FESTIVAL

VOLUNTEERING

VOLUNTEER AT

SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS

ALONG THE LAKESHORE

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:

  • Connect with your community

  • Give back while having fun

  • Earn service hours

  • Enjoy free admission or perks at select events

  • Spend quality time with friends, coworkers, or loved ones

  • Since 1984, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution that provides Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.

    Support Noah Project and sign up to volunteer here: https://bit.ly/Parties4NoahProject2026

  • Muskegon Pride is dedicated to promoting understanding and advocating for LGBTQ issues through engaging in community events and activities. Join the community for the annual Muskegon Pride Festival in Downtown Muskegon on Saturday, June 6, 2026!

    Click here to volunteer: https://bit.ly/PrideVolunteers26

  • Taste of Muskegon returns to Hackley Park on June 12 & 13, 2026! Join us for a weekend of deliciously different Tastes featuring locally owned restaurants, food trucks, music and more!

    Click here to volunteer: https://bit.ly/TasteofMuskegon2026

  • Oceana County is one of the leading asparagus-producing states in the country.  Each year, the National Asparagus Festival, held the second weekend in June, marks the celebration of our harvest.  

    Join us for the longest-running asparagus festival in the country!

    Interested volunteers please email nationalasparagusfestival@yahoo.com

  • Since 1984, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution that provides Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.

    Support AgeWell Services of West Michigan and sign up to volunteer here: https://bit.ly/AgeWellVolunteerHub

  • The annual Seaway Run has a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities to match your interests! Join on Friday before the race or on race day Saturday as a course marshal, packet pickup, or set up and take down. No matter your role, you’ll play a vital part in making the Seaway Run a success!

    Click here to volunteer: Volunteer - Trinity Health Seaway Run

  • The Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, and fun in beautiful Downtown Muskegon, Michigan. Experience over 300 juried fine art and specialty craft exhibitors, a Children’s Lane, artisan food market, street performers, interactive art stations, and so much more!

    Click here to volunteer: https://bit.ly/LakeshoreArtFestival2026

  • Since 1984, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution that provides Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.

    Volunteer information coming soon!

  • Muskegon Bike Time returns to Hot Rod Motorsports in Downtown Muskegon on July 15-19, 2026.

    Volunteer registration opening soon!

  • The annual National Baby Food Festival returns to downtown Fremont on July 22-25!

    Volunteer registration coming soon!

  • Since 1984, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution that provides Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.

    On Friday, July 24 join United Way of the Lakeshore as they host this fun summer event!

    Click here to volunteer: https://bit.ly/UWLParty2026

  • Since 1984, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution that provides Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.

    Volunteer information coming soon!

  • The Unity Christian Music Festival is a four-day festival, focused on the best in Christian music, but also including great food, fellowship and family fun!

    Volunteer applications now open! Apply here: VOLUNTEER | Unity Festival

  • Since 1984, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution that provides Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.

    Volunteer registration coming soon!

  • Since 1984, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution that provides Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.

    Volunteer & support JCI Greater Muskegon as they host the last party of the year! Click here: https://bit.ly/JCIParty26

  • Wings Over Muskegon is soaring back to the Muskegon County Airport!

    Wings Over Muskegon Air Show and the Michigan Flight Museum are proud to announce the Air Show returning to Muskegon in August of 2026. From WWII through Vietnam, we’ve got aircraft that you can ride! Check off that Bucket List experience of a lifetime.

    Register to volunteer here: Volunteer Inquiries - Wings Over Muskegon

  • Burning Foot Beer Festival is a celebration of art, music, and craft beers. The festival is held each year in August at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon, MI, with a beautiful view of Muskegon Lake. While the venue has changed, the spirit remains the same — a uniquely lakeside experience brought to life by the collaboration of the Lakeshore Brewers Guild’s breweries. Cheers to the perfect way to end the summer!

    Volunteer registration launches June 1st. Sign up to be notified directly when registration opens here: Burning Foot Beer Festival | United Way of the Lakeshore

  • 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.

    Volunteer registration now open! Learn more here: Volunteer - Michigan Irish Music Festival

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.