This will arguably be Louisville’s very best summer weekend: the weekend of Forecastle. But not to worry - if you’re not a Forecastle fan, there are plenty of alternative activities to make for a great weekend. If you’d like a handy-dandy list of weekend events like this delivered to your inbox every week, subscribe to Louisville.com’s Weekender here! If you are a Forecastle fan, make sure to check Louisville.com all weekend for all the juicy festival details.
FORECASTLE FESTIVAL 2015
Forecastle is a port-of-call where the world gathers to experience the best in music, art and activism. Founded in 2002 by Louisville native JK McKnight, Forecastle has grown from a neighborhood event to one of the country’s most anticipated summer festivals. Headliners like Sam Smith and Modest Mouse are a huge draw, but local bands are making a great showing at this year's festival too: White Reaper, Dr. Dundiff & Friends and Houndmouth among them.
- Here are three can't-miss sets for every day of Forecastle 2015.
- Here's where you can learn more about the local musicians at Forecastle.
- Here's a list of late-night Forecastle shows.
- Here are some details about the Forecastle Bourbon Lodge.
When: July 17 - 19, 2015
Where: Waterfront Park, River Road, Louisville, KY 40202
THIRD THURSDAY SHOPPING NIGHT
Stop by Westport Village for the July Third Thursday Shopping Night! Shop and stroll to smooth jazz music performed by the Rick DeBow Duo and a contemporary mix by the Duo Louisville. Explore great offers from local businesses like Bend and Zen Hot Yoga, and enjoy treats like Coffee Cardamom Chocolate Chip Gelato from Ghyslain.
When: Thursday, July 16, 5 - 8 p.m.
Where: Westport Village, 1315 Herr Lane Louisville, KY 40222
Cost: Free!
OFFICIAL FORECASTLE FESTIVAL KICK-OFF AT AGAINST THE GRAIN
Forecastle and Against the Grain Brewery will once again host the Official Forecastle Festival Kick-Off. Stop by for local eats, treats and drinks. Also, all General Admission, VIP weekend pass holders and Friday VIP ticket holders can pick up wristbands in advance. There will also be live music from rockers Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Louisville natives Discount Guns and Aaron Chadwell and Sam Sneed of Night Visions Radio.
When: July 16, 5 - 10 p.m.
Where: Against the Grain, 401 E. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: Prices for Forecastle admission / food varies
PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO AT THE BROWN THEATRE
The union of Pat Benatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo has become one of the most successful in music history, with hits including “We Belong,” “Promises In The Dark,” “Hell Is For Children,” “Love Is A Battlefield” and “Heartbreaker.” The 35th Anniversary Tour is presented by 107.7 The Eagle.
When: July 16, 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Where: Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: $55
BELL'S BREWERY BREAKFAST AT EGGS OVER BAXTER
Make your Forecastle weekend experience even better with your friends from Eggs Over Baxter and Bell's Brewery, Inc. Meet Bell's Brewery representatives, grab some swag and of course fill your belly for the long day of music! Bell's Brewery breakfast specials include Bells Oberon beer-battered chicken 'n waffles, Bell’s “Oberon” pancakes and a summer omelet.
When: July 17, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Eggs Over Baxter, 962 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Cost: Food prices vary
“BIG HERO 6” AT THE LOUISVILLE ZOO
Enjoy a movie under the stars at the wildest theater in town. Watch your favorite movies on a giant inflatable screen. The Zoo Crew will provide free entertainment before the show. Snacks and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to pack your blanket or lawn chairs.
When: July 17, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213
Cost: Free for Louisville Zoo members! $5 after 5 p.m. for non-members
POLLY PUNKNECK AT THIRD STREET DIVE
Polly's Americana music combines elements of country, bluegrass, folk, jazz and soul music. Polly has spent the last nine years touring with The Punknecks, who have released five albums that feature Polly's original songs. You can hear and buy Polly Punkneck's songs on iTunes, but the real pleasure comes from her performance, where she displays her own hand-sewn costumes in a non-stop energetic show!
When: July 17, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Third Street Dive, 442 South 3rd Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: Free!
FORECASTLE FORTIFICATION BRUNCH UPSTREAM AT COPPER & KINGS
Tickets to this event include a superlative breakfast sandwich brunch plate created by RYE on Market and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Live music both days includes performances from the neo-soul hip-hop band Jenna Dean and 1200. The Forecastle Foundation will receive $2 from the purchase of each ticket.
When: July 18, 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Copper & Kings, 1121 E. Washington Street, Louisville, KY 40206
Cost: $10 buy tickets online here
SUMMER SHOWDOWN CAR SHOW AND SILENT AUCTION
This show is open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles. The first 100 vehicles will receive a Dash Plaque and goodie bag. Trophies will be given to the top 40 vehicles. Special trophies include Best of Show + $100, Best Bike, People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Club Participation. All proceeds benefit the Michael Feger Paralysis Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to help people affected by spinal cord injury and related diseases.
When: July 18, 10 - 4 p.m.
Where: Valor Traditional Academy, 11501 Schlatter Road , Louisville, KY 40291
Cost: Vehicle Registration is $15 - spectators get in free!
GOODWOOD BREWING STRINGBAND JAM SESSION
Come hang with us, have a brew and enjoy the 502 Stringband jam session. The Value Market grill will also be going.
When: July 18, 4 - 6 p.m.
Where: Goodwood Brewing, 636 East Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: Free! Beer and food for purchase
FIELDHAUS IDOL: KIDS' KARAOKE CONTEST
Hey Kids! Show off your talents at Fieldhaus Idol - a karaoke competition benefiting Kosair Charities. Registrations will be accepted up to 30 minutes before the event begins. The competition is split into two categories: children 12 and under and children 13 - 17. The top five placers in each age group will continue on to the final round on July 25.
When: July 18, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Fieldhaus, 826 W Main Street, New Albany, IN 47150
Cost: $10 for all qualifying round contestants, free for spectators!
OFFICIAL FORECASTLE LATE NIGHT SHOW WITH THE FLOOZIES
Forecastle night owls, get ready to rock! The Festival doesn't stop on the waterfront. The Floozies are producer/guitarist Matt Hill and drummer Mark Hill. Their “funk for aliens” will take you on a journey through classic funk, hip-hop, dub, disco, electronica and afrobeat with hints of jazz and even film scores along the way.
When: July 19, 12 - 1 a.m.
Where: Mercury Ballroom, 611 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: $32
CHOOSE YOUR OWN SCIENCE ADVENTURE AT THE KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER
This isn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill science club. The club meets one Sunday afternoon a month and lets participants drive the program. Participants will pick books and articles, plan experiments and lead discussions about relevant science topics. Past topics include zombies, science fiction and robotics. Open to kids grades 6 - 8.
When: July 19, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Kentucky Science Center, 727 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: $5 for Members, $7 for Non-Members
THE DOLLY PARTON ART SHOW OPENING RECEPTION
Attend the opening reception for this Dolly Parton-themed show at the Tim Faulkner Gallery in Portland! A portion of the works sold will benefit Dolly's Imagination Library, a worldwide childhood literacy effort.
When: July 19, 2 - 6 p.m.
Where: The Tim Faulkner Gallery, 1512 Portland Ave., Louisville, KY 40203
Cost: Free!
