WATERFRONT PARK
BROWN-FORMAN AMPHITHEATER

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#STOMPTHESTIGMA

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That’s a wrap,…

For now

We Can’t Thank Our Fans Enough

This year marks an important milestone for us here at The Pete Foundation – 10 years of stomping the stigma! We could not have done this without any our fans, both old and new.

As we enter our 10th anniversary, our work and programming continue to grow as we expand our mission across the country. With that growth, we have some bittersweet news to share.

We will be placing The Big Stomp festival on pause for 2026. We are deeply grateful to every fan, ticket holder, volunteer, and our wonderful sponsors who helped make this first-of-its-kind, mental health–driven music festival such a success. The impact of The Big Stomp has been powerful—and that was always its purpose.

Because of that success, the demand for our work at The Pete Foundation has grown significantly. While we will miss bringing the festival to life this year—and especially the joy of being together during those unforgettable days—this moment allows us to focus even more deeply on advancing mental health awareness, understanding, and care.

Please stay connected with us and tuned in for the future return of The Big Stomp. In the meantime, keep an eye out for music events supporting The Pete Foundation throughout Louisville—we are always looking for ways to connect music to our mission; a natural combination.

Thank you again for all of the love and support you have shown us over the years. We truly could not have done this without each and every one of you.

#stompthestigma #mentalhealthishealth #thebigstomp #thepetefoundation

MISSION

Stomp the stigma

The Big Stomp is more than a music festival—it’s a movement. Held at Brown-Forman Amphitheater in Louisville’s Waterfront Park, this immersive, multi-day experience is dedicated to stomping the stigma around mental health through music, mindful programming, and interactive experiences.

Proceeds from The Big Stomp benefit The Pete Foundation, a nonprofit committed to advancing mental health awareness, education, and access to care. Your support helps provide lifesaving resources, advocacy, and programs that empower communities and young people to prioritize mental well-being.

All proceeds benefit The Pete Foundation. Learn More

Music that Matters

Music is a universal language that brings us together. With two days, two stages, and multiple genres (from rock to bluegrass to electronica and beyond) enjoy national acts and the best emerging ones too…learn and discover anew!

Healthy Living

Join The Big Stomp partners in an array of mental health-focused experiential activities that provide patrons with an educational toolbox of mental health resources and fun, hands-on, engaging activities that promote mental health and wellness.

EXPERIENCES

CAMBIUM ZEN DEN

The Zen Den, presented by Cambium Marketing, provides you with a serene oasis to enjoy a moment of zen. Participants can check out Louisville Silent Disco headphones and choose between a variety of meditation soundtracks. The experience is complete with comfortable yoga mats and cushions, plus farm-grown flower displays to create a full sensory experience.

OPEN DOORS, OPEN MINDS

Renewal by Andersen, The Big Stomp’s Official Windows and Doors Partner, presents “Open Doors, Open Minds” where participants can meet 1:1 with mental health advocates and professionals and walk away with tools and resources for everyday life.

Norton Children’s

Norton Children’s offers a wide range of activities all weekend long including quality time with Norton’s Heel Dog, Heal facility dogs, workshops on demystifying mental health, and music therapy sessions. Pro-tip: main-stage artists have been seen popping up during music therapy, don’t miss out!

Kroger Farmer’s Market

Looking for a quick healthy snack? Stop in to the Kroger Farmer’s market for local produce, educational information on home-grown Kentucky products and how “food as medicine” can assist with a healthy mind.

LOVE, TITO’S POST OFFICE

Visit the “Love, Tito’s Post Office” where you can write mental-health-focused postcard to a loved one that will be sent out in May for Mental Health Awareness month. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out Love, Tito’s games, giveaways, and more!

Equine Therapy

Louisville Recovery Center is onsite with their horses to teach patrons about the mental health benefits of equine therapy and how horses can sense a person’s emotional state. Donation opportunities for The Pete Foundation are available for quality time and interaction with the horses.

CARMICHAEL’S BOOKMOBILE

Pop into Carmichael’s Bookmobile for a perfectly curated collection of mental-health focused literature, self-help books, and merchandise.

Vyfy Wellness Club

VyFy Wellness Club’s bio-hacking tool hub is the place to try and buy several bio-hacking tools that benefit mental health, including: PEMF Therapy, Compression Therapy, Braintapping, B12 Shots, and more!

Queer Kentucky

Queer Kentucky welcomes you into their safe-space featuring queer-affirming onsite counselors for LGBTQ+ guests, educational activities, lounge seating and LGBTQ+ mental health-focused literature.

Crosley Records Sober Tent

The Crosley Records Sober Tent offers specialty-crafted mocktails from The Mocktail Project, mental health card games, Crosley record listening stations, and lounge seating with a relaxing view of the main stage.

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES

KROGER: NURTURING MINDS, FUELING WELLNESS

Discover the delicious path to a healthy mind and body. Experience the joy of good food and learn how wholesome nutrition can elevate your well-being. As a proud presenting sponsor, Kroger is committed to fostering healthier communities through better nutrition, accessibility, and education. With Kroger’s support, we’re making it easier for everyone to access nutritious foods, mental health awareness, and community-driven wellness initiatives. Join us in celebrating a partnership that’s about more than just great food—it’s about a healthier, happier you.

OPEN DOORS, OPEN MINDS

Renewal by Andersen, The Big Stomp’s Official Windows and Doors Partner, presents “Open Doors, Open Minds” where participants can explore the transformative benefits of sand, art, and music therapy. Immerse yourself in a space designed to heal and inspire, as you engage with creative therapies that nurture the mind, body, and soul.

LOVE, TITO’S ARTFUL MINDS

Come together at our vibrant community coloring wall, a space dedicated to supporting mental health and embracing the joy of being in the moment. Immerse yourself in a collective creative experience that soothes the mind and uplifts the spirit. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out Love, Tito’s games, giveaways, and more!

HUMANA’S ZEN DEN

The Zen Den provides you with a serene oasis to enjoy a moment of zen. Participants can check out Louisville Silent Disco headphones and choose between a variety of meditation soundtracks. The experience is complete with comfortable yoga mats and cushions, plus farm-grown flower displays to create a full sensory experience.

HAMMOCK HAVEN

Take a break, catch your breath, and sway the stress away. Hammock Haven is your go-to spot to recharge between sets, courtesy of our friends at Quest Outdoors. Find your spot and hang awhile.

EQUINE THERAPY

Equine therapy involves interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional growth and healing. The unique bond between humans and horses, combined with professional therapeutic guidance, creates a powerful environment for emotional healing and mental health improvement. Presented by Louisville Recovery Center.

IF THIS IS YOU MOCKTAIL SALOON

Celebrate the joy of having fun in a vibrant, sober environment where mocktails take center stage. Let’s normalize the art of enjoying delicious, alcohol-free beverages while creating unforgettable memories together. Presented by Ritual Zero and Ale-8-One.

MUSIC THERAPY

Music therapy leverages the universal and profound impact of music to promote healing, growth, and well-being, making it a powerful tool in various therapeutic contexts. Join us for some examples of how music therapy can enhance well-being, reduce stress, and foster emotional expression.

Community Drum Circle

Let the rhythm move you. Join Restorative Sound for community drum circles at Pete’s Landing Stage, Friday and Saturday at 7 PM. All are welcome—no drumming skills needed, just your energy and openness. It’s about connection, creativity, and release.

GOAT THERAPY

Step into the softest corner of the festival. Come spend time with the therapy goats provided by Rustic Forrest Farm and Sanctuary! They are calm, curious companions that offer a gentle, grounding break from the crowds. Perfect for relaxing, reconnecting, and yes, taking the cutest photos of your weekend.

PICKLEBALL

Serve. Rally. Smash the Stigma. Stop by the pop-up Pickleball court to get in a quick game with friends or strangers. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new, you’ll have a blast and help raise awareness for mental wellness while you play. Presented by Team Travel Source and Pickleville USA.

Heaven Hill Pouring Into You

Sometimes you need a snapshot to remember a moment of clarity, confidence, or connection. Stop by Heaven Hill’s Pouring Into You installation to take a Polaroid photo and add it to the collective wall of festival-goers who are making space to care for themselves … and each other.

WELLNESS RESOURCE TENT

Local mental health organizations are here to help you and your loved ones. Come inside to explore, ask questions, and connect with people who care. This space is filled with information, support, and resources to help you take the next step toward wellness.

Body Mind Soul Space

Step inside the Body Mind Soul Space and discover moments of calm, connection, and restoration. Offered in partnership with Valaterra, this area features a rotating schedule of workshops and classes held every hour on the hour throughout the weekend. Check out the full activation schedule curated by Katie Ward, Realigned Body.

HISTORY

Formally known as “PeteFest,” The Big Stomp was established in 2017 to honor Louisville native, Pete Jones.

Pete’s brilliance, kindness, happiness and the love he gave to and received from others, couldn’t overcome an internal suffering that, sadly, so many wonderful people can experience. This led Pete to take his own life in December 2016. Pete 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 Big Stomp aims to rally the community to champion 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.