Opportunities From: Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

Volunteer: YMI: Goombay Festival 2026


About Us:
The YMI Cultural Center hosts the annual Goombay Festival, a celebration of African and Caribbean culture that has been a cornerstone of Asheville’s community for over 40 years. Our mission is to uplift and showcase the richness of the African diaspora through music, dance, food, and cultural exchange.

Volunteer Overview:
As a volunteer, you will play a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and vibrant festival experience. Volunteers will help with hospitality, guest services, vendor support, and festival logistics.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Greet and assist festival attendees

Provide information and directions to guests

Help set up and break down festival areas

Support vendors with basic needs (water, supplies, etc.)

Assist in managing seating areas, entrances, and lines

Maintain a clean and safe festival environment

Provide support at information and hospitality stations

Requirements:

Completion of volunteer application form before first shift

Attendance at volunteer orientation/training

Reliable personal transportation to festival site

Ability to check in with Volunteer Coordinator before each shift

Skills Required:

Positive and compassionate customer service skills

Excellent communication (verbal and non-verbal)

Ability to remain calm and helpful in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions:

Ability to stand and walk for long periods

Comfort working outdoors in summer weather

Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. (helping with chairs, supplies, etc.)

Attire:

Comfortable, close-toed shoes required

Casual, weather-appropriate clothing (shorts or pants, no holes/tears)

Festival volunteer T-shirt (provided at check-in) must be worn during shift

Location:
YMI Cultural Center / Goombay Festival
20-44 South Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Health & Safety:

Masks are optional (please bring your own if preferred)

Hand sanitizer available at multiple stations

Hydration stations provided; please bring a reusable water bottle


To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization

Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!


Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.






Organization: YMI Cultural Center


About Us:
The YMI Cultural Center hosts the annual Goombay Festival, a celebration of African and Caribbean culture that has been a cornerstone of Asheville’s community for over 40 years. Our mission is to uplift and showcase the richness of the African diaspora through music, dance, food, and cultural exchange.

Volunteer Overview:
As a volunteer, you will play a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and vibrant festival experience. Volunteers will help with hospitality, guest services, vendor support, and festival logistics.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Greet and assist festival attendees

Provide information and directions to guests

Help set up and break down festival areas

Support vendors with basic needs (water, supplies, etc.)

Assist in managing seating areas, entrances, and lines

Maintain a clean and safe festival environment

Provide support at information and hospitality stations

Requirements:

Completion of volunteer application form before first shift

Attendance at volunteer orientation/training

Reliable personal transportation to festival site

Ability to check in with Volunteer Coordinator before each shift

Skills Required:

Positive and compassionate customer service skills

Excellent communication (verbal and non-verbal)

Ability to remain calm and helpful in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions:

Ability to stand and walk for long periods

Comfort working outdoors in summer weather

Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. (helping with chairs, supplies, etc.)

Attire:

Comfortable, close-toed shoes required

Casual, weather-appropriate clothing (shorts or pants, no holes/tears)

Festival volunteer T-shirt (provided at check-in) must be worn during shift

Location:
YMI Cultural Center / Goombay Festival
20-44 South Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Health & Safety:

Masks are optional (please bring your own if preferred)

Hand sanitizer available at multiple stations

Hydration stations provided; please bring a reusable water bottle


To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization

Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!


Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.






Organization: YMI Cultural Center

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 28801

Allow Groups: Yes