Milwaukee Oktoberfest 2025 – Volunteer Terms & Conditions
Thank you for joining the volunteer team for Milwaukee Oktoberfest!
By signing up and participating as a volunteer, you agree to the following terms and expectations to ensure a safe, fun, and successful event for all.
1. Volunteer Expectations
All volunteers must be 16 years or older (18+ for beer service).
Volunteers are expected to be punctual, present, and professional during their assigned shifts.
Volunteers will complete a mandatory training session on Tuesday, September 16 from 6–7 PM at the War Memorial Beer Garden.
Volunteers will follow the direction of their Bar Lead, Kitchen Lead, or Event Coordinator at all times.
2. Code of Conduct
Volunteers agree to maintain a respectful and welcoming attitude toward guests, staff, and fellow volunteers.
No harassment, discrimination, intoxication, or disruptive behavior will be tolerated.
Volunteers must stay in their assigned post unless given permission to rotate or break.
Any volunteer who fails to follow conduct expectations may be removed from their shift or disqualified from future participation.
3. Alcohol Handling
Only volunteers 18+ may serve, pour, or handle alcoholic beverages.
Volunteers must check IDs and apply wristbands before serving any alcohol.
Volunteers may not consume alcohol during their shift.
Anyone visibly under the influence while volunteering will be asked to leave immediately.
4. Tips & Gratuities
Tip jars will be placed at select bar and service stations.
All tips collected during Milwaukee Oktoberfest are considered a donation to the event’s volunteer fund and are pooled for fair distribution. Volunteers typically donate them back to the fundraising mission.
A portion of pooled tips will be used to cover the Bar Leads, volunteer appreciation efforts, training costs, snacks, drinks, and future event improvements.
Volunteers do not retain individual tips.
If tips exceed expected totals, surplus may be shared with volunteers based on hours contributed or specific responsibilities at the discretion of organizers.
5. Dress Code & Safety
Volunteers should wear German Attire. If nothing else, the volunteer t-shirt, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Branded t-shirts or safety vests (if provided) must be worn during the shift.
All volunteers must prioritize guest safety and report any incidents or concerns to event staff immediately.
6. Cancellations & No-Shows
If you are unable to make your assigned shift, please notify your team lead at least 48 hours in advance.
No-shows may be ineligible for future volunteer opportunities or benefits.
7. Liability & Photo Release
Volunteers agree to release Milwaukee Oktoberfest, Kegel’s Inn, Swarmm Events, and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. from any liability for injury or personal loss during volunteer service.
Volunteers grant permission for photographs or videos taken during the event to be used for promotional purposes by the event organizers.
8. Volunteer Perks
Volunteers will receive a free staff snack/drink token for each full shift completed.
Volunteers will have access to training, behind-the-scenes camaraderie, and a role in bringing Milwaukee Oktoberfest to life!
By volunteering, you agree to abide by the above terms and represent Milwaukee Oktoberfest with positivity and responsibility. Prost!
