The Big Stomp Returns to Louisville August 18-19, 2023

August 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Culture, Health/by Queer Kentucky

The Big Stomp Returns to Louisville August 18-19, 2023

Two-day festival to feature Lettuce, Bahamas and The Heartless Bastards and 30+ acts, plus full slate activities that support mental health and wellbeing

Louisville, Ky. (May 16, 2023) – The Big Stomp, the nation’s first music festival to focus on mental health, will return August 18 – 19, 2023. The annual family-friendly event will feature more than 30 acts including funk outfit Lettuce, indie folk virtuoso Bahamas and American rock band The Heartless Bastards. The festival will again take place at Jones Field – a scenic, 90-acre nature preserve located in southeastern Jefferson County, adjacent to the Parkland’s Turkey Run park.

For two days, more than 30 musical acts will perform across three stages. Step off the beaten path this year to find the new home of all genres of electronic music, affectionately known as the Transmit Treehouse. Lead by 3x DMC World Champion DJ Craze, Jason Leech, Josh Wink, Mr. C and more, genres showcased in the Treehouse include house, techno, dubstep, drum & bass, electro, acid, and trance to create an immersive dance experience nestled in the beauty of the woods. Two-day passes, VIP offerings and camping passes are on-sale now via TheBigStomp.com. The full lineup can be found below.

The Big Stomp began as an annual outreach event for the Pete Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and expanding access to mental health crisis intervention. About far more than just music, The Big Stomp is an immersive community experience geared toward fostering a more open and thoughtful conversation around mental health. Merging entertainment and education, fans will not only enjoy two days of live music, local food and beverage, but also have the opportunity to learn about healthy habits, practices, and mindfulness through activities including:

● Heel Dog, Heal and Music Therapy presented by Norton Children’s with therapy dogs for guests to relax and engage with. A portion of the festival’s youth ticket sales will go back to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation

● Open Doors, Open Minds, presented by Renewal by Andersen, connecting individuals with mental health professionals and advocates.

● Kroger Farmer’s Market – with local produce, educational information on home-grown Kentucky products and how “food as medicine” can assist with a healthy mind ● The Big Morning Ritual – morning yoga and dance party, presented by Ritual Zero Proof

● Love, Tito’s Post Office – The Tito’s Handmade Vodka Airstream will be on-site, featuring postcards that attendees can mail to loved ones

● Carmichael’s Bookmobile – with a variety of offerings, including books on a number of mental health topics

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● VyFy Wellness Club – providing bio-hacking tools that provide mental health benefits like Vibration Therapy, Brain Tap Headsets, Handheld Cryo and B12 shots ● Cambium Zen Den – participants can check out Louisville Silent Disco headphones and choose between a variety of three meditation soundtracks. Meditation and Mindfulness Workshops throughout the weekend, complete with comfortable yoga mats and cushions, plus farm-grown flower displays to create a full sensory experience. ● Ritual Zero Proof Mocktail Lounge – offering an elevated sober space experience. Ritual mocktails served up by The Mocktail Project. Plus, lounge seating and card games.

● Equine Therapy – a dedicated area for guided group activity with the horses and opportunities to learn about the mental health benefits of equine therapy. ● Hammock Havens through out the Big Stomp festival field for patrons to rest and relax between their favorite bands, presented by Quest Outdoors

● Art installations throughout the venue by local artists, including a live-painted mural, in partnership with Quest Outdoors

● Performances by CirqueLouie

Tickets for The Big Stomp are on sale now. Two-day weekend passes start at $69 and weekend youth passes (guests age 10-18) are $45. From every youth ticket sold, $10 will benefit Norton Children’s. The event will also feature The Big Bundle, a premium experience for $200 including a hospitality area with a relaxed seating area, private bar, air conditioned restrooms, special main stage viewing area and exclusive pop-up experiences. Big Bundle ticketholders will have the option to add preferred parking. Full ticket details can be found online at TheBigStomp.com.

Camping at the Big Stomp is the best way to enjoy the full festival experience. New this year, The Quest Outdoors Camping General Store will serve as a hub for all Big Stomp camper needs including merchandise, food and provisions, games and outdoor activities. In addition to shuttles and a convenient walking path to the event area, camping guests will enjoy a nightly bonfire and a complimentary breakfast bar. Guest camping can be added for $50, or $100 for RVs.

The annual event, formerly and affectionately known as PeteFest, now in its seventh year, was founded as an extension of The Pete Foundation’s work to destigmatize mental health and provide awareness of much-needed community resources. The foundation was created by the Jones family following the loss of their 23-year-old son, Pete in 2016. Like many survivors, the Jones family channeled their immense loss into motivation to support others who may find themselves in a similar position. Throughout the year, in addition to The Big Stomp, the foundation offers a number of resources to the community, including hosting regular QPR Trainings, a nationally-recognized, evidence-based practice for those who desire to learn the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond to it.

The Big Stomp 2023

Lettuce

Bahamas

Heartless Bastards

Doom Flamingo

Same As It Ever Was

Wombo

Boa Boys

The Psycodelics

Hot Brown Smackdown

Houseplant

Wayne Graham

Laid Back Country Picker

MojoThunder

Rosario

Scott T Smith

The Young Romantics

The Afrophysicists

Shimona

Casey Powell

Isolation Tank Ensemble

Transmit Treehouse Stage

DJ Craze

Jason Leech

Josh Wink

Mr. C

Philipp Jung

Whistleface

Trevor Lamont

Morris Koad

Nickelson

Angel Of The Bottomless Pit

Bonedaddy

45 Thieves

Amydala

Jamey See Tai

DJ Daddy Bob

About The Big Stomp

Formally known as “PeteFest,” The Big Stomp was established in 2017 to honor Louisville native, Pete Jones, who left this world with a final desire “to help mankind.” His life is a testament to the effects of depression and anxiety, and the world’s lack of acceptance. The Jones family founded The Big Stomp to rally the community to champion youth mental health so that people no longer must silently suffer the debilitating conditions that took Pete. A festival that breaks down barriers, allows for approachable acceptance and serves Pete’s wish to make this a better world for all.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. LGBTQ+ young people can press 3 to reach counselors trained in LGBTQ+ care, an option that returned on Sept. 30, 2026 after it was cut in July 2025. The Trevor Project also offers 24/7 support at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678-678.