Blues at the Arch Festival - Event Support

Our Opportunity: Gateway Arch Park Foundation is pleased to host our tenth annual Blues at the Arch, taking place August 7-10!  This summer, we’re celebrating a decade of blues at Gateway Arch National Park with four days of live music, local flavors, and nonstop fun. Produced in partnership with the National Blues Museum and the National Park Service, this free festival is the only one of its kind to take place on national park grounds. 

New this year, Blues at the Arch Festival kicks off with a special 10th anniversary preview night at the National Blues Museum. Then, the party continues at the Arch grounds for an extended weekend of live music, jam packed with performances from local and national blues legends, a Kids Korner, delicious eats, fireworks, and more.  

Volunteers can participate in several opportunities at Blues at the Arch. See below for more information about each position. 

• Kick Off Concert Greeter: Thursday, August 7  

• Photographer: Thursday, August 7 – Sunday, August 10  

• Set-up/Tear-down: Friday, August 8 or Sunday, August 10  

• Members & Sponsors/Premium Experience Tent: Friday, August 8 - Sunday, August 10 

• Gateway Arch Park Foundation Information/Merch Tent: Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10 

• Kid’s Korner: Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10 

• Greeters: Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10 

• Rhythm & Roots Market: Saturday, August 9 

Reports to Jason Douglas, Senior Manager, Events. 

How does this position make an impact? 

Volunteers at Blues at the Arch make an impact by creating enjoyable and welcoming environment everyone during the event.  

This role is suitable for those with: 

• Excellent customer service skills 

• A desire to interact with the public and share information about St. Louis 

• Enthusiasm, friendliness, and a positive attitude  

• Respect for confidentiality of the Gateway Arch National Park’s volunteers, partners, members, and donors 

• Willingness to take initiative, and voice ideas 

Commitment: 

Volunteers must serve at least one shift between August 7-10. Blues at the Arch shifts are subject to change but include the following: 

• Thursday, August 7 

• 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.  

• Friday, August 8 

• 4:30 – 9:00 p.m. 

• Saturday, August 9 

• 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. 

• 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

• 4:30 – 9:00 p.m. 

• Sunday, August 10 

• 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. 

• 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.  

*Note: Some shift times are subject to change. Be prepared to either leave earlier or stay later depending on the position and/or workload. 

Site: Blues at the Arch is located at Gateway Arch National Park in the North Gateway. The National Blues Museum is located at 615 Washington Ave. Volunteers may be stationed in various areas around the park and/or asked to meet in various locations depending on position registration.  

Roles and Responsibilities: 

18 or older (younger applicants with parental/guardian approval may be considered). As representatives of the National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation, volunteers must adhere to the policies, procedures, and code of conduct as outlined in the volunteer handbook provided prior to or during training. 

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, lift 20+ pounds, and tolerate August weather. Accommodation can be made upon request.  

Hours/Days of Operations: 

Volunteers register for their shifts and manage their schedules using our online system, VolunteerHub, archpark.volunteerhub.com. 

Training and Supervision: 

• All necessary information will be made available before and during the event 

• Additional training may be provided upon request. 

• Gateway Arch Park Foundation staff will be available for supervision and guidance.   

Support:  

Training for this position will be provided. Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation staff will be available for questions and assistance as needed.  

Management: 

The volunteer program is co-managed by Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation. Together, our program seeks to build a diverse core of park stewards and to enhance the experiences of both volunteers and visitors.  

Volunteer Perks: 

• Contribute to a national monument, Gateway Arch National Park! 

• Annual volunteer recognition event 

• Free parking if needed during volunteer hours 

Thank you for wanting to be a part of our team. We could not serve the community of St. Louis without you! 

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation 

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public space, and attractions are a vital, active, and welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association and the City of St. Louis.