The Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area is looking for helping hands to support three big community events running from this summer through November of 2026.
Volunteers are needed for Moonlight Madness on July 31, the Downtown Autumn Art Market on September 26, and the Festival of the Lights and Shopping Party on November 20. Signing up is done through the VolunteerLocal platform, and no previous experience is required.
Anyone aged 13 or older can take part, and students can earn community hours toward graduation. Those 13 and under need a parent’s permission, and those 12 and under must also have adult supervision. For the Festival of the Lights specifically, volunteers must be over 13 and in grade nine. Shifts usually run between three and six hours, and training happens right on the event day.
Tasks include dressing up in costume, supervising children’s activities, helping with event setup, handing out food, greeting guests at registration, and working as a festival ambassador. Volunteers should be able to lift at least 15 pounds.
Moonlight Madness has been a Bracebridge tradition for over 45 years and is the biggest shopping night of the year in Muskoka. The Downtown Autumn Art Market, which started in 2024, brings together artists, performers, authors, and musicians. Past markets featured live music, dance and aerial arts, weaving, printmaking, and plein air painting.
The Festival of the Lights is put on by the BIA together with the Town of Bracebridge and includes a Moonlight Shopping Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., fireworks at 8 p.m., Santa visits, live entertainment, food vendors, and a toy drive.
Details on all the volunteer opportunities are listed at downtownbracebridge.com/volunteer.
