Why participate in the Work Exchange program?

The festival could not happen without all our amazing Work Exchangers! You get to be part of the JTMF community and part of the Festival on a deeper level which is why so many of our participants come back year after year. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends, connections and contacts. And of course, you get a free ticket for your efforts!

What is the age requirement?

You need to be 18 by the first day of the festival. If you are working at the Beer Garden or Bar, you need to be 21 by the first day of the festival (you will also need a current CA RBS to serve alcohol). We will request ID/proof of age.

What/when is the Mandatory Orientation/Training?

The meeting is held on Thursday at 5pm in the music bowl. It will begin with a brief overview of the festival layout, rules, and safety. After the orientation you will meet with your area manager to do a short training for your role. It’s also an opportunity to meet your fellow work exchangers!  If you are onsite and not scheduled for a shift, you are expected to attend the Mandatory Orientation/Training. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please let us know (email workexchange@joshuatreemusicfestival.com)! Failure to attend this meeting may result in a $20 inconvenience fee.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. It’s easy to get carried away at festivals, we totally get that, so consider it a little goodwill that you intend to carry out your obligations. Show up to all your shifts on time and sober, play by the rules and fulfil your duties to the best of your ability and you’ll get your full refund back within 10 days of the festival and be welcomed back for many Joshua Tree Music Festivals to come!

What is the non-refundable processing fee for?

We ask all Work Exchangers to pay the $15 non-refundable processing fee. This covers our bank fees to process the deposits and refunds plus administration costs.

When do I receive my deposit back?

You will receive your deposit back within 10 days after the festival. You will receive your full deposit, minus the $15 admin fee, provided you successfully complete all your scheduled shifts.

How much time do I need to commit?

The general time commitment is 4 shifts/16 hours in exchange for a festival ticket, or 6 shifts/24 hours in exchange for festival ticket and meals*. This does vary somewhat between roles so please check your role description for more information.

*Meals = lunch & dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday during the festival, if you are working outside of these days, please plan to bring meals/snacks & water.

Are meals included?

If you work a certain number of hours (typically 24 during event or 28 pre-event) you get crew meals which are lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday during the festival. If you are working outside of these days, please bring your own food, snacks, water etc.

Is parking/camping included?

Your wristband includes walk-in tent camping during the festival in the main campground, and free parking in the Day Park lot. If you are camping in your vehicle or would like to have your vehicle with you in the campground you will need to purchase the appropriate vehicle pass for the length of your vehicle. Work Exchangers will receive a promo code for $25 off vehicle passes.

Do I choose my own schedule?

We will choose 2 of your shifts in the area you have been accepted for once your application has been approved. You are responsible for signing up for your 3rd shift and any additional shifts (if you are working for meals).

*Note for last minute sign ups, we may allocate your schedule based on the shifts we have left.

Can I sign up for more than 1 shift a day?

You can, but please try to schedule them with a break in between ie. no back-to-back shifts. If you schedule yourself for doubles, we will most likely reschedule you and send you updated shifts.

Please do NOT schedule yourself for more than 2 shifts in a day, if you do, you will be rescheduled and sent your updated shifts.

Can I work in different areas? 

All work needs to be completed in the same area. This will help us make sure you have the proper training to be the best *insert role here* you can be!

Can I delete/switch my shifts?

Please do not. It makes it really difficult for us to stay organized when we have to shuffle your shifts so please choose wisely and double check your days/times before making your final selection. You can always email us at workexchange@joshuatreemusicfestival.com if you have questions.

I need to change/cancel a shift during the festival

If you need to cancel or change a shift during the festival, please notify the Work Exchange Coordinator IMMEDIATELY to give us as much time as possible to reschedule you and find a replacement. We will do our best to accommodate you. Failure to show up at your shift or not giving us adequate notice (wherever possible) may result in forfeit of your deposit.

I signed up but can no longer attend

If you are unable to participate in the work exchange but have already been accepted and/or signed up for shifts, please email us at workexchange@joshuatreemusicfestival.com.

Cancellations made within 10 days of the start of the event will incur a $50 cancellation fee, if you have to cancel within 3 days of the event start you forfeit your entire deposit. Reminder: the $15 processing fee paid as part of your deposit is not refundable.

Please note: shifts cannot be transferred to a friend as some areas have special requirements. This policy is firm so we can keep it consistent for everyone.

What should I bring to my shift?

Closed toe shoes are a MUST. If you show up in flip flops, sandals, barefoot or in anything other than closed toe shoes, you will be sent back to camp to change in to more appropriate footwear.

Water and sunscreen are helpful, snacks if you‘re the hangry type, and a great attitude and big smile always go a long way 🙂

Showing up on time & sober

Work Exchangers agree to show up on time and sober. If any manager has reason to suspect that a team member is under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a shift, the team member will be relieved of their duties, may be relieved of future shifts, and will forfeit their deposit. If a manager finds out after the fact that a team member was under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a shift, the team member will forfeit their deposit and may be relieved of any future shifts. Show up sober, absolutely no exceptions will be made.

Where do I check in for my shift?

You will check in at the location /area where you are working in most cases or at Production with the Work Exchange Coordinator. You will find out where this is and meet your area manager at the Mandatory Meeting at 5PM on Thursday. If you are not sure where to go, check in at the Production Trailer 15 mins prior to your shift and we’ll point you in the right direction.

If you are signed up for a Monday STRIKE shift, please check in at PRODUCTION at 9 am.

Where do I check in for a Monday ‘strike’ shift?

• ALL Monday shifts are general festival clean up and breakdown.
• Regardless of the area you are assigned to, if you sign up for a Monday, you will report to PRODUCTION at 9 am to be assigned your tasks.
• Please ensure you SIGN IN and SIGN OUT with the Work Exchange Manager so we know you completed your shift.
• Please completely breakdown and pack up your camp before your 9am shift.
• Please drive any cars/RVs you may have in the campground into Day Parking located right outside of the festival before your 9am shift. 
• Please report to the Production trailer at 9am.
• Then we will give you a post fest parking pass to put in your car in Day Parking before you start your shift. They will allow you to stay on-site after 11am on Monday.

Can I just show up to work?

No, we can only have you on site if you are scheduled so please sign up via our sign up page.

When can Prefest volunteers arrive?

PREFEST Work Exchangers – you may arrive the morning of your shift, OR if you are scheduled for a morning shift, you may arrive the afternoon before. Work Exchangers will be able to camp on site starting Monday pre-fest, provided they are scheduled to work. If arriving Monday or Tuesday you can camp in our Backstage area but will have to move to the regular Campground by Wednesday morning. Alternatively if you want to only setup your camp once, you can pay a small fee with the Campground ($5-$8 per night).

Can I camp onsite?

You may camp onsite from the Monday prior to the festival PROVIDED you are working that day. Please do not arrive earlier than the day that you are scheduled to work (you may arrive the afternoon before if you are scheduled for a morning shift).

What should I bring?

Please bring appropriate clothing (layers, something for if it gets cold, sun hat, bandana, etc), close toed shoes (mandatory), sunscreen, a reusable water bottle (we have fill-up stations on site), snacks/lunch (we do not provide food during PREFEST to those participating in work exchange), gloves, and your amazing self! If you have your own tools and would like to bring them, please do!