We heard about PeteFest from the organizers several months ago, during the initial promotions for the first annual festival, and were super excited about the idea from the get go. A festival in September (when you’re pretty likely to have beautiful fall weather), out in the woods but still just a 30-minute drive from downtown (and you can camp!), with lots of local acts and a meaningful mission to raise funds for mental health advocacy? They’re just checking all of the boxes. Now, as the time drew nearer, we realized that there were so many things happening that post-Labor Day weekend, so we weren’t able to enjoy the setting to its fullest, but the time that was spent there was well worth it, and I’m looking forward to heading back again next year.
I’ve lived in Louisville for 5 years now, and I’m a little embarrassed that I haven’t checked out nearly enough of the woodsy areas south of the city, being that I’m a New Englander at heart. The weather could not have been any more perfect for the 3-day adventure – mid-60s during the day, plenty of sun and shaded options at both stages – and when paired with quality local food and bevs, everything hit the spot. There was a fair number of folks out at the fest during the brief time I spent there on Saturday afternoon, most of whom I assumed spent the weekend camped there. I wasn’t able to get down to the camping area, but I’m already planning for next year. From the social media posts, it seems that more came for the evening shows both on Friday and Saturday, and I’d say there was a decent turnout for the first year.
I caught a bit of both Bendigo Fletcher and Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters’ sets, both of which are bands that we’ve written about PLENTY in our Can’t Miss posts, but haven’t been able to see in person, so if anything, my time there was worth it from that perspective. The bands play very different music, but both are easy to listen to and fun to tap your feet along to, especially in the serene wooded area. I regret not being able to stay that night for The Louisville Lips, a (maybe not?) one-time compilation of local artists, including Shane and Zack from Houndmouth, but maybe the group will do something similar for next year’s rendition.
To the PeteFest organizers and fans – keep doing what you’re doing. Live Music Lou looks forward to seeing the festival’s growth in the years to come!
-Brittany
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