Frequently Asked Questions

 

General Questions

  • What are the park hours?

    Waterfront Park is open daily, 6 am – 11 pm. For detailed hours for different areas of the park, visit the Hours and Rules page.

  • Are there restrooms in the park? Are they open all the time?

    We have restrooms throughout the park. In season (mid April through mid November), restrooms are open 9 am – 9 pm daily.

  • Is the park accessible for wheelchairs?

    Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible. We made sure to build all of our walkways to ADA standards. Wherever you see stairs at the park, you will find walkways accessing the same area. Read more about accessibility in the park here.

  • Does the park have WiFi?

    No. The park does not offer WiFi at this time.

  • Can I camp at Waterfront Park?

    We do not allow camping in the park.

  • Can I bring my pet?

    Pets on leashes are welcome in the park, but are not permitted on the Big Four Bridge, playgrounds, fountains, or the Splash Park. Service animals are allowed everywhere in the park.

  • Can I bring my bike?

    Yes. There are tons of pathways throughout the park, and bikes are also welcome on the Big Four Bridge. Check out Wheel Fun Rentals near the Big Four Bridge to rent a bike. Read more about renting a bike here.

  • Can I bring my skateboard?

    No. We don’t allow skateboards or inline skates in the park.

 

Big Four Bridge

  • What are the Big Four Bridge's hours?

    The Big Four is a connector between Louisville and Southern Indiana and remains open 24/7.

  • Does the Big Four Bridge ever close?

    The Big Four Bridge may be closed during icy weather. It is also closed during the Thunder Over Louisville Air Show, due to regulations. Check our website and social media accounts for any additional closures.

  • What is the schedule for the Big Four Bridge light show?

    The light show operates nightly from dusk to 1 am.

  • Are dogs allowed on the Big Four Bridge?

    We do not allow dogs on the Big Four Bridge. We do permit service dogs. For all of the Big Four Bridge rules, visit the Big Four Bridge page.

  • Can I host an event on the Big Four Bridge?

    No. The Big Four Bridge must remain open to pedestrians and bicycles at all times.

  • Can I request that the bridge lights be a particular color on a specific date?

    Yes. Please see our bridge lighting policy here.

  • Where does Louisville stop, and Indiana starts on the Big Four?

    Kentucky’s state line is at the Indiana shoreline. You are still in Louisville until you step onto the Indiana ramp.

 

WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays

  • Where is WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays?

    WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays is held every month at the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park, located next to the Big Four Bridge. If you are coming from out of town, the address for your GPS is 1101 River Road, Louisville, KY.

  • How much are tickets?

    WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays is free to the public.

  • What time can I get there?

    The lawn opens at 5 pm.

  • Can I watch the concert from the Big Four Bridge?

    Yes. It’s a great place to listen and take in a beautiful view.

  • Where should I park? Can I ride my bike?

    We strongly suggest parking west of I-65 in the Witherspoon, Humana, and surface lots. A free trolley sponsored by Republic Bank runs from Witherspoon to the Big Four Lawn between 6 and 10pm. All of our parking lots (Green, Orange, Lincoln, Silver, Tan, Red, and Turquoise) offer four to six accessible parking spaces. We offer bicycle parking in the event area, courtesy of Parkside Bikes.

  • Is there a WFPK Waterfront Wednesday every Wednesday?

    WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays is a monthly event (April through September) and typically fall on the last Wednesday of the month (occasionally, it shifts to accommodate Derby and holidays).

  • What if there is bad weather? Is there still a concert?

    WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays is a rain or shine event. When there is heavy rain or lightning, we will most likely be on a delayed schedule. If the weather is dangerous, we may have to cancel the event. Please check social media for updates.

  • What time do the bands play?

    Bands typically follow this schedule: 6 pm/7:30 pm/9 pm. Festivities typically wind down no later than 10:30 pm.

  • What can I bring?

    Kids. WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays is an all-ages, family friendly event.Lawn chairs and blankets.Pets. Service animals are permitted. 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.

  • I lost my keys / sunglasses / credit card / license / sweater / water bottle / you get the idea / at Waterfront Wednesday.

    Please check at the merchandise booth (to the left of the stage). You can also call WFPK the next day at 502.814.6500.

  • Is there food at WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays? Drinks?

    We have various food vendors and a cash bar for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages not purchased at the event.You can bring your own food. Just not in glass containers or coolers. Outside alcohol is prohibited.

  • I'm interested in being a vendor at WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays. Where do I find more information?

    We partner with Festival Cuisine and Spirits to provide food and drinks at WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays. For more information on becoming a vendor, contact Adam Nugent at Festival Cuisine and Spirits.

  • I want to book a band to play WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays.

    Please email our program director Stacy Owen, at sowen@wfpk.org.

 

Eat and Drink

  • Where can I eat and drink in the park?

    Joe’s Crab Shack on the wharf offers seafood and a fun atmosphere. There are also vendors near the Adventure Playground and Big Four Bridge on a seasonal basis. Learn more here.

  • I want to have a picnic – can I bring my grill?

    Personal grills are not allowed. Please use the park grills located in the picnic areas adjacent to the two playgrounds.

 

Boats and Docks

  • Do you rent boats or kayaks?

    We do not rent boats. You can find more information on kayak rental here.

  • Does Waterfront Park have a boat ramp?

    No, we do not have a boat ramp.

  • Are there docks in Waterfront Park?

    Yes, there are two docks. Read more about the Harbor Docks and the Amphitheater Docks here.

  • We want to ride the Belle of Louisville. Where can we get a ticket?

    Read more about the Belle of Louisville and book your next trip.

 

Donations and Support

  • How do I donate to Waterfront Park?

    You can learn more about all the ways to donate to the park here.

  • Is Waterfront Park part of the Metro Parks system?

    No. We are a non-profit, public park in Louisville, Kentucky. Independently operated and donor-supported, 100% of your donations keep the park free and open for the entire community to enjoy.

  • What is Phase IV?

    Phase IV is the expansion of Waterfront Park that will add 22 acres to the park’s current 85-acre public space. Fundraising is underway for this project. You can read more about it here.

  • Does it cost anything to get in?

    Waterfront Park is a public park, and there is no admission. However, certain events will charge admission. Be sure to check our events calendar.

Don't see your question? Feel free to with additional questions or requests.