Photos from Forecastle Festival’s Facebook page
Louisville, KY., – There are just two days to go before Forecastle Festival takes over Louisville’s Waterfront Park. To get you in the mood, the folks at Forecastle have sent out a list of the top 10 things you can’t miss:
#1: Bourbon Lodge + Bourbon, Bourbon, Bourbon!
There’s lots to enjoy at the Bourbon Lodge, but this year’s Lodge features some exciting new amenities! Enjoy selections from all of your favorite brands at the new flight bar presented by Liquor Barn, and this year, Local chef Jason Brauner of Louisville’s ownBourbons Bistro will be creating a unique, rotating menu centered around bourbon and featuring food from locally sourced farms provided by ValuMarket. Also new this year: beat the heat and enjoy a-one-of-a-kind Bourbon Slushy featuring Four Roses Bourbon. Don’t forget to grab a commemorative Four Roses Forecastle mug to keep it cold all festival long. Enjoy responsibly and check out the mapfor Slushy locations across the fest! 21+
#2: Kentucky Landing’s Commonwealth Offerings
Returning for its 3rd year, the Kentucky Landing has become the haven for all things Bluegrass State at Forecastle, featuring regional craft beer creations, local food trucks, handmade Kentucky goods, and new this year: the Quest Outdoors Relaxation Station and The Crosley Cruiser! Details here!
#3 New Additions Including the Party Cove and the Dark Horse Wine Stomping Grounds
Need a break from the sun in between your favorite shows? Grab your friends and visit the Dark Horse Stomping Grounds, new this year at Forecastle! Complete with picnic tables and seating, the shaded area will feature wine sampling of Forecastle’s official wine partner, Dark Horse Wine. While you’re at it, bring your dancin’ shoes to the Party Cove area for all the disco, glitter, and music your heart can handle! We’re welcoming back the beloved Forecastle art boat with live music and more! Be sure to stop by!
#4 The Gonzo Bar Honoring Louisville’s Native Son
Returning for the third year in 2016, the Gonzo Barcommemorates the legacy of Gonzo journalist and Kentucky bourbon aficionado, Hunter S. Thompson, whose posthumous 79th birthday would have fallen the day after this year’s Forecastle. A Hunter-themed bourbon bar presented by White Clay Consulting, the Gonzo Bar will offer a variety of bourbons and specialty cocktails inspired by the iconic writer, available only at the Gonzo Bar!
And — new this year — the Bar will feature Grant Goodwine as the Bar’s artist-in-residence, featuring his “traveling madhouse” of illustration, ink, watercolors, and various paintings inspired by the works of Hunter S. Thompson illustrator Ralph Steadman.
#5 The Forecastle Derby Presented by Kentucky for Kentucky
Ready to get your race on at Forecastle? Stop by the Forecastle Derby presented by Kentucky for Kentucky! Strap on the provided inflatable Horse and race against worthy your friends for your chance to win bragging rights and prizes from Kentucky for Kentucky and Forecastle! All race participants will be entered in the Winner’s Circle raffle, where the winner will receive a pair of VIP weekend passes to Forecastle 2017! Giddy up! Full rules and regulations here.
#6 Official Kick-Off Party and Late-Night Shows
The fun doesn’t start, or end, on the Waterfront! Start your weekend right with the Official Forecastle Festival Kick-Off on Thursday, July 14at Against the Grain Brewery! Stop by for local eats, treats, drinks, and music, plus all GA & VIP weekend pass holders + Friday VIP ticket holders can pick up your wristbands in advance!
Not quite ready for your nights to end? We’ve got you covered! Presented by Bell’s Brewery and powered by Do502, this year’s late-night shows feature a host of world-class artists all across our favorite Louisville venues, including an evening with Dr. Dog on Friday, Robert DeLong on the Belle of Louisville on Saturday, andmore!
#7 Eats, Drinks & More
From the regional food trucks in the Kentucky Landing to the dozens of offerings south of the Great Lawn, like Hi-Five Donuts, Holy Molé Tacos, and more, there’s no shortage of tasty treats to enjoy on the Waterfront! Check out the map for the full list of food vendor offerings.
Bourbon may be king at Forecastle, but we’ve also got a host of regional craft beer offerings available for your enjoyment in the Kentucky Landing, including selections from Louisville’s own Against the Grain, Goodwood, and more!
#8 All The Extras – Bike Valet, Lockers & More!
We look to make everyone’s Forecastle experience smooth sailin’, so be sure to check out all the extra amenities available to you! From the free bike valet courtesy of MailChimp for patrons and personal storage lockers featuring cell-
Remember: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
#9 Sustainablitiy Reigns Supreme
With support from our like-minded partners, we’re happy to include the following programs and experiences to encourage sustainable living both at the festival and at home. This includes 100 percent pollution-free electricity powered by Arcadia Power, the Clean Vibes Trading Post presented by Pabst Blue Ribbon ensuring we divert at least 70% of our waste from landfills, a Recover Brands merch item made from 100% recycled materials, the Reverb #RockNRefill program, and the Sierra Nevada Solar Trailer, alongsideMailChimp’s bike valet, of course!
When you’re rolling into town, don’t forget to give our Official 2016 Playlist a listen, powered by Arcadia!
#10 Stay Social With Us!
We wanna know what your Forecastle experience is all about, so share it with us! Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #Forecastle and #GetOnboard. While you’re at it, be sure to stop by the Courier-Journal booth and enter to win tickets to see Chris Stapleton on the Waterfront, Friday Sept. 9! And, be sure to tag your photos #FacesOfForecastle to be featured on their Main Screen photo wall! Plus, add us on Snapchat (forecastlefest), for a host of artist takeovers all weekend!
Finally, don’t forget to download the Forecastle app on your Apple orAndroid phone. Never be more than a click away from the latest updates!
