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.
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: Magic Bus
This Party in the Park will benefit AgeWell Services of West Michigan!
The annual National Baby Food Festival is happening in Fremont, MI July 16 - 19, 2025!
Muskegon Bike Time is a 4 day annual celebration of motorcycles held the third weekend in July. The festival attracts motorcyclist and the general public for its spectacle, concerts, entertainment and food.
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.
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: Rockstar (90's Tribute)
This Party in the Park with benefit the Muskegon Rotary Club!
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!
Len Piasecki believed in combining service with one’s passion and that giving back should be selfless and meaningful. Proud of his Polish heritage, one of his crowning achievements was making the Muskegon Polish Festival a reality in 2016. Len encapsulated his vision in an MLive interview: “We want to plan an event that will be fun, successful, and sustainable for years to come, something the people of Muskegon can be proud of.”
Along with Co-founders Tom Sanocki, Greg Moss and the help of so many passionate others, the Muskegon Polish Festival has become an annual staple of the Muskegon community, bringing together those of Polish heritage and others to enjoy dancing, music, delicious food, and more every Labor Day weekend.
Save The Date!
The annual Labor Day Celebration and Parade is happening on Monday, September 1st in Hackley Park and Downtown Muskegon.
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.
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.
