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    Well, it’s the first Sunday in May, and the vast array of events that precede the Kentucky Derby are officially over. But don’t fret! Another festival is coming up and it’s definitely worth your while. At the end of this month, Louisville will celebrate 50 years of Beatlemania with annual music festival, Abbey Road on the River. Lovingly dedicated to the Beatles, Abbey Road on the River has called Louisville its home for the past 9 years and is the premiere event for Beatles fans across the Midwest.

    Without further ado, here are 10 reasons why you should go to Abbey Road on the River:

    10) Fair food

    Funnel cakes? Check. Giant corn dogs? Check. Lemon shake ups? Check. This festival has everything you crave after the Chow Wagon has packed up and left the waterfront.

    9) Sunshine

    By Memorial Day weekend, Kentuckiana weather has usually settled into a steady stream of warm, sunny weather. I’ve been to a couple cold Abbey Road on the River festivals, but, hopefully, this year’s weather will be as good (if not better) than it was for Thunder Over Louisville.

    8) Merchandise

    If you’re a fan of the Beatles (or classic rock in general), Abbey Road on the River always has a unique display of t-shirts and memorabilia for sale.

    7) The Galt House and Belvedere

    The Galt House is one of my favorite places in Louisville because everything is so ornate. I spend some of my time at Abbey Road on the River just checking out the nooks and crannies of the Galt House. Plus, you can’t ask for a better view of Louisville, Southern Indiana, or the Ohio River than what you’ll find on the Belvedere.

    6) Events

    Music is a huge component of Abbey Road on the River, but there are other things to do as well. In the past, there have been costume parades, karaoke, songwriting contests, movie showings, and much more.

    5) It’s affordable!

    Let’s be honest, a lot of Beatle fans won’t be going to Paul McCartney’s concert in June because it’s too expensive (unless you want to sit in the nosebleeds of the KFC Yum! Center). Abbey Road on the River is affordable for the whole family! Kids under 9 get in for free, and I’m constantly getting emails about special ticket deals. In fact, through today (Sunday), Beach Boys and general admission tickets are buy 3 get 1 free!

    4) The Beach Boys

    Speaking of the Beach Boys, did you know they were coming? Well, they are. If that’s not a good enough reason to go, I don’t know what is!

    3) Beatle look-a-likes

    You can’t deny that the Beatles were adorable. I wasn’t alive to scream and shout over a young Paul McCartney, so it’s nice to be able to pretend with the guys in BritBeat, The Jukebox, the Return, et cetera. It’s also fun making my nephew think that the passerby in the white suit really was John Lennon.

    2) Music

    Plain and simple, Abbey Road on the River only recruits the finest musicians to play. The music is never sub-par, and some of the shows, with the use of replica instruments and costumes, make you believe you are really watching the Beatles.

    1) Making friends

    It’s always fun to be around people who have the same interests as you, especially when those interests revolve around great music. After all, I get by with a little help from my friends.

    If you’re not convinced yet, visit Abbey Road on the River’s website for more information, including a list of performers, daily schedules, hotel reservations, and ticket options. Abbey Road on the River will take place at the Galt House and Belvedere on Memorial Day weekend, May 22-26. I hope to see you there!

    Photos from Abbey Road on the River's official website and Facebook page.

    Jenna Foster's picture

    About Jenna Foster

    Hi! My name is Jenna. I am a music teacher at a primary school. I love teaching because you get to feel like a rockstar without all the fuss of being famous. My hobbies include cosplay, reading, music, traveling, and collecting vintage clothes and records.

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