2026 Volunteer Program

FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen

The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen will take place June 19-21, 2026. As a volunteer, you will have an opportunity to support the community and enjoy this culinary event.

Volunteers will have access to Grand Tastings and seminars on a space-available basis during non-assigned work hours (access is determined based on hours committed and assigned shifts).

We’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming interest in our volunteer program—spots fill up fast! While we do give priority to returning volunteers, we always welcome new faces to join the experience. Mark your calendar for April 2 at 10 AM, when online registration officially opens. Wishing you the best of luck, and we can’t wait to see you at the Classic!

Please remember that all volunteers must meet the minimum requirements below:

Must be 21+ years of age as of June 19, 2026
Able to lift up to 50lbs
Work in rain, snow, wind, or heat
Stand and/or actively move-around a venue for extended periods of time
Can be flexible with water and food breaks
Access and ability to complete a self-guided digital orientation
Must be in Aspen, CO in-person by June 18, 2026 for credential pick up, team meeting(s), and assigned work hours.

Please have your head shot photo ready to upload at time of registration. Your head shot photo should be taken against a white backdrop, close up to your face, and no hats or sunglasses - similar to a US Passport photo.

If you have questions about volunteering, please email volunteer@aspenchamber.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any changes to the volunteer program this year?

Any changes to the 2026 volunteer program will be posted here.

What measures are being taken to ensure health and safety of attendees?

FOOD & WINE is committed to the health and safety of all our guests’ staff, volunteers and talent. Attendees’ safety and comfort will remain our top priority as we plan and prepare for the 2026 F&W Classic in Aspen. The festival regulations, policies and protocols are under constant review, fully subject to change and will be continually updated and revised in accordance with the most current public health (CDC, State of Colorado, Pitkin County, City of Aspen) information, direction, and official guidelines.

What training is required to be a volunteer?

Mandatory Volunteer Orientation is an online course that all chairpersons and volunteers take from his/her own computer or device. A link to the orientation will be sent to confirmed volunteers in spring of 2026 and must be completed prior to picking up volunteer credentials.

Volunteers may be required to complete a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) course which will also be conducted online and completed by each volunteer on his/her own computer or device prior to picking up volunteer credentials.

How do I volunteer for  the event?

If you are a volunteer in good standing from 2025, you will receive an email with an invitation for priority registration in March. The email will be sent to the email address we have on file from 2025 and will be valid for the recipient only. An invitation does not guarantee a position or priority registration once public registration has opened.

If you are a NEW volunteer, online registration will be open to the public on April 2, 2026 at 10am.

How are volunteers assigned?

Factors considered for volunteer confirmation include recent volunteering for The FOOD & WINE Classic, past performance as a volunteer for the event, and the date of application submission.

Priority registration is given to returning volunteers from the previous year who are in good standing. New volunteers are assigned shifts based on their registration order and qualification, depending on the availability of committee positions. All committee assignments and shifts are subject to modification.

Do I have priority if I volunteered in 2025?

Volunteers from 2025 in good standing will receive an email with an invitation for priority registration in March.

Do I have priority if I volunteered for 5, 10, or even 20 years but missed 2025?

Only volunteers in good standing who volunteered in 2025 will receive a priority registration invitation. Due to the ongoing evolution of the volunteer program, we are grateful for your tenure and welcome you to register during public registration.

What does priority or invitation registration mean?

Volunteers in good standing who volunteered in 2025 will receive an email with a link to register for a volunteer position before public registration goes live. The link will be valid for the recipient only. The email will be an invitation notification only and does not guarantee a position or priority after public registration begins. Invited volunteers still need to complete a full registration form in order to qualify for a volunteer position and will be considered in the order of time and date received.

What does "in good standing" mean?

All volunteers are evaluated  on their performance by his/her chairperson or shift leader based  on the following criteria: attendance, teamwork, and compliance with the event's code of conduct.  Performance  information is shared with the Volunteer Manager for future qualification.

What if I miss volunteer registration or it is full when I go to register?

During  the priority volunteer registration period  and  the public (new) volunteer registration period, the waitlist will be available to all eligible volunteers. The waitlist will be considered in order of registration time and date,  we  highly recommend registering under the waitlist when volunteer positions fill up. Volunteer applicants on the waitlist may be contacted to fill a position up until the event weekend.