St. Mary’s Oktoberfest 2026 • October 9–11 • Alton, Illinois
Volunteer

The weekend runs on people who step in.

Setup, food, games, ticketing, race support, cleanup, hospitality, and behind-the-scenes work all matter. Pick a lane, bring a friend, and help make the weekend happen.

Corn stand volunteers serving together at Oktoberfest
Volunteer serving a guest from the beer trailer

Food & beer

Help with food lines, beer service, guest flow, hospitality, and keeping busy areas moving.

Volunteers helping at a kids games table

Kids games & activities

Support games, inflatables, wristbands, family areas, and activities that keep the weekend welcoming for children.

Race volunteers and supporters before the Oktoberfest 5K

Race support

Help with packet pickup, route support, water, cheering, safety, and cleanup for Friday night.

Volunteer cooking hot dogs during Oktoberfest

Cooking, setup & cleanup

Help with cooking, setup, teardown, cleanup, and the practical jobs that decide whether the weekend works.

Important for parents

Volunteer accounts and Safe Environment steps matter.

Most returning families already know this process, but new parents may need the steps. Volunteers should use the official signup link and, when signing up a minor or another family member, use the RunSignUp sub-account instructions so the correct person is attached to the correct shift.

Questions

Not sure where you fit?

Start with the volunteer signup form so the right person is attached to the right shift. Use the general question form only if you are not sure which area fits.