Cheat Fest 2026 Volunteer Information

Thank you! Cheat Fest is truly a labor of love that takes so many incredible, creative and hard working individuals to bring to life. Remember, your volunteer shift is not set until you receive confirmation from the volunteer coordinator!

Important Safety & Logistical Information - PLEASE READ

• Volunteers should check in at the Back Gate (Beech Run side) upon arrival; If you are just visiting for the day, you can also enter through the Main gate. Use your ticket to get scanned in and receive your wristband.  From there you will either be directed to park on the festival grounds or in the Public Parking area, based on space.
• The Back Gate (Beech Run Side) is open to Volunteers beginning at 8AM on Friday and opens again at 8AM on Saturday. No early entry unless you are a volunteer who has a shift on Thursday or during the first shift Friday.
• Volunteers are invited to primitive camp on the festival grounds. You may need to park in public parking and carry your gear to the festival grounds. RVs are not allowed.
• Volunteers who park on the festival grounds cannot move their car until the festival is over. Remember this if you want to paddle and need your vehicle for shuttle. If you’d like to use your vehicle or plan to leave early, you will need to park in the volunteer section of the public parking lot.
• CARPOOL! Vehicles make a huge impact on the site, parking is a major challenge for the festival and presents safety concerns when there are vehicles near the tent area.
• Once you have parked and set up camp, check in at the Info Booth to receive your volunteer instructions and to drop off your backstage potluck contribution.

Volunteer Benefits

Festival Entrance:  *NEW* All volunteers will receive entrance to the 2026 Cheat River Festival on Friday and Saturday for a reduced cost of $10 per ticket.

Onsite Camping:  All volunteers are allowed to primitive camp on the Fest Site, giving you easy access to the festivities and music all weekend long. Overflow camping is located at Fest Site South. Volunteers will not be allowed to bring RVs into the Fest site. Please plan on tent/car camping.

Backstage Access Volunteer Food & Drink: Once again on Festival Saturday we’ll be having a volunteer potluck backstage for our volunteers, sponsors & musicians. Please bring a potluck item to contribute to this as this is the main way we feed YOU! Items like cured meats (jerky, summer sausage, etc), pickles, pickled foods, cheeses, dips, dipping vehicles, bread, and fruit are great. Extra points if it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Also, adult beverages will be available for 21+(you will be carded at the gate) so please bring your own cup if you plan to drink!

If you are unable to attend your volunteer shift, please let the volunteer coordinator know ASAP so that we can re-fill your shift.

If you have any further questions check in with Lisa@cheat.org or the website at www.cheatfest.org