Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

April 22 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

One event on May 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm

One event on June 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm

One event on July 29, 2026 at 5:00 pm

One event on August 26, 2026 at 5:00 pm

One event on September 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm

A large crowd sits on the Big Four Lawn with people sitting on blankets and chairs enjoying live music. In the background, there are bridges spanning the river and boats visible on the water.

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville and Waterfront Park are delighted to announce the 24th season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday. Proceeds from WFPK Waterfront Wednesday benefit two beloved local nonprofits, Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park.

2026 Season Dates and Artists

April 22 Deep Blue Something, Small Time Napoleon

Monarch Living Room Stage: Jazz Jam with JonAnthony Floyed-Jackson Quintet & special guests – bring your instrument and jam along to your favorite jazz standards

May 27 Arlo Parks, MODISTE

Monarch Living Room Stage: Bluegrass Jam

June 24 The War & Treaty, Second Story Man

Monarch Living Room Stage: Songwriters

July 29 Over the Rhine (with full band)Abby Hamilton, Young Artist Showcase winner (6:00 p.m.)

August 26 Old 97’s, Cait Justice, Young Artist Showcase winner (6:00 p.m.)

September 23 Houseplant,, DOOM GONG, Young Artist Showcase winner (6:00 p.m.)

This season, WFPK Waterfront Wednesday is giving fans more of what they come for — headliners will take the stage earlier and perform a full 90-minute set, following a spotlight on Louisville’s favorite local and regional artists. Additionally, in April, May and June, The Monarch Living Room Stage will feature a slew of local artists from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and throughout the evening as an additional fan experience between set breaks.  April – Jazz | May – Bluegrass | June – Songwriters

The free concerts take place on the Big Four Lawn in Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The lawn opens at 5:00 p.m., with music on the main stage beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks and vendor booths will be available throughout the season beginning at 5:00 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.

Fans of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday can also enter to win the Super Fan prize package – a reserved parking space at each 2026 concert, event swag and two VIP tickets to the 2026 Bourbon & Beyond September 24 – September 27 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 20 at 1:00 p.m.

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday is produced by Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park. The event is made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsors The Brook Hospitals and The Jack Harlow Foundation.

Illustrated map of “WFPK Waterfront Wednesday” at Waterfront Park showing event layout along the river. The map includes labeled areas such as the main stage near the river, Big Four Lawn, Swing Garden, and The Monarch Living Room stage. Paths, parking areas (red, silver, and restricted lots), restrooms, bike parking, and food truck locations along River Road are marked. Icons indicate bar areas and festival food vendors. Multiple “Enter/Exit” points are highlighted in orange. A reminder section notes event rules such as no outside alcohol, no coolers, no glass, no pets, and no tents.

Parking Information

River Road near the event area closes for through traffic starting at 5:00 p.m., however street parking remains available on River Road between Preston and the Waterfront Park’s Lincoln Lot. Waterfront Park’s Green and Orange lots will also be open to guests (entering from Preston) on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, 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 22 concert at this link. Parkside Bikes returns this year with bike parking on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions.

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. River Road near the event area will close at 5:00 p.m. Access to street parking remains available on River Road between Preston Street and Waterfront Park’s Lincoln Lot. The Green and Orange lots will be open to guests on a first-come, first-served basis to those entering from Preston Street. 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, red and turquoise) offer 4-6 handicap parking spaces. The red lot is closest to the Big Four Lawn, but used for production, and is full by 5 p.m. 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, the April concert takes place on the third Wednesday (to avoid Derby week) and September on the fourth Wednesday to kick-off Bourbon & Beyond.

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.

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. – come on down early!

What is The Monarch Living Room Stage? We’re partnering with The Monarch Music & Arts Community to bring a brand new intimate stage and music experience to Waterfront Wednesday this season. Each month, The Monarch Living Room Stage will spotlight some of Louisville’s finest musicians. Music is always better together, so we’re kicking off each event with a 5 o’clock Jam on the Waterfront. Bring your instrument, find your people, make music together from 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 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 #919wfpk, #loupubmedia, and #waterfrontwednesday.

What time is the concert over? Set lengths and start times are approximate, but usually the festivities are winding down before 10 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. Remember, your purchases at the event help to keep it free.

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. Your purchases help cover the costs for this free event.

Can I bring my own food? As long as you don’t bring it in the aforementioned and prohibited glass or coolers, sure thing. Also remember, your on-site purchases help local businesses and help cover the costs for this free event.

Can I bring my own beer? I see what you did there. Still nope.

Who played last season? Check out the complete Waterfront Wednesday History.

I’m interested in being a vendor or a sponsor at Waterfront Wednesday. Where do I find more information? Amazing! For more information, contact info@ourwaterfront.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.

I wish I’d gotten one of those awesome t-shirts you were selling! And you can! Check out our online store.

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.

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.

Venue