Be a part of the magic!
Volunteer at Tall Ships® Erie 2025!
Tall Ships® Erie is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of our Great Lakes heritage, a major fundraiser for maritime education, and a chance to show off Erie’s beautiful bayfront to the world. But we can’t do it without YOU!
Why Volunteer?
Every great ship needs a dedicated crew—and that’s exactly what our volunteers are.
Tall Ships® Erie isn’t just a fun waterfront festival. It’s a nonprofit fundraiser that powers year-round programs in traditional seamanship, maritime education, and access to the water for all. We welcome thousands of visitors from across the region (and beyond!) to experience the beauty, history, and adventure of sailing on the Great Lakes.
But here’s the truth: this incredible festival simply wouldn’t happen without volunteers. From setting up tents and guiding guests to selling tickets and painting faces in the Kids Zone, it’s the generous time and energy of our community that makes this weekend a success.
If you’ve ever loved watching the sails fill with wind on the bay… if you’ve ever wanted to give back to Erie in a meaningful way… if you’re looking for a way to support youth programs, education, and access to our lakefront—this is your chance to help make waves.
Volunteer Perks
All volunteers receive:
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A Tall Ships Erie 2025 Volunteer T-Shirt
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A FREE single-day admission ticket (with deck tour add-on) to enjoy the festival
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Access to the Volunteer HQ at the Bayfront Maritime Center (snacks, water, and a place to rest)
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The chance to meet new friends and play a key role in one of Erie’s most exciting events!
Bonus Perks: Some roles come with extra perks based on event needs—such as a free Day Sail for two for waste management volunteers, behind-the-scenes access for ship liaisons, or other special surprises!
The Station Bill: Find Your Role!
Whether you’re a people person, a behind-the-scenes helper, or someone who likes to roll up their sleeves and get things done—Tall Ships® Erie needs YOU.
Volunteering isn’t just a one-size-fits-all experience. There are roles for every interest, energy level, and schedule—including opportunities to help before the festival even begins.
Here are just a few of our most vital roles this year—choose one (or more) that fits your style!
Ticket Booth Attendant
First Impressions Matter! Help welcome guests with a smile and get them checked in quickly and smoothly. You’ll be using our Point of Sale system to sell and scan tickets.
Training sessions will be provided in advance along with a prerecorded demonstration of how the POS system works. This is a great position that allows volunteers to sit during the festival.
Requirements: Point of Sale
Hydration Station Attendant
Help Everyone Keep Cool. Work the drink stations selling refreshments (including beer) to guests. This is a fun, fast-paced tent position with shade and lots of people to chat with.
Point of Sale training will be provided in advance along with an on demand training video. Attendants must complete a mandatory free online 1 hour RAMP training course online in advance of volunteering.
Requirements: RAMP Training | Point of Sale | 21+ Adults Only
Line Attendant
Keep the lines moving and the smiles glowing! Be the friendly face that helps guests get to the ships safely and efficiently. You’ll help manage queues, give directions, and make sure everyone is ready for their big moment aboard.
Requirements: Able to Stand | People Oriented
Information Booth Attendant
Be the Friendly Face with all the Answers. Staff an Info Booth and help guests find ships, restrooms, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. You’ll have a printed guide and festival map to assist you, but a big smile and a helpful attitude are your most important tools!
Great position for volunteers who need to sit during the festival
Requirements: People Oriented
Logistics Support (Runners)
Our Swiss Army Knives! Jump in wherever needed—move signs, help with vendor setup, fix small things on the fly, even help inflate the duck! If you’re handy, adaptable, and love a good challenge, this is for you. This work is available from setup to breakdown for the whole festival. Special bonus is logistics support often get first dibs at a golf cart and zoom around the whole festival!
Logistics crew must be able to spend the day on their feet and able to help with manual or technical work. Adaptable thinkers are encouraged.
Requirements: Manual Work | Able to Stand
Waste Management
The unsung heroes – Free sail as a reward! This essential role keeps the festival clean and running smoothly. You’ll help empty bins, tidy areas, and coordinate with recycling partners using utility carts or rental trucks. It’s physical work—but you’ll be out and about, helping every part of the event shine.
Must be comfortable lifting heavy bags and working on your feet.
Bonus reward of a free daysail voucher on the Lettie G Howard after the festival.
Requirements: Manual Work | Able to Stand
Admin Support
Be a behind the scenes hero! Help us stay organized in the weeks leading up to the festival. This role includes answering emails and phone calls from vendors, volunteers, and guests; assisting with documentation and schedule updates; and prepping supplies for volunteer HQ.
Ideal for detail-oriented folks who want to help behind the scenes!
This role has lots of availablity well in advance of the festival. If interested in getting involved early email us at [email protected].
Requirements: Organized | Good with people | basic email & computer skills
Kid's Zone Attendant
Calling Teachers, Caregivers and Imagineers! Help kids explore sailing, science, and fun with hands-on activities, crafts, face painting, and games. This is a great chance to inspire young minds!
To volunteer here, we ask you to either already have or be willing to get a:
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance,
- Pennsylvania Criminal History Check,
- FBI Clearance (if from out of state).
Requirements: Act 33 / Act 34 Clearance | FBI Clearance (if applicable)
VIP Hospitality
The Hosts with the Most! Assist in our exclusive VIP areas by greeting guests, checking badges, restocking refreshments, and keeping everything looking shipshape. You’ll help create a welcoming and polished experience for sponsors and guests.
Requirements: People Oriented
Mandatory Security Orientation
To keep everyone safe and informed, all volunteers are required to complete a short Security Orientation Training before working the festival.
The Mandatory Security & Emergency Training, must be completed by all volunteers before participating in any shifts.
This training covers important topics like emergency protocols, festival layout, radio use, and guest interaction so you feel confident and prepared.
Assignments and Placement
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Submitting the form does not guarantee placement in your first-choice role.
Positions are assigned based on availability, experience, and need. We strongly encourage you to select all roles you’re comfortable helping with to increase your chances of getting scheduled. -
Volunteer updates and shift confirmations will be sent to the email address you provide—please make sure it’s current and check it regularly.
Parking & Transportation:
There is no reserved parking for volunteers. Limited street parking is available near Holland Street and the Port Authority. Public downtown parking is available with shuttle service running well before the festival.
Ready to Sign Up?
We’re thrilled you want to be part of Tall Ships® Erie 2025—thank you for helping us bring this incredible waterfront celebration to life!
The easiest way to sign up is by using our online volunteer registration form. Just follow the link below, fill in your contact information, availability, and select the roles you’re most interested in. You’re welcome (and encouraged!) to check off as many roles as you’re willing to support—this gives us flexibility when building the schedule and helps make sure all key areas are covered.
If you’d rather fill out a form by hand or are signing up a group, no problem! You can download our printable volunteer form and return it by email to [email protected]. That’s also the best email to use if you have any questions, need help picking a role, or want to follow up on your status.
Submit inquiries to: [email protected]
Once your form is submitted, we’ll be in touch via the email you provided with additional information about shift assignments, training, festival logistics, and any special certifications you might need depending on your selected role (like clearances for the Kids Zone or RAMP training for beverage service).
We’re so excited to welcome you aboard.