up team helps keep the festival area pleasant and ensures waste ends up where it belongs. Volunteers act as recycling guides and move around the area as part of clean-up patrols. You’ll often be on the move, so good shoes are recommended. What matters most is a proactive and careful approach.

Catering

Catering keeps the festival’s staff and volunteers fueled. At spots like the 'Taukotupa' (a break house for all staff members), you’ll help make sure fresh coffee, tea, and light snacks are always available. No special skills are required, but if you have a hygiene passport or experience with food handling, be sure to mention it in your application.

Site Visuals

Site visuals cover everything you see at the festival – from large structures and art pieces to decorations and finishing touches. Volunteers help put the final touches on the festival area so that Laulurinne looks impressive, welcoming, and vibrant throughout the weekend. It’s very hands-on, but no special artistic skills are required!

All-Rounders

The All-Rounders team is a great fit for people interested in all kinds of volunteering around the festival. Your involvement may include a bit of everything, so a can-do attitude and the ability to adapt quickly are key. This is a great option if you’ve volunteered at Ilosaarirock before or want a broader view of how everything comes together.

Volunteer Perks

All Ilosaarirock volunteers receive a volunteer wristband, which gives access to the festival area for the entire weekend. You can enjoy concerts and the festival atmosphere outside of your volunteering time as well.
Each volunteer receives a staff t-shirt, which changes every year and is worn during volunteering. These shirts aren’t available for purchase – they’re exclusively for summer’s best volunteers!
All volunteers are provided with a hot meal in the staff canteen on their volunteering days. Allergies and dietary requirements are collected during the application process to make sure there’s something suitable – and tasty – for everyone.
'Taukotupa', Ilosaarirock's own staff break house, serves as a shared hangout spot for volunteers and staff, offering coffee, tea, and snacks at a small cost. It’s a great place to take a break or spend time with fellow volunteers.
Volunteers coming from outside central Joensuu can apply for shared accommodation arranged by Ilosaarirock. This is available only during the festival weekend. If you’re taking part before the festival, you’ll need to arrange your own accommodation. Please indicate your accommodation needs in the application form.

Apply as a volunteer

Volunteer applications for Ilosaarirock 2026 have now closed – a massive, heartfelt thank you to everyone who applied! All applicants will be contacted by no later than Friday 3 July.

If you have any questions about volunteering, applying, or the selection of applicants, please don't hesitate to ask: [email protected].

Volunteering

Volunteer applications for Ilosaarirock 2026 have now closed – a massive thank you to everyone who applied!

Apply as a volunteer

Summer’s best alternative festival experience is waiting – welcome to Ilosaarirock as a volunteer!

Are you old enough?