June 2026 will mark the 23rd anniversary of Second Life opening to public access – and as we’ve all come to expect, the month will mark the start of several weeks of events and celebrations running into July under the umbrella of the Second Life Birthday (SLB) otherwise know for this year as SL23B.
Dates and Theme
This year the SLB festivities will open on Friday, June 18th, 2026 and will run through until Sunday, July 19th, 2026. The theme for 2026 is The Golden Age of Hollywood, which the Lab describes thus:
Think classic cinema, red carpets, vintage glamour, and the magic of the silver screen. While the theme may inspire many builds and performances, exhibits are not required to follow the theme. We encourage you to share what makes your Second Life experience meaningful. Your interests. Your communities. Your creativity.
However, as has been the case over the last several birthday events, exhibitions are not confined to the theme itself, with the Lab additionally noting:
Every year, we celebrate because of the incredible Residents who bring this world to life. The birthday celebrations are an opportunity to showcase what inspires you and what keeps you coming back.
Volunteer Applications
On Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, Linden Lab announced that Volunteer applications have opened and remain so through until Monday, May 18th, 2026. As noted, exhibitor applications are now open. Key requirements for volunteers are noted below – however, for the full list of requirements, please refer the the exhibitor application form, via the link following these notes:
- Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two hour shifts at a time, and to note that as SL23B spans 11 days, LL prioritise applicants who can participate across multiple days. Stage Crew are expected to contribute a minimum total of 8 hours.
- Training sessions will be provided across multiple times. All volunteers are expected to complete a training session, regardless of whether they have been volunteers at previous Birthday events. Those failing to complete the required training will be removed from the Volunteer group.
- These are volunteer positions, and as such, volunteers will not be paid. Additionally, volunteers cannot rez/wear tip jars or solicit for tips.
- Stage Crew:
- May not act as personal hosts for performers. You may only host if specifically scheduled as a Stage Host under the official guidelines.
- Members should report any issues to their Stage Manager first. Stage Managers are responsible for assigning roles, tasks, and timing.
- Greeters should report any issues in the Greeter group and a Mole or Coordinator will assist.
Please note: All enquiries about hosting exhibitions, staging performances or volunteering at the event should be directed to Linden Lab, not this blog.
Related Links
- SL23B Applications Now Open for Exhibitors and Performers! – Linden Lab
- SL23B Applications Now Open for Volunteers! – Linden Lab
- SL23B: theme, exhibitor & performer applications now open – this blog
- SL23B application forms:
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