Event Location

Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.

Event Date & Time

The event happens annually on a Saturday in late November.

Time Commitment

A seven-hour shift, which includes an hour of pre-event training.

How to Apply

  1. Complete a volunteer application.
  2. Attend a recruitment session, please RSVP to spevvol@toronto.ca.

Becoming a volunteer is easy. Are you:

  • a resident of or visitor to the Greater Toronto Area?
  • interested in festivals and events?
  • age 16 or older?

If you answered yes, you should attend a recruitment session.

To become a volunteer, follow these simple steps:

  • RSVP to a City Cultural Events Volunteer Recruitment Session
  • attend the session to learn about our events and volunteer roles
  • successfully complete a short, informal interview

For more information contact the City Cultural Events Volunteer Department at 416-392-9315 or email spevvol@toronto.ca.

Benefits of Being a Volunteer

As a Cavalcade of Lights volunteer, you will:

  • assist at one of Canada’s leading festivals
  • acquire new skills in event production
  • experience the great feeling of helping Toronto be a liveable city
  • contribute to your city’s well-being
  • earn hours towards community service

To become a Cavalcade of Lights volunteer, you will:

  • attend a mandatory information and interview session to understand the festivals produced by the City and the roles open to volunteers
  • attend a mandatory training session for your specific festival and event role

As an active Cavalcade of Lights Volunteer, you will:

  • become part of an amazing network of enthusiastic individuals
  • receive regular updates on City-produced activities
  • receive recognition letters after each festival
  • receive certificates of hours after each festival
  • be eligible for recognition awards

Recruitment sessions consist of an informative presentation and short interview. Once recruited and accepted, volunteers will be able to participate in any and all City Cultural Events.

Browse the list of upcoming recruitment sessions.

Please RSVP your attendance to spevvol@toronto.ca

Information Ambassadors

Information Ambassadors provide front-line, top-calibre customer service to festival visitors. They are the goodwill ambassadors who keep everyone informed. Responsibilities include helping patrons navigate the event by distributing information materials, answering questions and giving directions. This position is ideal for friendly people with good communication skills and high energy who want lots of interaction with patrons, but no supervisory duties.

Accessibility Assistants

Accessibility Assistants help escort patrons who use wheelchairs and other assistive devices to the event’s accessibility area(s). They have the authority to request that other people vacate the area if they don’t need it. This position is ideal for friendly people who like to help patrons with special needs, and involves some walking.

Artist Assistants

Artist Assistants help the artist and/or performer in a myriad of ways. Responsibilities include assisting with performance logistics and escorting them to the performance area. This position is ideal for people familiar with helping artists and/or performers and with some previous theatre or event experience.

Assistant Stage Managers

Assistant Stage Managers help the Stage Managers ensure the stage runs smoothly and on schedule. Responsibilities include working directly with the performers and their handlers, and assisting with cues, set up and clean up. This position is ideal for students in theatre or technical production programs looking for real experience at large events and who are calm and assertive. This position is for experienced volunteers and requires a resume.

Ushers

Ushers also provide front-line, top-calibre customer service to festival visitors while they wait to view projects and ensure their successful navigation through line-ups. Responsibilities include greeting the audience and crowd control. This position is ideal for friendly people who like participating in crowd management and are willing to be assertive, but want no supervisory duties.