Louisville’s own Forecastle Festival has released the first wave of their 2015 lineup. This lineup is considered to have some of the biggest names to date, with the festival taking place July 17-19, 2015.

With names like Sam Smith and Modest Mouse, Forecastle has certainly grown since it began in 2002 as a neighborhood event. In addition to the headliners, other notable artists include Cage the Elephant, Cold War Kids, and Portugal. The Man.

The festival moved from smaller venues to the Great Lawn in downtown Louisville in 2010, and has been the location since then. With growing crowds, the Great Lawn is a location big enough to hold the demand of people wanting to attend the festival.

Forecastle is known for its slogan “Music. Art. Activism.” and it lives up to that name each year. In the past, Forecastle has provided many opportunities for attendees to express themselves artistically. With objects to draw on or paint on, at the end of the festival there is a unique piece of art to remember the festival.

Local businesses provide food and activities for the weekend to “Keep Louisville Weird.” Heine Brothers and other food trucks park on the lawn. Free hydration stations are provided to fill up reusable water bottles to keep attendees hydrated during the hot days.

Article by Katie Reilly