LOUDER THAN LIFE:

In just more than a month, the Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville will turn into "The Loudest Playground in America."

Danny Wimmer Presents has announced major site expansion and extensive enhancements to the fan experience for this year's Louder Than Life.

The annual four-day rock/hard rock/metal festival is scheduled for Sept. 18 through 21.

The changes include free access to amusement park rides inside Kentucky Kingdom for all ticket holders, the addition of a seventh stage, upgrades to the VIP area, more video screens around the main stages, increases in shaded areas, along with a second main entrance to the grounds.

“This move has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to finally bring it to life," Danny Wimmer said. "With Bourbon & Beyond, and Louder Than Life both growing year over year, we knew it was time for more space, more comfort, and more ways to elevate the fan experience beyond just the music. The new layout delivers so much to be excited about: expanded shade, indoor experiences, air-conditioned areas, and — thanks to our collaboration with Kentucky Kingdom — an amusement park inside the festival. It’s a truly unique addition that brings incredible value to fans, along with more food options, more ways to cool off, and so much more to explore. I’m ecstatic because this is just the beginning of something truly special for our festivals in Louisville.”

DWP recently announced a 10-year lease agreement to keep both the Louder Than Life and Bourbon and Beyond festivals at the Highland Festival Grounds.

The newly expanded footprint makes greater use of the Kentucky Exposition Center's infrastructure, allowing for a more comfortable experience for fans.

The changes are set to debut at this year's Bourbon & Beyond, which is set for Sept. 11 through 14.

In 2024, the pair of DWP festivals brought more than 300,000 people to Louisville, and had a $33 million impact on the region.

Those fans will have more space and be more comfortable this year.

The expanded layout will allow fans to stretch out on new turf zones in front of each of the main stages and general admission areas. Inside the air-conditioned Kentucky Expo Center, festival-goers are set to find an immersive merchandise experience - featuring festival gear - additional activations and lounge seating.

Kentucky Kingdom will not be open to the public during the festivals, but all LTL and B&B ticket holders can enjoy any or all of 18 amusement rides between 2 and 9 p.m.

The free attractions include the Giant Wheel, Lightning Run Rollercoaster, Scream Extreme and Skycatcher.

A stage inside of Kentucky Kingdom during LTL is set to feature a dozen new artists - XweaponX, Haywire 617, Silly Goose, Unearth, War of Ages, Convictions, Upon A Burning Body, The Browning, Fight From Within, Orthodox, Fox Lake and 156/Silence.

With the addition of a seventh stage, Louder Than Life's line-up this year will feature more than 160 bands.

Slayer, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Avenged Sevenfold, Sleep Tokken, Breaking Benjamin, Deftones, Bad Omens, A Perfect Circle, Bring Me The Horizon and Evanescence are among the headliners scheduled to performance at the festival.