Small Town, Big Impact

Earlier this year, the Town of Occoquan, Visit Occoquan, and the Occoquan Historical Society joined together to develop Volunteer Occoquan. Through this program, the three organizations are cultivating and building a group of dedicated community members who want to help grow and better our little town through volunteerism.

"Volunteerism is the heartbeat of Occoquan," says Adam Linn, Occoquan's Town Manager & Chief of Police. "From our elected officials, police, and town staff to our residents and Occoquan Historical Society and Visit Occoquan volunteers, their dedication and passion—whether through public safety, supporting events, leading projects, or bringing our history to life—strengthens our town and fosters the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes Occoquan so special to all who live and visit here."

Why Volunteer

Community: Meet your neighbors and forge new friendships with the people who live in and around Occoquan. 

Service Hours: students and adults who need school or community services hours are encouraged to volunteer through our various programs! 

Givers Gain: Studies show volunteering improves physical and mental health and creates a stronger sense of belonging. 

T-Shirts: Maybe you just want an awesome festival t-shirt? That's cool. We're happy to have you on the team!

Who Volunteers

All Ages: While most positions are for adults, we do have several job for kids and teens! 

All Abilities: Most positions can easily accommodate wheelchair users, volunteers with limited mobility, and those who have hearing loss or low vision. 

All Talents: Maybe your talents are engaging with the public or doing something creative. Or maybe you prefer building displays or picking up trash. There's a little something for everyone! 

Any Amount of Time: Many of our volunteers serve just once or twice a year during events, while others wish to serve in more consistent roles.

Opportunities

Mill House Museum & Visitor's Center

Museum volunteers play a critical roll in the daily operations of the museum. Open 6 days a week, the museum also functions as the town's visitor's center, assisting guests to town with directions, maps, and recommendations on things to do. Bob Love, President of the Board for the Society remarks "Our volunteers are the heart of the Mill House Museum & Visitor's Center and serve as a vital link between the town, the museum, and our visitors. Our building is open six days each week, which is only possible because of these volunteers."

Festivals & Events

Volunteers are critical to our town events! It takes over 100 staff and volunteers to run each festival weekend in September and June.

• ​Fall Arts & Crafts Show (Sep 27-28, 2025)

• Trivia Nights (May-October)

• Murder Mystery Night (Oct 24, 2025)

• Costume Parade & Contest (Oct 25, 2025)

• Movie Night in the Park (Oct 25, 2025)

• Annual Tree Lighting (Nov 22, 2025)

• Holiday Artisan Market (Dec 6-7, 2025)

• Occoquan Peep Show (Mar 31-Apr 4, 2026)

• RiverFest & Craft Show (June 6-7, 2026)

• National Night Out (Aug 4, 2026)

Occoquan Police

Over the past year, paid and auxiliary officers with the Occoquan Police Department have volunteered nearly 4,000 hours within the community. Officers do everything from routine patrols to providing safety and crowd management during our events and festivals.

Town Public Works & Beautification

Volunteers help year round with planting, gardening, removing invasive species, and other clean up projects around the community.​ The next invasive species clean up is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025. To sign up or learn more about this growing opportunity, register through the link below.

Learn more about our impactful and growing volunteer program at visitoccoquanva.com/volunteer!