Volunteer at Festivals & Special Events Across the Lakeshore
Be part of the fun—make a difference this festival season!
The Lakeshore region—encompassing Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties—is known for its vibrant festivals, community celebrations, and special events that bring neighbors together and showcase what makes our communities unique.
This year, we invite individuals, families, community groups, and workplace teams to volunteer and help power the joy behind these events. Whether you're welcoming guests, supporting kids' activities, serving food, or helping with setup and cleanup, there's a role for everyone—and your time makes all the difference.
Volunteering at festivals is a great way to:
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Connect with your community
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Give back while having fun
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Earn service hours
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Enjoy free admission or perks at select events
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Spend quality time with friends, coworkers, or loved ones
Upcoming Opportunities
Below you’ll find links to upcoming festivals and special events across the Lakeshore that are looking for volunteers. Click on any section to learn more about the event and sign up for a shift that fits your schedule.
Len Piasecki believed in combining service with one’s passion and that giving back should be selfless and meaningful. Proud of his Polish heritage, one of his crowning achievements was making the Muskegon Polish Festival a reality in 2016. Len encapsulated his vision in an MLive interview: “We want to plan an event that will be fun, successful, and sustainable for years to come, something the people of Muskegon can be proud of.”
Along with Co-founders Tom Sanocki, Greg Moss and the help of so many passionate others, the Muskegon Polish Festival has become an annual staple of the Muskegon community, bringing together those of Polish heritage and others to enjoy dancing, music, delicious food, and more every Labor Day weekend.
Save The Date!
The annual Labor Day Celebration and Parade is happening on Monday, September 1st in Hackley Park and Downtown Muskegon.
Be part of Michigan’s premier Irish festival! As a 100% volunteer-produced event, we rely on over 1,600 volunteers to create this magical celebration. Join our festival family and receive free entry on your volunteer day, plus an exclusive festival t-shirt.
Join Every Woman’s Place for an unforgettable evening in celebration of 50 years of impact in the West Michigan community. Power of the Purse is a night filled with fun, fashion, and purpose—featuring unique shopping experiences, exciting auctions, interactive games, and more. All proceeds support critical services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This year's event is on Thursday, October 9 at Trillium Event Center in Spring Lake.
Are You Organizing a Festival or Special Event?
Do you have an upcoming community festival or special event in Muskegon, Newaygo, or Oceana County that needs volunteers? We’d love to help you connect with community members ready to lend a hand.
To feature your event on this page, please contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sara Sherwood, at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
