Writers Fest Volunteer Team

Do you love books, ideas, and dialogue about literature? Consider volunteering with the 38th annual Vancouver Writers Fest this fall! From October 20 to 26, 2025, the Vancouver Writers Fest will welcome more than 20,000 attendees to Granville Island and thousands more from around the globe through our online streaming platforms. Featuring 87 events at venues of all sizes, and 128 authors from Canada and points around the world, the Writers Fest offers audiences the opportunity to listen to world-leading writers in conversation about a range of themes. The Vancouver Writers Fest is made possible through the support of amazing volunteers. This is the perfect opportunity for those who enjoy exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue.

The Vancouver Writers Fest is made possible through the support of amazing volunteers.

Oct 20 - 26, 2025

12 hr minimum for festival week

Shift times vary depending on your assignment. Some shifts start as early as 7:30 am (even on Saturday and Sunday) and evening shifts can run until (and occasionally past) midnight!

Some of things our wonderful volunteers do include:
-Administration (Reception desk)
-Author Hospitality
-Author Transportation
-Book Sales
-Box Office (Ticket Sales)
-Distribution/Delivery of program guides
-Event Assistants
-Food & Beverage
-Festival Ambassadors
-Front of House
-Production
-Raffle Ticket Sales
-"Ready for anything" Floaters

Perks:

Volunteers who fulfill their 12-hour commitment receive one free ticket to a festival event, awarded through the Volunteer Ticket Lottery.
10% discount at the Festival Book Store at The Fishbowl (100-1398 Cartwright) during the Festival
Free admission is also possible for most events where unsold seating is still available (excluding premium events). Show your Volunteer badge to the event box office
For shifts that take place during Festival Week (Oct 20 – 26): Access to the Writers Fest Volunteer Lounge, with snacks and a daily prize draw!
Volunteer party with open mic on Nov. 13
Reference letters on request

Commitment:
A 12 hour minimum commitment for Festival Week volunteers is strongly preferred, though not necessary. Please note that volunteers can only be entered into the ticket lottery when they commit to 12 hours.

Full-time students are only expected to commit to a minimum of 6 hours of shifts, but are not entered into the ticket lottery unless they commit to 12 hours.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

*Volunteers who work all of their hours prior to the Festival are asked to serve at least 15-20 hours. This is because they will be free during Festival Week to see events, whereas Festival Week volunteers will be busy fulfilling their assignments.

Volunteer Orientation will take place on Tuesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 16 from 6pm to 8:30pm on Granville Island. Volunteers will only need to attend one session.