Here's the 2026 Waterfront Wednesday lineup for the free concert series

Since 2002, Waterfront Wednesday has brought artists, neighbors, and music lovers together for unforgettable nights on Louisville's iconic riverfront.

Celebrating 24 seasons of free live music, this year’s lineup stretches over six months and brings serious star power, with headliners including Deep Blue Something, Arlo Parks, The War and Treaty, Over the Rhine, Old 97’s, and more.

Named by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events, past performers at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday have included Old Crow Medicine Show, My Morning Jacket, Charley Crockett, Todd Snider, Iron and Wine, The Mavericks, The Avett Brothers, Nappy Roots and others.

“WFPK Waterfront Wednesday has always been about coming together through music, and this lineup really feels like that," Stacy Owen, WFPK promotions director, said in a news release. "We've got artists you already love, a few you’re about to, and a night on the river that just feels good to be part of.”

The mid-week monthly concerts is known for drawing thousands to the Big Four Lawn in Louisville's Waterfront Park, located next to the Big Four Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. The lawn opens at 5 p.m., with music beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

The 2026 dates for the Wednesday concert series are: April 22, May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 23.

For 2026, fans get even more of what they love: headliners will hit the stage earlier for full 90‑minute sets, following spotlights on Louisville’s standout local and regional artists. Plus, in April, May, and June, the Monarch Living Room Stage, 1318 Bardstown Road, expands the experience with a run of local performances from 5-6:15 p.m. and between main‑stage set breaks.

"WFPK Waterfront Wednesday has been bringing Louisville together on the river for nearly a quarter century,” Deborah Bilitski, Waterfront Park’s president and executive director, said in a news release. "Live music on the riverfront is one of the things that makes Waterfront Park special, and we’re grateful to our partners and sponsors for helping us keep this event free and accessible to everyone."

Here's what else to know about the 2026 season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday.

What is the 2026 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday concert lineup?

April 22

Deep Blue Something will perform at Waterfront Wednesday

• Deep Blue Something
• Small Time Napoleon

May 27

Arlo Parks will perform at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

• Arlo Parks
• Modiste

June 24

The War and Treaty will perform at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

• The War and Treaty
• Second Story Man

July 29

Over The Rhine with full band will perform at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

• Over The Rhine with full band
• Abby Hamilton

Aug. 26

OLD 97's will perform at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

• Old 97's
• Cait Justice
• Young Artist Showcase winner at 6 p.m.

Sept. 23

Houseplant will perform at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

• Houseplant
• Doom Gong
• Young Artist Showcase winner at 6 p.m.

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

Spectators sit on the grass and look on from the Big Four Bridge during the second Waterfront Wednesday of 2019 in Louisville, Ky.

When and where is the 2026 Waterfront Wednesday?

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. The concert series is held on the last Wednesday of the month from April through September. The 2026 dates for the concert series are April 22, May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 23.

How much are tickets? 

Spectators take seats in the grass and look on from the Big Four Bridge during the second Waterfront Wednesday of the year. May 29, 2019

Waterfront Wednesday is a free, ticketless event. This is made possible thanks to sponsors including The Brook Hospitals, The Jack Harlow Foundation, and Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park members.

Where can I park for Waterfront Wednesday?

There is street parking on River Road, limited parking in the lots along River Road, and on various side streets. 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-serve basis to those entering from Preston Street. Additionally, you can purchase pre-paid parking at Lynn Family Stadium’s Green Lot. All of Waterfront’s parking lots (green, orange, Lincoln, silver, tan, red and turquoise) offer four to six handicap parking spaces.

Can I ride my bike to Waterfront Wednesday?

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.

Can I bring lawn chairs? 

Folding lawn chairs and picnic blankets are encouraged.

Can I purchase food and drinks at Waterfront Wednesday?

Yes. Upscale festival food, local food trucks, and alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages are plentiful at the venue.

Can I bring my pet and a cooler?

No pets allowed, sorry. Other items not allowed at the venue include outside alcohol, coolers and glass.

Where do I get more information on Waterfront Wednesday?

Reach lifestyle and entertainment reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected]