General Information

• Walk-Up Volunteers: We do not accept walk-up volunteers.

• Late Sign-Ups: Due to event size and logistics, you cannot sign up to volunteer after online registration closes.

• Online Registration Deadline: Registration closes about ten days before the event, around April 6, 2026.

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Volunteering Details

• Volunteer Benefits: The first time each volunteer checks in, they will receive a volunteer shirt, a wristband (valid for all days of the event), a food voucher, and a collapsible reusable water bottle. For additional shifts, each volunteer will receive only a food voucher.

• Extra Shifts: You may volunteer for additional shifts if you are a current registered volunteer and there is a need, but only after completing your first shift.

• Job Changes: You must stick to the job you signed up for online; changes are not allowed.

• Check-In Time: Arrive no more than 30 minutes before your shift starts.

• Pets: Only service animals are permitted while volunteering.

• Volunteer Care Tent Hours (Event only):

  • Friday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM

  • Saturday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM

  • Sunday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

• Extra T-Shirts: Yes, limited extra shirts/sizes are available for $10 each (cash, exact change only). See Rhonie at the Volunteer Welcome Office.

• Who Can Use the Care Area: Only registered volunteers with wristbands, as well as associate and board members, are permitted.

• Important information & Policies: 

  • The minimum age to volunteer is 14.

  • This event is outdoors; almost all jobs involve working in the sun and elements, including heat, wind, and rain.

  • Most jobs require standing and/or walking for most of the shift.

  • Shifts are about 5.5  hours.

  • Some jobs require lifting and moving various items. Please check the job description.

  • While we will do everything in our power to place you in the job you signed up for, there may be instances where we will need to assign you to a different job or task.

  • Additional information will be emailed approximately 5 days before your scheduled shift(s), including details on where to report and what to expect.

  • Only those who have signed up may volunteer, and walk-up volunteers are not accepted. 

  • Flip-flops or shoes MUST be worn at all times while volunteering.

  • There is NO place to leave your belongings, food, or medicine, so please bring only items you can keep on you.

  • Texas SandFest is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.

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Setup Volunteers

• Benefits: If you volunteer during setup, you’ll receive a volunteer wristband and shirt, but no food voucher. Pick them up together at the Volunteer Welcome Office (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily during the event). You must be registered for setup and check-in for your shift(s) to qualify.  

• Lunch: Will be provided to volunteers who work five or more hours in a single shift. If you have any food allergies or restrictions, please bring lunch and/or snacks. There is no refrigerator or storage area available.

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Missed Shifts and Substitutes

• Cancelling a Shift: Notify us as soon as possible by emailing volunteers@texassandfest.org if you can’t make your shift.

• Substitutes: No one (including other registered volunteers, parents, or friends) can fill in for you or cover if you’re late or leave early.

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Equipment and Parking

• Personal Golf Carts: Only authorized golf carts are allowed in SandFest; you cannot use your own.

• Parking Before the Event: You may park outside the bollards; however, you MUST have a current beach parking permit. Do NOT park inside the bollards unless directed to by a board member.

• Parking During the Event: Park on Gracies Way (off Access Road 1A); no permit is needed. A golf cart shuttle will take you to the South Gate near the Volunteer Care Tent and return you at the end of your shift.

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Support (Set-up, Event & Tear Down) 

• Problems or Issues: Contact your direct team leader or the Volunteer Coordinator for help.

• Changing Area: A changing area will be available during the event for changing into your volunteer shirt.

• Belongings: There’s no storage area. Texas SandFest is not responsible for lost items.

• Medication/Food Storage: We will not hold or store your medication or food for liability reasons.

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Wristbands

• Weekend Access: Your wristband is valid for the entire weekend. Please pick it up at Volunteer Welcome when you check in for your first shift.

• Early Pickup: You may pick up your wristband 30 minutes before your first shift.

• Replacement Wristbands: Bring your original wristband to get a replacement; lost wristbands will not be reissued.

• Purchasing Wristbands: Volunteer wristbands are not for sale.

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Food Vouchers (Event Only)

• Usage Time: Use your food voucher anytime during the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the volunteer food truck.

• Other Food Trucks: Vouchers are only valid at the volunteer food truck.

• Dietary Options: Vegetarian options are available; vegan options are not.

• Guests: Only people with a volunteer wristband and food voucher can eat in the care tent.

• Lost Vouchers: Replacement food vouchers are not available.

• Purchasing Vouchers: You can buy a voucher for $15 (cash, exact change only). Only wristband holders can use them. See Rhonie at the Volunteer Welcome Office.

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Snacks & Drinks

• Alcohol Policy: No alcoholic beverages are permitted while volunteering.

• Available Items During the Event: Snacks, water, and sports drinks will be available at the Volunteer Care Tent.

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