Opportunities From: Powell Gardens Kansas City's Botanical Garden

Role: Station Reset Volunteer
As a Station Reset Volunteer, you’ll play a vital behind-the-scenes role in preparing the Garden for a seamless guest experience during Evergy Festival of Lights.

Responsibilities:

Restock each station with beverages and ice.

Assist with mixing batched signature drinks.

Perform light cleaning to ensure all stations are tidy and ready.

Double-check setup so stations are fully prepared before gates open.

Details:

Dates:  Several Available Dates.

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Inclement Weather Plan:

Staff Lead: Jamie Runyon | jrunyon@powellgardens.org | 660.624.3176

Help guests stay cozy and enjoy the evening by volunteering as Warming Station Support during Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights! Located at the Garden Galleries, the warming station offers guests hot beverages to sip as they explore the holiday lights, and your assistance ensures a smooth and welcoming experience.

If you enjoy interacting with visitors and creating a friendly, festive environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

As Warming Station Support, you will:

Assist guests with hot beverage purchases

Maintain a clean and organized warming station

Help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all guests

Shift Times: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Dates: Various dates available
Training: Provided upon arrival

For more information, contact volunteer@powellgardens.org

Share the joy of the season by volunteering as Craft Support during Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights! Guests will enjoy creating festive crafts as part of their evening in the gardens, and your assistance will help make their experience fun and memorable.

If you enjoy helping others and celebrating the holiday spirit, this is a perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

As Craft Support, you will:

Assist guests with craft activities and supplies

Help set up and maintain craft stations

Ensure a fun, safe, and festive experience for all participants

Shift Times: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Dates: Various dates available
Training: Provided upon arrival

For more information, contact volunteer@powellgardens.org

Bring warmth and cheer to guests at Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights by volunteering as Coffee Shop Support! Help ensure visitors enjoy a cozy beverage experience as they explore the gardens’ dazzling holiday lights.

If you enjoy interacting with guests and creating a welcoming environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

As Coffee Shop Support, you will:

Prepare and serve coffee, tea, and other beverages

Assist with cashiering and maintaining a clean, organized space

Help create a friendly and festive atmosphere for all guests

Shift Times: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Dates: Various dates available
Training: Provided upon arrival

For more information, contact volunteer@powellgardens.org

Be part of the magic of the season by volunteering as Chapel Concert Support during Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights. These special concerts fill the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel with music and holiday cheer, and your warm welcome helps set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

If you enjoy interacting with guests and creating a smooth, enjoyable experience, this role is a great fit for you.

As Chapel Concert Support, you will:

Assist with guest check-in and ticket collection

Provide directions and answer general event questions

Help ensure the concert experience runs smoothly

Shift Times: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Dates: November 29; December 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20
Training: Provided upon arrival

For more information, contact volunteer@powellgardens.org

Help make the season bright by joining us as a Holiday Dinner Server during Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights! Guests will enjoy a festive dining experience as part of their evening at the Gardens, and your warm hospitality will help make it truly special.

If you enjoy serving others and being part of a joyful holiday celebration, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

As a Holiday Dinner Server, you will:

Assist with serving plated dinners and beverages

Help with table setup, clearing, and cleanup

Ensure guests enjoy a smooth and memorable dining experience

Shift Times: 4:30–9:00 p.m.
Dates: November 29, December 13, and December 16
Training: Provided upon arrival

For more information, contact volunteer@powellgardens.org

Join us in spreading warmth and cheer during Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights by volunteering as a Winter Tea Server! Guests will enjoy a cozy tea experience surrounded by the glow of the gardens’ holiday lights, and your help ensures it’s a delightful part of their evening.

If you enjoy creating welcoming experiences and sharing in the holiday spirit, this opportunity is perfect for you.

As a Winter Tea Server, you will:

Serve hot tea and light refreshments to guests

Assist with table setup and cleanup

Help create a warm, festive, and inviting atmosphere

Shift Times: 3:00–7:00 p.m.
Dates: November 22 and December 20
Training: Provided upon arrival

For more information, contact volunteer@powellgardens.org

Evergy Festival of Lights is Powell Gardens’ largest event of the year, where thousands of visitors stroll through dazzling, botanically themed light displays that illuminate a mile-long pathway. It takes a dedicated community of volunteers to make this magical experience possible!

If you enjoy the holiday season and love meeting new people, this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

As a Greeter, you will:

Warmly welcome guests as they arrive at the festival

Provide general event information and directions

Help create a friendly and festive atmosphere for all visitors

Shift Times: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Dates: November 19 – January 3
Training: Provided upon arrival

For more information, contact volunteer@powellgardens.org

Help guests start their Evergy Festival of Lights experience on the right foot by directing vehicles, guiding guests safely to parking areas, and ensuring a smooth, welcoming arrival. For every vehicle parked excluding member vehicles, $1 per vehicle or $300 for the night—whichever is higher—will be donated to the nonprofit, school, or organization of your choice. Parking Partners is an easy and effective way to support Powell Gardens while raising funds for your group.

Dates: Several Available Dates. No Limit – Pick as Many Shifts as Your Team Wants!

Shift Times: 5 pm - 9 pm 

Team Size: At least six (6) individuals per team required.

Team Leader Responsibilities:
Each team will have a designated Team Leader responsible for coordinating the group. If a team member is unable to attend, the Team Leader will arrange a replacement to ensure the team remains fully staffed. Powell Gardens will communicate directly with the Team Leader, who is then responsible for sharing information with their team members.

Teams Responsibilities:

Direct vehicles to appropriate parking spots.

Provide clear, friendly guidance to guests arriving and leaving the Gardens.

Maintain safety for pedestrians and vehicles in the parking areas.

Work collaboratively with your team and staff for smooth operations.

Inclement Weather Notice: Evergy Festival of Lights is an indoor/outdoor event and may be impacted by weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, the Manager on Duty will contact you directly if a cancellation is necessary.

Additional Perks:

Each volunteer will receive two complimentary Admit One passes to Powell Gardens for each completed shift. Orientation and on-site support from Powell Gardens staff. The joy of helping create one of the most enchanting holiday traditions!

 
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Help guests enjoy Evergy Festival of Lights by serving as a Concession Partner! Volunteers will assist with selling food, beverages, and snacks, keeping concession areas clean and stocked, and providing friendly customer service. Each concession team shift will raise $300 for the nonprofit, school, or organization of your choice, making this a wonderful way to give back while supporting Powell Gardens and your community group. This role is essential to creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring guests have the refreshments they need to fully enjoy the magical holiday experience.

For questions, email Amanda Tempel at volunteer@powellgardens.org

Dates: Several Available Dates. No Limit – Pick as Many Shifts as Your Team Wants!

Shift Time: 5 pm - 9 pm 

Team Size: At least five (5) individuals per team required.

Team Leader Responsibilities:
Each team will have a designated Team Leader responsible for coordinating the group. If a team member is unable to attend, the Team Leader will arrange a replacement to ensure the team remains fully staffed. Powell Gardens will communicate directly with the Team Leader, who is then responsible for sharing information with their team members.

Team Responsibilities:

Assist with setting up and breaking down concession stations.

Provide friendly, welcoming service to guests purchasing food and beverages.

Keep concession areas clean, organized, and well-stocked throughout the shift.

Work collaboratively with your team and Powell Gardens staff for smooth operations.

Inclement Weather Notice:
Evergy Festival of Lights is an indoor/outdoor event and may be impacted by weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, the Manager on Duty will contact you directly if a cancellation is necessary.

Additional Perks:

Each volunteer will receive two complimentary Admit One passes to Powell Gardens for each completed shift. Orientation and on-site support from Powell Gardens staff. The joy of helping create one of the most enchanting holiday traditions!