
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.
STEAM Along the Lakeshore offers a day of interactive and educational activities at various locations including Hackley Park, Hackley Public Library, Lakeshore Fab Lab of MCC, Muskegon Museum of Art, and Muskegon Museum of History and Science. Participants will embark on a journey through these venues, engaging in different STEAM activities tailored for all ages.

For 40 years, 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.
Band: Yard Sale Underwear
This Parties in the Park with benefit the JCI Greater Muskegon Group!
The JCI Greater Muskegon (Junior Chamber International) is a chapter of the JCI -- a nonprofit organization not affiliated with any particular religion or political party. Comprised of young active citizens aged 21 to 40 who are engaged and committed to creating an impact in their communities. Active citizens are individuals invested in the future of our world. JCI gathers active citizens from all sectors of society. We develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding to make informed decisions and take action.
Our programs emphasize the development of individual members’ leadership and managerial skills through the running of projects that benefit our community and the JCI movement as a whole. As a member of our chapter, you will also be a member of the Michigan JCI organization.
The JCI Greater Muskegon Chapter meets monthly to build connections and community.
Join us for the Newaygo County Pride Festival, a day of celebration, love, and community! This event is dedicated to honoring and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in Newaygo County and beyond. Enjoy live music, food vendors, inspiring speeches, art displays, and fun activities for all ages. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this festival is for everyone who believes in love, equality, and acceptance.
This is more than just an event – it's a movement to show that Newaygo County stands proud, united, and in support of all identities and sexualities. Bring your friends, family, and anyone who celebrates love and diversity! Together, we can make this a day to remember.
Located at Brooks Park, Newaygo Michigan
Calling all fabulous humans!
Newaygo County Pride is looking for volunteers to help make our May 31st event unforgettable! Whether you can lend a hand setting up, greeting guests, or spreading joy—we need YOU to help make Pride shineSend us a message or email us today to sign up and be part of something magical!
*Are you currently a student and looking for community service hours? We could use you to! Send us a message.
For 40 years, 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.
Band: KatMandu (Bob Seger Tribute)
This Party in the Park with benefit the Every Woman's Place!
Every Woman’s Place (EWP) is a dual service agency providing comprehensive services to all individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Muskegon County, Michigan.
EWP is here for all victims/survivors, without exception. We are here with both residential and non-residential services tailored to meet your needs and to forge a path with you that extends from victimization through to restoration. Our staff come with compassion, professionalism and training that make your experience with EWP one of healing, of empowerment and of self-determination. We are here, for you.
Celebrate Diversity, Advocate for Equality: Join Muskegon's 3rd Annual Pride Festival!
Mark your calendars for Muskegon County's 3rd Annual Pride Festival! This year’s event kicks off with the Pride Parade at 10:30 am, winding through downtown on Western Avenue.
Join us for a day of:
- Community Connection: Meet LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and the Muskegon community in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Local Artists: Explore unique creativity from area artists.
- Culinary Treats: Enjoy delicious food from local vendors.
- Live Performances: Experience local entertainers and a headlining act (to be announced).
More than just a celebration, the Muskegon Pride Festival is a stand for equality and inclusion. By attending, you’ll support the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for a more inclusive society.
The family-friendly festival will take place all day at the corner of Second Street and Western Avenue, featuring live music, drag shows, poetry, and children's activities. Over 100 vendors will line Western Avenue from Jefferson to 4th Street.
A popular event showcasing different foods made around Muskegon is back under its original leadership. The Taste of Muskegon event has been held every summer for the past 19 years and allows participants to sample items from different Muskegon restaurants.
Link to volunteer coming soon!
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!
A UNIQUE & ARTFUL EXPERIENCE
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!
FINE ART
Historic Hackley Park is home to the Fine Art/Fine Craft Exhibitors, showcasing high-quality, fine art and fine craft pieces designed and created by artists attending from all over the country. The beauty and diversity of artwork is surrounded by the park’s magnificent trees, flowering plants and sculptures. This beautiful scene sets the stage for an amazing experience for all to enjoy.
CRAFT MARKET & ARTISAN FOOD
Covering 8 blocks in the heart of Downtown Muskegon you’ll experience a host of unique and talented craft exhibitors and artisan food vendors. The wide roads feature natural light, gorgeous boulevards, and easy maneuvering to fully take in the shopping experience. You’ll find everything from jewelry, lawn art, home décor, apparel, toys and more. The Artisan Food Market, located on Clay Ave., offers spices, sweets, gourmet doggie treats and more! The Author’s Alley, located on Clay Ave and 4th Street is host to nearly 20 Michigan Authors!
CHILDREN’S LANE
Step into art! Kids and families will find great fun and artful activities at the Children’s Lane. The Children’s Lane will feature booths that educate, entertain, and inspire creativity.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The art of performing abounds at the Lakeshore Art Festival. As you stroll through the many fine art and craft exhibitors you will find street performers entertaining to your delight! Enjoy everything from jugglers, musicians, yo-yoers, hula hoopers, and many more!
INTERACTIVE & COMMUNITY ART
The Lakeshore Art Festival also features a wide selection of unique interactive and community art for everyone to enjoy. In 2022, the festival hosted International Street Artist David Zinn. Zinn created 10 pieces of chalk art throughout the Lakeshore Art Festival footprint. To accompany David Zinn on his quest to find art in everything (even little cracks in the sidewalk), the public was invited to get creative and “Chalk-the-Walk” along Western Avenue!
FESTIVAL FOOD FAVORITES
The Lakeshore Art Festival is all about the artful experience. What is more artful than using all of your senses to experience a visual delight of mouth-watering, aromatic-enticing festival food? This year’s festival features slow-roasted BBQ, Greek cuisine, specialty sandwiches, gourmet frozen treats, and all of your deep-fried favorites.
SOCIAL DISTRICT
Shop and sip! The Downtown Muskegon Social District provides common areas in the downtown in which alcoholic beverages from participating establishments can be carried and consumed. These areas overlap with the festival footprint. We are excited to announce that Hackley Park is part of the Social District this year!
KEEPIN’ IT GREEN
The Lakeshore Art Festival in partnership with the DTE Energy Foundation is proud to be a leader in event waste reduction. From the beginning of the festival until the end we focus on reducing the amount of paper and products used as well as recycling, composting and utilizing post-consumer products. Since the festival began its sustainability program in 2014, there have been a total of 11,656 pounds of material diverted from the landfill!
VOLUNTEER
Be part of West Michigan’s premier art festival. Volunteer and join in on the fun! Meet new people, learn more about artists, give back to your community and get a free volunteer T-shirt!
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING…
“Living on the west coast of Michigan, there are many art shows and fairs throughout the summer in different beach towns. This one by far was the best I have been too. The variety and amount of vendors was wonderful. I felt there was something for everybody, including the kids!” -Lillian Dotzlaf
EVENT DETAILS
We can’t wait to see you at the starting line! Here are the details for the 2025 Trinity Health Seaway Run.
Location Heritage Landing, 1050 7th St, Muskegon, MI 49441
Packet Pickup & Race Expo Friday, June 27th 2:00 PM- 7:00 PM at
Race Day Saturday, June 28th at Heritage Landing, 1050 7th St, Muskegon, MI 49441
Start Times
Half Marathon – 7:00 AM
10k – 7:45 AM
5k – 8:00 AM
Community Walk – 8:05 AM
Coming Soon!
For 40 years, 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.
Band: Westside Soul Surfers
This Party in the Park with benefit the United Way Volunteer Center!
For 40 years, 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.
Band: Indica
This Party in the Park with benefit the Foundation for Muskegon Community College!
Volunteering at Unity
Volunteer at Unity 2025 and be a part of something bigger!
Unity Christian Music Festival isn’t just about great music — it’s about serving Christ by serving others. Every year, thousands of people come to Unity, each at a different place in their spiritual journey. As a volunteer—more than that, as a servant—you have the opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, grace, and joy in everything you do.
Volunteer Applications Open March 26, 2025
Serving at Unity is more than just filling a role—it’s embracing a mindset of service. This year, we’re emphasizing what it truly means to be a servant, following Christ’s example of humility, kindness, and love.
A Call to Serve
We invite all volunteers to take a Servant’s Pledge, committing to:
- Serving with a joyful and humble heart.
- Encouraging others—both guests and fellow servants.
- Responding to challenges with patience and grace.
- Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions.
- Working together in unity to make the festival a welcoming, Christ-centered experience.
Why Serve?
Volunteering at Unity is more than just helping—it’s an opportunity to be part of something that changes lives, including your own. Whether you're welcoming guests, assisting with logistics, or supporting behind the scenes, every role is vital in creating an atmosphere where people can encounter God.
Burning Foot Beer Festival is a celebration of art, music, and craft beers. The festival is held each year in August along Lake Michigan’s beautiful lakeshore in Muskegon, MI. Beach camping and barefoot entry make this festival unique and the collaboration between the Lakeshore Brewers Guilds’ breweries makes it extraordinary. Cheers to the perfect way to end the summer!
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.