It takes a small army of volunteers to make the Smoky Hill River Festival work.

According to Salina Arts & Humanities, volunteer registration is now open for the Smoky Hill River Festival, and they are inviting community members to help bring this long-standing community tradition to life.

Held in Oakdale Park on June 11-14, the Smoky Hill River Festival is made possible by the people of Salina and the surrounding region. As the Festival celebrates 50 years, community members, residents, returning attendees, and arts supporters are encouraged to take part by volunteering their time in support of the event and the community it serves.

“The Smoky Hill River Festival is truly a community celebration, and volunteers are at the heart of what makes it possible,” said Allie Fischer, volunteer coordinator for the Smoky Hill River Festival. “This event is built by people who care deeply about the arts, about Salina, and about creating a meaningful experience for others.”

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, with roles designed to be accessible and manageable for a wide range of community members. Volunteer shifts are just two hours, making it easy for individuals to give a small amount of time while still enjoying the Festival.

Available volunteer roles include:

• Artyopolis Volunteer – Artyopolis volunteers support craft-making and games for kids and families.
• Ambassador Volunteer – Ambassador volunteers help ensure artists have a great experience at the Festival.
• Gates Volunteer – As Festival goers enter the park, gates volunteers are the first point of contact. This is where admission is validated or purchased, and event programs are distributed.
• Technical Volunteers – Technical volunteers support set-up on Wednesday and Thursday of Festival week and tear-down on Sunday and Monday.
• Artist Parking Volunteer – Art show parking guides provide parking assistance and directions to artists as they enter and navigate the park.

Community members are encouraged to take part by choosing a volunteer role that fits their interests, availability, and comfort level. Whether someone is a long-time Festival attendee or is looking for a new way to get involved, volunteering offers an opportunity to support a community tradition while helping make the Festival possible.

“Volunteering at the Smoky Hill River Festival is always so fun! What better way to enjoy Oakdale Park and see many friends,” said Kay Quinn, Smoky Hill River Festival volunteer.  “I enjoy greeting the out-of-town artists and other vendors, to help them feel welcome to and familiar with Salina.”

Volunteers are an important part of creating the welcoming, vibrant Festival experience that attendees, artists, and families enjoy each year. Even a short shift can make a meaningful difference.

Community members interested in volunteering can sign up at riverfestival.com/volunteer or call Festival staff at 785-309-5770 for help finding the volunteer role that fits them best!

Volunteers must be 13 or older and must purchase and wear a River Festival admission wristband when they volunteer. For volunteers or members of the public who cannot afford to purchase Festival admission, generous underwriters have made admission available through the Festival Families First program. To request a wristband, complete the following form by May 31, 2026.  https://bit.ly/FestivalFamiliesFirst

More details about the Festival will be shared leading up to the event.

The Smoky Hill River Festival is a project of the City of Salina. For more information and details or to see volunteer opportunities, visit www.riverfestival.com or call 785-309-5770.