Waterfront Wednesday is back! Here's the lineup for the 2024 free Louisville concert series

For a 22nd season, 91.9 WFPK, has announced its lineup for Waterfront Wednesday, the free monthly outdoor concert series at Waterfront Park. This season's headliners include Phosphorescent, Pokey LaFarge, Paula Cole, Modern English, Matthew Sweet, and Dark Side of the Wall.

During its 20-plus year run, Waterfront Wednesday has drawn thousands to Waterfront Park and helped Louisville secure an international award as a top city for festivals. In addition, the Southeast Tourism Society has named WFPK Waterfront Wednesday one of its Top 20 Events. Previous acts include Old Crow Medicine Show, My Morning Jacket, Over the Rhine, Todd Snider, Iron and Wine, The Mavericks, The Avett Brothers, and Nappy Roots.

Louisville’s favorite free concert series returns on Wednesday, April 24, with Phosphorescent (9 p.m.), Dehd (7:30 p.m.), and Tyrone Cotton (6 p.m.) and continues on the last Wednesday of the month through September.

"Waterfront Wednesday has become synonymous with summertime at Waterfront Park," said Deborah Bilitski, Waterfront Park’s president and executive director. “It’s such a great community asset showcasing our beautiful riverfront and the community's love of music and coming together.”

The free concerts take place on the Big Four Lawn in Louisville’s Waterfront Park, next to the Big Four Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. The lawn opens at 5 p.m., with music beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

Other bands playing the 2024 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday lineup include S.G. Goodman, Ellie Ruth Band, Middle Kids, RELAAY (formerly Bridge 19,) Snacktime, Digby, Friko, Nise the Nymph, Zaniah and +Flow.

New in 2024, you can enter to win a reserved parking space at each 2024 WFPK Waterfront show, backstageaccess, event swag, and two tickets to the Gazebo Festival featuring SZA and Jack Harlow on Memorial Day weekend. Visit LPM.org/WaterfrontWednesday for a chance to win the Super Fan prize package. The winner will be drawn on April 22 at 5 p.m.

"We’ve got something for everyone this season," said Stacy Owen, WFPK program director. "Alt, Americana, songwriters, funk, hip hop, Latin, and classic rock. We can't wait to meet our community of music lovers on the Big Four Lawn and get this season started.”

Here's everything to know about the 2024 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday Concert Series:

Where is Waterfront Wednesday held?

The free concerts are held on the Big Four Lawn in Louisville's Waterfront Park, next to the Big Four Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge.

When is the Waterfront Wednesday concert series held?

Waterfront Wednesday is the last Wednesday of the month from April through September. The shows open at 5 p.m., with music beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

What is the 2024 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday concert lineup?

• April 24: Phosphorescent, Dehd, Tyrone Cotton

• May 29: Pokey LaFarge, S.G. Goodman, Ellie Ruth Band

• June 26: Paula Cole, Middle Kids, RELAAY (formerly Bridge 19)

• July 31: Modern English, SNACKTIME, Digby

• Aug. 27: Matthew Sweet, Friko, Nise the Nymph

• Sept. 25: Dark Side of the Wall, Zaniah, +Flow

How do I keep up to date on performers added to the lineup?

Listen to 91.9 WFPK or check its website and Facebook page.

Is Waterfront Wednesday a family-friendly event?

You bet it is. There is a large grassy space to spread out a blanket or lawn chairs and plenty of food truck options for dinner and beverages. In addition, Waterfront KidsDay is a dedicated area for kids and families to do hands-on activities and will be open from 5-8 p.m. during each month’s show.

Can I watch the Waterfront Wednesday concerts from the Big Four 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.

Do I need a ticket to attend WFPK's Waterfront Wednesday?

Waterfront Wednesday is free to attend and no ticket is needed.

What can I bring to Waterfront Park and what do I need to leave at home?

Bring a blanket or folding chair and bug spray to the venue. Although this is an outdoor event, pets are not allowed at the concert site. Other items not allowed include outside alcohol, coolers, and glass items. Remember Waterfront Wednesday is a free community event and to keep it free, please visit the food, beverage and business vendors at the event.

Is Waterfront Wednesday bicycle-friendly?

Riding your bicycle is a great way to visit the free concert and Parkside Bikes is returning this year with bike parking on-site. Remember your helmet and bike lights since the sun has set by the time the headliner wraps up.

Is there handicapped-accessible parking at Waterfront Wednesday?

Each of Waterfront Park's parking lots (green, orange, Lincoln, silver, tan, red, and turquoise) offers four to six handicapped-accessible parking spaces. The red lot is closest to the Big Four Lawn, but is used for production, and is usually 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.

What happens if it rains (or snows) on a concert date?

Waterfront Wednesday is a rain-or-shine event, and while it is typically nice, occasionally heavy rain or lightning has caused WFPK and Waterfront Park to run on a delayed schedule, or in the event of a particularly bad storm, cancel.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Waterfront Wednesday is back! Here's the 2024 free concert lineup