LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Forecastle Festival won't be returning to Waterfront Park—or anywhere for that matter—next year. Organizers announced on Friday that the annual music and arts festival would be "taking a pause" in 2023.
What You Need To Know
- Forecastle Festival won't be returning in 2023
- Organizers said the annual music and arts event would be "taking a pause" next year to make unspecified improvements
- Held at Louisville's sprawling Waterfront Park, the annual festival attracts hundreds of thousands to the area
The cancellation was revealed through a statement posted on social media and the festival's website Friday afternoon. No explicit reason was given as to why the festival wouldn't happen next year, but organizers mentioned a desire for improvements for the future of the 20-year tradition.
"There are some things that we want to work on and improve for the future, so we’re going to take some time to strategize and determine the best path forward for the festival," the statement reads.
Held at Louisville's sprawling Waterfront Park, the city's longest-running outdoor festival attracts thousands to the area, with an economic impact likely in the millions.
Unlike other Kentucky music festivals of recent years, the 2022 Forecastle Festival seemingly went over with few issues, so it's unclear what exactly organizers are working on and improving.
When the festival's 2022 lineup, featuring headliners Jack Harlow, Tame Impala and Tyler, the Creator, was unveiled in January, it was met with a mixed reaction from fans on social media, with some signaling excitement and others bashing the festival for "changing the entire demographic" of the affair.
The latest lineup was arguably a departure from years past, which often struck a healthy balance for indie-pop, americana and pop-rap fans alike.
In 2017, Forecastle featured a blend of notable acts like Weezer, Cage the Elephant, LCD Soundsystem and Run the Jewels. The 2022 lineup, featuring acts like Coin, Phoebe Bridgers, 100gecs and Oliver Tree, catered heavily toward younger fans of rap and pop, which likely drew ire from longtime fans of the fest.
"If you're going to change the entire feel of the festival you should have changed the name with it," one person wrote on Twitter. "Props on moving away from the boring folk music fanny pack and croc wearing crowd," another commented.
For now, organizers are looking ahead to 2024 and thanking fans for the support.
"We are grateful for your loyalty and support over the years and will come back to you with updates," their statement read. "We hope to share more good times in the future."