We refer to our Volunteers as Navigators because they help guests "Navigate" the Balloon Fiesta.  

There are fourteen (14) sessions that make up the Balloon Fiesta.  Nine (9) of these are morning sessions from the first Saturday in October, to the second Sunday in October.  Five (5) of these sessions are evening sessions that are the first weekend of October, and then the following Thursday and Friday, and the second Saturday.

We ask our volunteers to work five (5) or more shifts or the equivalent of 25 hours.

The length of each shift depends on the team that you are assigned.  Most shifts are 5-7 hours in length.  Volunteers are responsible for tracking hours and making sure they have enough hours volunteered. Volunteers are expected to stay until responsibilities are completed rather than a set time. 

If you are unable to meet the requirements to be a Navigator, we invite you to register for Chase Crew. 

Navigator Packs - Admission into the 9-day event, parking for the 9-day event, access to the Navigator Hospitality Tent for snacks and beverages, invitations to a variety of Balloon Fiesta parties, two of the current year's Navigator shirt, the current year's Navigator pin, the current year's program and calendar, and the current year's Navigator Jacket.

There will be several distribution days to pick up your Uniform Pack.  Approximately a week or two before the Balloon Fiesta, we will have a distribution at Balloon Fiesta Park.  For our "out of town" Navigators, we will have a distribution the Thursday/Friday before the event starts.  It is best to try to pick up your Uniform Pack the day before you are scheduled to volunteer so that you may have the appropriate uniform and passes that you will need.  More information will be sent as the event gets closer.  (Please note: We will not mail Navigator Uniform Packs)  

You should hear from your Team Lead or AIBF Staff member shortly after Labor Day if not sooner.

Yes, you will be asked to submit a photo to your Volgistics account, as well as submit a current photo sometime in July through an email that we will use for your photo credentials.  Updated photos are necessary for security purposes.  No hats or sunglasses are allowed in the photos.  Photos must be head and shoulders only. 

You will receive an automated response once your application is submitted.  If you have not heard from the Navigator Manager after 30 days, please contact Tracey Hawkins at thawkins@balloonfiesta.com.

All volunteers must arrange their own accommodations and travel.  Balloon Fiesta does not reimburse expenses.  (If you need an RV space to volunteer, please read the FAQs for Volunteer RV's below.)

Volunteers must be 16 years of age by October 4, 2024.

We ask that volunteers pay attention to the physical requirements of the team that they are interested in volunteering.  A majority of teams require long hours of standing, walking, and lifting.  Remember, this is an outdoor event.  Please read the descriptions of each team carefully before selecting the team in which you would like to be a part.

You will be issued a "Uniform" that you will be expected to wear when you are assigned to work.  This includes two t-shirts, a jacket, and lanyard with photo credentials that must be visibly worn. We recommend that you dress in layers, and wear comfortable shoes for standing and walking.  This is an outdoor event, so having a hat and gloves with you is also a good idea, especially for the morning sessions. 

There are a few teams that need volunteers before Ballon Fiesta starts.  Refer to the descriptions of each team to see the availability of this option.  If you only volunteer before Balloon Fiesta, you will not be able to access the Navigator Tent during the event, as this is for "working" volunteers, but you will receive the Navigator Uniform Package.

This tent is used to supply light snacks and beverages to those volunteers who are assigned to work for a particular session.  We ask that only "working" volunteers access this tent.  Family members are not allowed to access the tent unless they are volunteers for Balloon Fiesta. If you are visiting Balloon Fiesta as a guest, and are not assigned to volunteer for a session, we kindly ask you to visit one of the wonderful concessionaires on site. This tent is open every session.

Really any team is a great place to start!  Read the descriptions carefully, and see what area would use your gifts and talents the best.

Yes, we will send out a video series for volunteers after Labor Day. You will be required to watch all of the videos if you are a first-year volunteer.  Many Team Leads will be in contact about training specific to their area. These trainings usually take place a few days before Balloon Fiesta begins, so plan accordingly.

No. Balloon Fiesta makes a limited number of RV spaces available to Navigators in trade for volunteer hours.  While we would like to be able to accommodate all requests, we have a limited number of camping spots. RV spaces are not guaranteed.  Hours are not combined with another Navigator.  Team Leads, out of town and out of state Navigators will have priority regardless of the number of hours worked.  Local Navigators will be assigned if there is availability.  Hours will be verified through Volgistics once schedules are available.  Here is the criteria to be eligible for an RV space:

*Navigators who volunteer between 51-120 hours will be eligible for free dry camping

*Navigators who volunteer between 40-50 hours will be eligible for half off dry camping

*Navigators who volunteer less than 40 hours will pay full price

No, the Volunteer RV spaces are reserved for those volunteers who are assigned to work during the nine-day event.

51+ hours of volunteer work and you will receive the space for free. (*If you are a couple, one person must work 51+ hours in order for the RV to be free.)

40 hours and the RV is 1/2 off.

Yes, the Volunteer RV spaces are located in the South RV Lot.  If you have questions about this, please contact Jennifer Schuman at jschurman@balloonfiesta.com.

Yes, you must fill out an RV application to be awarded a Volunteer RV space. The application link can be found on the Volunteer page of our website after March 2024.