AUSTIN, Texas -- South by Southwest held its first call for volunteers for the 2018 festival.

SXSW attracts thousands of volunteers for their annual Conference & Festival event. This year will be no different with hundreds of people showing up for their first volunteer call.

Crew Manager and long-time volunteer Kevin Garcia said that the fun he had at past SXSW festivals makes the work worth it.

"South by Southwest is probably the biggest thing I've ever volunteered at. Its a lot of fun. It becomes a community, every crew that I've ever volunteered with it had become like a little family," said Garcia.

Volunteers had 45 different crews to choose from and the ability to choose their own hours. The customizable experience gave them an inside look at Austin's biggest festival.

SXSW Director of Event Staffing and Resources Tami Richter said it's an experience that regular festival goers miss out on.

"There gonna see it from the inside out. They're able to rub elbows with the next big rock star, they're able to meet other volunteers and meet other great volunteers and network," said Richter.

First time volunteer Monny Garcia hopes that working for the festival will allow him access to a show he'll never forget. 

"The perks about working, honestly," he said. "Getting to see all the shows and new experiences, I haven't really done much of this."

But veteran volunteers like Kevin Garcia know that fun still comes with a lot of work.

"You have to be able to put that committment in," Garcia said. "Once you've done that again there are so many possibilities that open up."

SXSW will continue their volunteer recruitment with two more volunteer calls Jan. 28 and Jan. 29. For more information on how to sign up, visit sxsw.com.