Volunteer registration for Borealis 2026 is now open!
No volunteers, no festival – it’s that simple!
Borealis wouldn’t exist without the incredible people who lend their time, energy, and good vibes to make it all happen.
Join the volunteer crew and get a backstage pass to the world of experimental music: discover how a festival really works, meet inspiring people, and make new friends that might just last a lifetime.
In a world where so much happens online, this is your chance to connect in person — to learn, share experiences, have fun, and build something meaningful together.
At Borealis, it’s all about SOUND, SPACE, and COMMUNITY, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
You can read more about areas of work, perks, and requirements below.
Questions? Drop a line to our volunteer coordinator, Victoria Humborstad, at victoria@borealisfestival.no.
Here’s what you get
- Being part of a wonderful festival team
- Experience the national and international experimental music scene from the inside
- Free admission to concerts
- Social gatherings
- Borealis T-shirt and merch
- Food during your shift
- Work certificate upon request
What we need from you
We’re looking for people who bring energy, curiosity, and a team spirit. No special experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and to contribute!
- Attend meetings and training before the festival
- 10–15 hours of your time
- Positive energy and enthusiasm to help create a unique festival experience 🙂
Areas of work
Front of house
When? Before and during the festival!
As part of our Front of House team, you are the first person our audience members see when they come to the concert arena. Your responsibilities include helping our event managers set up and decorate the venues, welcoming our guests and providing them with useful information about the event and venue. You might also be involved in scanning tickets, checking festival passes, managing queues, and counting the audience during concerts.
Drivers
When? Before, during and after the festival!
Do you have a driver’s licence? Are you comfortable driving a car around Bergen and do you enjoy meeting new people? Join our transport team! Main tasks: making sure that artists and guests reach their destinations and assisting with deliveries between festival venues. You’ll have the opportunity to meet artists, delegates, and crew, and serve as Borealis’ representative upon their arrival to Bergen.
Riggers
When? Before, during and after the festival!
This group is quite literally responsible for building the festival. We need your help setting up stages and rooms for different artists and concerts. You will assist with carrying instruments and help installing lights. This job may involve heavy lifting and late nights, but you will be part of a supportive team. By participating, you will gain insight into the work involved in producing cultural events and contribute to the planning and design of our arenas. As part of this team you will learn how to make sure that both the audience and the artists have the best possible experience during Borealis.
Posters and Programme Distribution
When? Starting in January until the festival!
Spread the word! We are looking for distribution volunteers to hang up posters, deliver flyers, and distribute programmes around Bergen. Your main task will be to make the festival visible in the city, which is an essential part of the festival’s marketing. You will work in January and February, allowing you to have more time off during the festival.
Runners
(before, during and after the festival)
Love to meet new people and good at taking care of others? A shift as a Runner can involve everything between heaven and earth! There are always things that come up during a festival that need to be fixed. You will be the one who helps where there is a need across different work areas. The runner can easily become the hero of the day!
Artist contact
Are you a very social person and want to help us take good care of our artists? As an artist host, you will be their main contact and ensure that they have everything they need when they need it. It’s important to be good at solving problems and to have good control over the schedule of the artists and in general be accommodating and ready to solve small and big issues.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will I be able to attend concerts if I volunteer?
Yes! You will be assigned to work 2-3 shifts, and will be able to enjoy the rest of the festival on the days you do not work.
Can I join as a volunteer if I don’t live in Bergen?
Yes! Unfortunately, we can’t help with accommodation or travel, but we are happy to share tips on how to find temporary accommodation in Bergen.
Are there any age limitations?
Anyone above 16 can join our volunteer team. There is no upper limit!
I don’t speak Norwegian. Can I still join?
Yes! We have lots of tasks that don’t require knowledge of Norwegian (for instance rigging, driving, catering and poster distribution).
What can I except from the festival?
Have a look at the sum-up videos from previous festival editions to get an idea of what you are getting into!