Special Events

Special Event Volunteers provide critical support to a variety of family-friendly special events throughout the year in the MetroParks. Their service ensures smooth, fun, safe and engaging events from start to finish work allowing Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and have fun while building a personal connection with nature.

Whether you're a regular at our events, or this is your first experience, this opportunity offers ways to learn, build skills, and make a visible impact alongside MetroParks staff. 

Entry-level volunteers are welcome. Some skills may be developed over time and may require additional training or an annual check-off.  

About This Position

This opportunity may be a great fit if you enjoy supporting from behind the scenes and being part of building the event from the ground up. Or, if you love to be a part of the energy of an event in action, welcoming visitors and helping them navigate the event and get the most out of their visit. Volunteers interested in tasks involving physical labor, driving MetroParks vehicles, and/or those with experience with small tools and equipment may also find a good fit in this position.  

Special Event Volunteers include individuals ages 14 and up depending on the specific opportunity. 

Special Event opportunities are offered on weekdays, weekends, and through flexible options. There are opportunities for short-term, long-term, and public volunteers.

What to Know Before You Get Started

• Opportunities involving the use of vehicles and equipment will only be open to long-term or short-term volunteers ages 18 and up. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer.
• Some opportunities may also include orientation, training, or a skills check-off, depending on the tasks involved. If an opportunity requires training, you will be prompted to start that training process when you respond to the opportunity. Training requirements can often be found in the Eligibility section of the opportunity.
• Need to complete a few hours for school or service? Our public special event opportunities are a great way to easily jump in! 
• Tools, supplies, and instructions are typically provided, unless noted otherwise. 
• Special Event opportunities take place at a variety of parks including Aullwood Garden,  Carriage Hill, Eastwood, RiverScape, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks.  

Special Events Volunteers typically support and assist staff with: 

• setting up and tearing down events
• welcoming visitors, and sharing event information
• helping visitors complete required waivers or check-in forms
• assisting exhibitors with loading in 
• provide hospitality support 
• providing shuttle/tram service
• floating to provide as needed support including filling in for other volunteers and providing break coverage as needed
  
• interacting with park visitors by answering questions and sharing information about the event 
• serving as area captain or lead for public volunteers

Get Started

There are a variety of opportunities you can support as a Special Events Volunteer, depending on what you’re looking for: 

• Set Up/Tear Down Teams
• Exhibitor Support
• Shuttle/Tram Driver
• Hospitality Cart Driver
• Hospitality Support
• Sustainability Team
• Information Central
• Event Float
• Waiver Support
• Beer & Wine Sales Support

These opportunities are available at a variety of events throughout the year including The Adventure Summit, Bike to Work Day, Passport to MetroParks, Mud Day, Small Farm & Food Fest, The TVT Challenge, The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, Fall Family Adventure, Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk, and Christmas on the Farm. 

Browse the available Special Events Volunteer opportunities below and click VIEW DETAILS to learn more. Ready to volunteer? Click RESPOND and complete any required qualifications. These opportunities will post throughout the year as events pop up.

Want to Branch Out?

Want to explore other ways to get involved? There are many volunteer opportunities across MetroParks that offer similar experiences, skills, or ways to make an impact. 

• Master Recycler Team
• Tactile Nature Interpreter
• MetroParks Outreach Ambassador

Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks!   

Have questions or need help finding the right fit? 

Reach out to the Volunteer Services team at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or 937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator. You can also join us at a Volunteer Open House, an in-person opportunity to learn more about volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks.