Where does the festival take place?
The Fifth Third Waterfront Independence Festival is held on the Great Lawn, Waterfront Park. Click here for directions.

Where can I park?
Paid vehicle parking is available in the Witherspoon and Waterside garages and in the surface lot adjacent to Louisville Slugger Field. Parking is also available along River Road and neighboring streets. Additional surface lots, parking garages, and on-street parking are available south of Main Street.  A secure bicycle  valet service will be provded by Bicycling for Louisville in exchange for a donation.

What time is the festival?
The festival gates open both days at 5pm. Concessions and children’s activities will open at 5pm both days. Performance times vary; fireworks will take place at approximately 10:30pm on July 3rd and 10:15pm on July 4th. Please visit the schedule page for a detailed schedule of performances and activities.

What can I bring?
Blankets, and lawn chairs are allowed. You can bring water in small plastic bottles AS LONG AS IT HAS NOT BEEN OPENED - the seal must be unbroken.

What can I NOT bring?
Prohibited items: Tents, glass, coolers, cans, bottles, pets, bicycles inside the event space (a secure bicycle valet parking service will be provided near event entrance on the South Great Lawn in exchange for a donation), skateboards and weapons. NOTE: You can bring water in small plastic bottles AS LONG AS IT HAS NOT BEEN OPENED - the seal must be unbroken.

Where can I park my bike?
On both July 3 and 4,  bicycle parking will be available for festival attendees who want to ride their bikes instead of driving to the event. This parking is located on the Great Lawn near the main entrance to the Festival on Witherspoon Street.  There is no charge for the service but Bicycling for Louisville, the non-profit agency providing the service will accept donations to off set the expense.

Is drinking water available at the event?
Fountains with fresh water are available inside the event. Bottled water and soft drinks can be purchased from vendors.

Will there be activities for kids?
Yes, a description of children’s activities can be found here.  All children’s activities are absolutely FREE.

Will there be fireworks both nights?
Yes, there will be fireworks both nights.

What time are the fireworks?
The fireworks will take place at approximately 10:30pm on July 3rd, and approximatley 10:15pm on July 4th.

What happens if it rains? Will the event be postponed?
The event will take place rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, the schedule of some performances may vary as needed.

Are hotel rooms available for the 5/3 Bank Waterfront Independence Festival?
The Host Hotel for the 5/3 Waterfront Independence Festival is the Galt House Hotel and Suites 1-800-843-4258.  The Galt House is within close walking distance from the festival, via the Belvedere Connector and 4th Street near the Belle of Louisville.

How can I be a vendor for the Fifth Third Waterfront Independence Festival?
Potential vendors will find vendor guidelines and a vendor application here.