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. We encourage all festival patrons to take advantage of a free, secure bicycle valet service that will be provided by Bicycling for Louisville.
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 10:15pm on July 3rd and 10:00pm on July 4th. Please visit the schedule page for a detailed schedule of performances and activities.
What can I bring?
Lawn chairs, blankets, unopened bottled water, 32 oz or smaller refillable plastic water bottle, umbrellas, sunscreen, hula hoops, dancing shoes!
What can I NOT bring?
Prohibited items: Outside food and alcohol, glass, coolers, cans, other bottles, pets, tents or canopies, amplification devices, signage larger than 24″ x 24″, grills, skateboards and weapons. Bicycles and skateboard will not be permitted inside the event space but Bicycling for Louisville will provide a secure bicycle valet parking service near the event entrance on the South Great Lawn if you want to check your skateboard or bicycle. NOTE: You can bring water in small plastic bottles AS LONG AS IT HAS NOT BEEN OPENED – the seal must be unbroken.
Can I ride my bicycle to the Waterfront Independence Festival?
Yes! We encourage patrons to ride bicycles to the event and help reduce our carbon footprint!
Where can I park my bicycle?
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.
Is drinking water available at the event?
New in 2011 – the Louisville Water Company is providing free ICE COLD water in the Louisville Water Company Edge Outreach Station. Refillable plastic water bottles that are BPA free and dishwasher safe will be available for purchase for $2. Festival Patrons can refill their bottles as many times as they like for free! This will help reduce our carbon footprint and disposable plastic water bottle waste! Bottled water and soft drinks will be available for purchase 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 10:15pm on July 3rd, and approximatley 10:00pm 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. The Galt House is within close walking distance to the festival, via the Belvedere Connector and 4th Street near the Belle of Louisville. The Galt House Hotel & Suites is offering a special package for the holiday weekend – buy one day over the holiday weekend, get a day free (July 1-July 4th). For more information, visit www.galthouse.com/Packages/Live-Louisville.asp or call 800-The-Galt (843-4258) or 502-589-5200.
