Beatlemania heads to Louisville with Abbey Road on the River music festival. What to know
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The road is not so "long" or for that matter "winding" for Beatles fans heading to the 2023 Abbey Road on the River. In fact, it's a straight shot from downtown Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana where the world’s largest tribute to The Fab Four will be held May 25-29.
Fans of music from the 60s and 70s will be twisting and shouting throughout the five-day event, held at The Big Four Station Park. More than 50 bands will perform 200 concerts on six stages. Featured artists include Micky Dolenz, The Voice of the Monkees, Tony Kishman, Classicstone, and BritBeat.
"The Beatles are still the biggest story in music almost 60 years after their American debut, and we are proud to be part of the enduring legacy of Beatlemania," said Gary Jacob, Abbey Road on the River festival producer. "We’re also extremely grateful for our loyal fans and local partnerships."
The festival will also feature a playground area for children, Beatles merchandise and craft vendors, interactive art installations, and food and bar services.
The festival's 2023 daily schedule is available online at AROTR.com. Here's everything you need to know about the 2023 Abbey Road on the River:
What is Abbey Road on the River?
Abbey Road on the River, the world’s largest tribute to The Beatles, will celebrate its 21st anniversary this year and features more than 50 bands.
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When is Abbey Road on the River?
The five-day event takes place Memorial Day weekend, May 25-29, and more than 50 bands will perform 200 concerts on five stages. Here is the daily schedule:
Thursday, May 25: 2-11 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Friday, May 26: 12 p.m. to midnight. Doors open at 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 27: 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Doors open at 11 a.m.
Sunday, May 28: 12 p.m. to midnight. Doors open at 11 a.m.
Monday, May 29: 1-10 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m.
Where is Abbey Road on the River?
Abbey Road on the River is held at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The festival’s two main stages and viewing areas are located beside the Big Four Station Park’s expansive all-ages playground.
Besides back-to-back live music performances, the five-day outdoor event features food, vendors and plenty of room for families to spread out on the Big Four Station lawn. The festival’s two main stages and viewing areas are located beside the park’s expansive all-ages playground.
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Who is performing at Abbey Road on the River in 2023?
The 2023 festival will open with a performance by headliner Micky Dolenz, The Voice of the Monkees, on Thursday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. Dolenz, founding member, singer and drummer for the iconic band The Monkees, will perform hits like "Daydream Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," "I'm a Believer," and more.
Another schedule highlight includes two performances by Tony Kishman, creator and band leader of Live and Let Die, a full multimedia experience with five multi-talented musicians paying tribute to the music of Paul McCartney on May 26 and 27.
Other acts include Classicstone, a 7-piece band with an additional symphony, and Chicago’s BritBeat: Multimedia Tribute to the Beatles concert spanning all the eras of The Beatles.
In addition, attendees will enjoy tribute shows to Queen, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
Kentuckiana bands scheduled to perform include Back 2 Mac, Erin Hill, Laren Rapp, DoorWay, Nick Peay, The Rigby’s, Mary’s Dad’s Band, CMN Trio and The Louisville School of Rock.
How much are tickets to Abbey Road on the River?
General admission tickets, which can be purchased at the door, are as follows:
Adult ticket: $45
Ages 12 and under: $5
Ages 13-21: $15
Walk-up tickets are always available at the box office. A variety of ticket options, including bundles are available online.
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How can I save money when buying tickets to the music festival? festival?
One-day general admission tickets for $30 are available for purchase at the SoIN Tourism Visitors Center, 305 Southern Indiana Ave., Jeffersonville, Indiana. Additionally, you will receive a free children's ticket with your purchase.
If you are purchasing your tickets online, use the code "SOIN" when checking out to receive 15% off all tickets and ticket packages. Exclusions apply to the 20 and under tickets.
What other notable acts have played at Abbey Road on the River?
Abbey Road on the River debuted in Cleveland in 2002, then was held in Louisville from 2005-2016, and moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana in 2017. Over the years, bands such as The Beach Boys, America, Peter Noone, Jefferson Starship, Tommy James, The Zombies, ELO II (The Orchestra), The Grass Roots, The Cowsills and Peter Asher have performed at the event to celebrate and honor the music of The Beatles.
Close friends and family members of The Beatles have also participated in the event including the Beattle's original drummer Pete Best, John Lennon's half-sister Julia Baird, George Harrison's sister Louise Harrison, the inspiration behind The White Album’s "Dear Prudence," Prudence Farrow and others.
How to stay up to date on everything happening at the 2023 Abbey Road on the River
If you need to purchase tickets, make a hotel reservation or learn more about the performers taking part in the festival, visit arotr.com.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Guide to the 2023 Abbey Road on the River music festival
