WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays are equivalent to summer fun in the city. These free concerts on the Big Four Lawn are the perfect way to experience Waterfront Park.
Waterfront Park and 91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville are delighted to announce the 23rd season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday®. Louisville’s favorite concert series returns on Wednesday, April 23, with The Verve Pipe (9 p.m.), Momma (7:30 p.m.) and Cam Clark & His Orchestra (6 p.m.). Proceeds from WFPK Waterfront Wednesday benefit Waterfront Park and Louisville Public Media.
“From up-and-coming songwriters to R&B, alt-rock, Memphis soul, and a Louisville music showcase, it’s a celebration of music and community this season.” said Stacy Owen, WFPK promotions director, “We’re excited to see everyone on the Big Four Lawn, because live music is always better on grass!”
The free concerts take place on the Big Four Lawn in Louisville’s Waterfront Park, located next to the Big Four Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. The lawn opens at 5 p.m., with music beginning promptly at 6 p.m. These events are made free thanks to the support of generous sponsors, on-site concession sales and donations. You can make a donation to support WFPK Waterfront Wednesday at lpm.org/wfw.
“Waterfront Park is a gathering place where our community comes together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the beauty of our city and river,” said Deborah Bilitski, Waterfront Park’s president and executive director. “WFPK Waterfront Wednesday is a perfect example of how we can create vibrant, shared experiences that make Louisville special. We are thrilled to continue this tradition and welcome music lovers back to the Big Four Lawn for another incredible season.”
Food trucks, vendor booths and Waterfront KidsDay, a dedicated area for kids and families to do hands-on activities, will also return. Waterfront KidsDay will be open from approximately 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during each month’s show and is made possible with the support of our sponsors and our community partner Louisville Youth Group.
New this year, we are pleased to partner with Riverside Parking and Lynn Family Stadium to offer pre-paid parking at Lynn Family Stadium’s Green Lot. Pre-paid parking can be purchased for the April 23 concert at this link.
Fans of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday can also enter to win the Super Fan prize package – a reserved parking space at each 2025 concert, backstage access, event swag and two VIP tickets to the 2025 Bourbon & Beyond September 11– September 14 on the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Visit LPM.org/WaterfrontWednesday to enter for a chance to win. The winner will be drawn on April 21, 2025 at 5 p.m.
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday is produced by Waterfront Park and Louisville Public Media. The event is made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsors The Brook Hospitals, Cornbread Hemp, The Jack Harlow Foundation and The University of Louisville. Parkside Bikes returns this year with bike parking on-site.
2025 Season Dates and Artist
April 23
The Verve Pipe
Momma
Cam Clark & His Orchestra
May 28
Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes
Southern Avenue
Relaay
June 25
Anderson East
The Kentucky Gentlemen
Candi Jenkins
July 30
Ben Sollee and Friends
Marzz
Sydney Sleadd and the Swarm
August 27
Sixpence None the Richer
Kashus Culpepper
Roadie
September 17
About WFPK Waterfront Wednesday
Since its inception in 2002, WFPK Waterfront Wednesday has been one of the most well-attended and recognized events in Louisville. Taking place on the last Wednesday of each month from April to September, the event has played host to some of the biggest names in music. (See below for a full list of past performers.)
These free concerts on the Big Four Lawn offer a gorgeous view of the river and the Big Four Bridge are the perfect way to experience the good life at Waterfront Park. Move, groove, and live it up amidst a family-friendly atmosphere – Local food trucks and festival food and a cash bar. The lawn opens at 5 pm and music begins at 6 pm.
Follow us on our social media pages and check our online events calendar for the most up-to-date information on upcoming WFPK Waterfront Wednesday events!
See below for additional information on attending.
More Information
Please no outside alcohol, no coolers, no glass, no pets, and no tents!
Where is Waterfront Wednesday? Concerts take place on the Big Four Lawn in Louisville’s Waterfront Park, located next to the Big Four Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge.
I’m coming from out of town. How do I get there? What should I put in my GPS? The Waterfront Development Corporation folks have exact GPS coordinates and directions from every, well, direction.
Where can I park? There is street parking on River Road, limited parking in the lots along River Road, and on various side streets. Additionally, you can purchase pre-paid parking at Lynn Family Stadium’s Green Lot. If you prefer to bike there instead, Parkside Bikes offers on-site bike parking.
Is there handicap parking? All of Waterfront’s parking lots (green, orange, Lincoln, silver, tan and turquoise) offer 4-6 handicap parking spaces. The red lot is not available for public use. If you desire you can have someone pull in and drop you at the entrance to the red (production) lot, then find another place to park.
Is there a Waterfront Wednesday every Wednesday? No, Waterfront Wednesday is the last Wednesday of the month. However this year, April and September concerts take place on the third Wednesday.
Can I bring my kids? Absolutely! Waterfront Wednesday is an all-ages event. However, parents should be aware that like any rock concert, there may be profanity or adult themes from time to time. Come early for Waterfront KidsDay, a dedicated area for kids and families to do hands-on activities. Waterfront KidsDay is open from approximately 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during each concert.
How much are tickets? Waterfront Wednesday is a ticketless event and free to the public. We are grateful to our sponsors and LPM and Waterfront Park members for making it possible to keep Waterfront Wednesday free. For more information on becoming a member, click here.
What time can I get there? The lawn opens at 5 p.m.
Can I watch the concert from the bridge? Absolutely! It’s a great place to listen and has a beautiful view. Be sure to tag any of your photos on social media #wfpk and #waterfrontwednesday.
What time is the concert over? Set lengths and start times are approximate, but usually the festivities are winding down between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Can I bring lawn chairs? Sure thing.
Can I bring my dog/ferret/parrot? No pets allowed, sorry. Please leave the furry and feathered kids at home.
What else can’t I bring? Outside alcohol is prohibited. No coolers, no glass, or pets allowed in the event area of the Big Four Lawn and the adjacent park areas.
Is there food and/or beer and/or alcohol and/or nonalcoholic drinks at Waterfront Wednesday? Yes. Upscale festival food, local food trucks, and don’t forget to visit the bar.
Can I bring my own food? As long as you don’t bring it in the aforementioned and prohibited glass or coolers, sure thing.
Can I bring my own beer? I see what you did there. Still nope.
I’m interested in being a vendor at Waterfront Wednesday. Where do I find more information? For more information, contact John Grantz at jgrantz@lpm.org
Can I make a donation to Waterfront Wednesday? Of course! Donate here to help keep this concert series free!
I see rain/wind/tornadoes from Oz predicted in the weather report. Is there still a concert? Waterfront Wednesday is a rain or shine event. Occasionally especially heavy rain or lightning has caused us to run on a delayed schedule, and in the event of a particularly bad weather, cancel. The safety of our attendees as well as our bands and workers always takes priority, and in the case of inclement weather, keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
I lost my keys/sunglasses/credit card/license/sweater/water bottle/you get the idea/ at Waterfront Wednesday, help! You can check to see if anything was turned into the Merchandise Booth (to the left of the stage) or by calling WFPK at 502-814-6500 the next day.
How are you feeling? If you’re not feeling well, please STAY HOME. We cannot emphasize this enough. Help keep each other healthy.
How do I find…? Check out the map below to see the layout of sponsors and vendors on the Big Four Lawn.
Past Performers
2024: Phosphorescent, Dehd, Tyrone Cotton, Pokey LaFarge, S.G. Goodman, Ellie Ruth Band, Alejandro Escovedo, Middle Kids, RELAAY (formerly Bridge 19), Modern English, SNACKTIME, Digby, Matthew Sweet, Friko, Nise the Nymph, Dark Side of the Wall, Zaniah, +Flow
2023: Durand Jones, Ruen Brothers, Producing A Kind Generation, Charley Crockett, Sunny War, Bibelhauser Brothers, The Hold Steady, The Watson Twins, Turbo Nut, Bettye LaVette, Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies, and Jameron, Deer Tick, Darlingside, Anemic Royalty, Back 2 Mac, Sheryl Rouse Band, Sweet G & The Shine
2022: Maggie Rose, Boa Boys, Phourist & the Photons, War, Bendigo Fletcher, Wombo, Moon Taxi, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Routine Caffeine, Joan Osborne, Seratones, Mark Charles, Yonder Mountain String Band, Hot Brown Smackdown, Houseplant
2021: Houndmouth, The Jesse Lees, Sam Filiatreau, The Mavericks, Magnolia Boulevard, McKinley James, Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers, Villa Mure, CJ Sparks, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Brooks Ritter, Genevva
2019: Lucy Dacus, Darlingside, Mama Said String Band, Adia Victoria, Bridge 19, Jukebox the Ghost w/Louisville Civic Orchestra, Erika Wennerstrom (of Heartless Bastards), Electric Garden, The War and Treaty, Haley Heynderickx, Dave Ernst and the Early Favorites, Devon Gilfillian, C2 and the Brothers Reed, Josh Ritter, Amanda Shires, GRLwood
2018: Lissie, The Weeks, Phourist and the Photons, J Roddy Walston and the Business, Sunflower Bean, Parker Millsap, Bettye LaVette, Dr. Dundiff and Otis Junior
2017: Murder by Death, Whitehorse, Maximon, The Mavericks, Hollis Brown, Peter Searcy, Pokey LaFarge, Robyn Hitchcock, Carly Johnson, Strand of Oaks, Low Cut Connie, The Zach Longoria Project, James Lindsey, In Lighting, The Secret Sisters
2016: 1200, Liz Vice, Rayland Baxter, Paul Thorn, The Howling Tongues, Nick Dittmeier and the Sawdusters, Hayes Carll, Dylan Leblanc, Brenda, Brett Dennen, Lucius, Kaleo, Dr. Dundiff and Friends, Bright Light Social Hour, Bonnie Bishop, Nada Surf, OJR, Howell Dawdy
2015: Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, Civil Twilight, Jukebox the Ghost, Small Time Napoleon, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Pokey LaFarge, T. Hardy Morris, Fantastic Negrito, Strand of Oaks, American Aquarium, Anderson East, Maia Sharp, Twin Limb, Waxfang, Here We Go Magic, Vandaveer
2014: Moon Taxi, The Apache Relay, House Ghost, Spanish Gold, The Broken Spurs, Starbilly, Old 97’s, The Whigs, Dawn Landes, Ben Sollee, The Deloreans, Steelism, Shovels and Rope, The Wild Feathers, Tim Easton, Lake Street Dive, 23 String Band, Sean Rowe
2013: Ra Ra Riot, Leagues, A Lion Named Roar, The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Lone Bellow, The Staves, The Kopecky Family Band, Happy Chichester, Appalatin, Little Green Cars, Randall Bramblett Band, Quiet Hollers, Laura Marling, Sons of Fathers, Justin Paul Lewis, J. Roddy Walston and the Business, Scott Miller w/the Commonwealth and Vandaveer
2012: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Sugar + the Hi-lows, The Tunesmiths, The Elders, Joseph Arthur, Vessel, Trampled By Turtles, The Walkmen, These United States, JD McPherson, Matt the Electrician, Audra Mae, Jukebox the Ghost, Tift Merritt, Whistle Peak, Everest, Shemekia Copeland, Dave Moisan Band
2011: Over the Rhine, Harper Blynn, Cabin, Scars on 45, Abigail Washburn, Nicole Atkins, Hayes Carll, Ponderosa, Uh Huh Baby Yeah!, Sarah Jaffe, Ha Ha Tonka, Katie Herzig, They Might Be Giants, The DeLoreans
2010: The Holmes Brothers, Legendary Shack Shakers, Otis Gibbs, Josh Rouse, ALO, Backyard Tire Fire, Carney Joshua James, Sonos, Tift Merritt, Dawes, Robert Francis, These United States, Dan Mangan Band, Audra Mae, Great Big Sea, Ike Reilly Assasination, The Seedy Seeds
2009: Todd Snider, Extra Golden, Tony Furtado (solo), The Meat Puppets, The Features, Broken Spurs, Hill Country Revue, Jonell Mosser, Guggenheim Grotto, Josh Ritter, Sam Roberts Band, Young Dubliners, Cracker, Will Hoge, Great Lake Swimmers, Bell X1, Company of Thieves, Workers
2008: The Whigs, Wild Sweet Orange, Griffin House, Back Door Slam, Jim White, Mike Farris, Sonny Landreth, The Elders, Katie Herzig, Shake Anderson Band, Danielia Cotton, Dave Barnes, VHS or Beta, SeepeopleS, Ben Sollee, Paul Thorn, Langhorne Slim, John Mann
2007: Los Straitjackets w/Big Sandy, Tony Furtado, Last Town Chorus, Jonatha Brooke (w/band), Gran Bel Fisher (w/band), Cabin, Mark Olson, Willy Porter, Ultratone, The Avett Brothers, Peter Searcy, Willy Mason, The Cherryholmes, Adrienne Young and Little Sadie, KY Sassafras, Tim Krekel Orchestra, Kim Richey Band, Hoots & Hellmouth
2006: Duncan Sheik, Martin Sexton, Robinella, Indigenous, Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch & Fats Kaplan, Tyrone Cotton, Jackie Greene, The Gabe Dixon Band, Amy LaVere, Todd Snider, Strays Don’t Sleep, Slackshop, Old Crow Medicine Show, Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, The Betweeners, Cracker, Soul, Inc., Bonepony
2005: Rosavelt, Maia Sharp, Merediths, Danielia Cotton, Carbon Leaf, The Silos, Over The Rhine, Fire The Saddle, Mofro, Spottiswoode and His Enemies, Hayes Carl, Del McCoury Band, Tim Krekel, Jeff Black, The Duhks, Hem, The Navigators, Shannon McNally
2004: Bonepony, Hell’s ½ Acre, Mofro, Bob Schneider, Melissa Ferrick, Ellis Hooks, VHS or Beta, Pine Club, David Mead, Peter Searcy, Tim Krekel, Paul Thorn, The Middlemen, Ben Arnold, Chuck Prophet
2003: Tim Krekel, Jessie Harris, Digby, Happy Chichester, Butterfly Boucher, Alex Tench, Jesse Harris & the Ferdinandos, East Mountain South, John Eddie, Maktub, Hell’s ½ Acre, Los Lonely Boys, Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, Sonny Landreth, Lizzie West, The Cash Brothers, Sue O’Neil and the Blue Seville
2002: Gladstone, Ike Reilly, Janah, Llama, Maia Sharp, Andy Stochansky, Tim Krekel, My Morning Jacket, Drive By Truckers, Jason Ringenberg, Roman Candle, Feel, Kaydi Johnson