Volunteer

Thank you to our extraordinary 2026 volunteers for helping make the Santa Fe International Literary Festival such a memorable and successful event. From supporting author sessions and assisting guests to helping behind the scenes, your time, energy, and enthusiasm helped shape the festival experience for thousands of attendees.

We hope to see you next year and hear all about the books you’ve read, the friends you’ve made and the authors you can’t wait to see!

Thank you, Volunteers!

As we plan for the 2027 Festival, volunteer procedures, role information, and scheduling timelines are being reviewed and updated for the coming year.

If you would like to volunteer at the Festival, please review the information below. Then sign up for the Festival newsletter to receive registration dates and announcements.

review the Volunteer GUIDE

Festival volunteer positions vary widely in pace, responsibilities, and physical demands. Depending on the role, volunteer work may involve:

  • prolonged standing or walking,

  • lifting or moving materials,

  • guest-facing hospitality and crowd management,

  • or the use of ticket scanners, iPads, radios, and other event technology.

Before registering to volunteer or signing up for shifts, please review all sections of the Volunteer Guide and ensure that you understand the requirements.

Updated role descriptions and participation expectations will be posted prior to registration opening.

How the SFILF Volunteer Program Works

The Festival uses a self-service approach to volunteering.

  1. Register or Update Your Profile

    New volunteers register and create a volunteer profile. Returning volunteers update their existing profiles as needed.

  2. Sign Up for Shifts

    Volunteers select available shifts during their designated volunteer access period.

  3. Review Training & Festival Information

    Volunteers review training videos, role information, and festival resources prior to the event. Some live training or video calls may be required.

  4. Volunteer!

    Volunteers report for their scheduled shifts and support Festival operations throughout the event.

Shift Selection

Volunteer shift selection opens in phases in late winter ear year. Check here in December for exact dates.

  • Recent returning volunteers receive access to shift selection in two waves and will be notified by email when their scheduling period opens.

  • General shift selection opens afterward for new volunteers and volunteers who have not participated within the past two years.

If you are interested in volunteering, sign up for the Festival newsletter in the footer below, for registration dates and other announcements.

Questions? Contact us at volunteers@sfinternationallitfest.org