LMPD says 800 people were at River Road 'pop-up party' before it was closed down

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — An estimated 800 people were at a "pop-up party" on River Road when it was shut down by Louisville Metro Police late Saturday, according to the department.

Police broke up the unauthorized party after hundreds of people gathered near a private event venue across from Waterfront Park.

LMPD said Louisville Alcoholic Beverage Control officers noticed the event at Stella's Venue was still going on past its midnight end time — with an estimated 200 more people waiting to still get inside. Once inside, officers said the place was packed.

“When we made entry, there was estimated 600 or so patrons that were inside the location,” LMPD Maj. Ron Heady said. “The fire marshal occupancy was well exceeded.”

Officers said the vendor operating the party did not have a required permit. Investigators also found several minors had been served alcohol both inside the venue and outside on surrounding property.

The crowd began to spill into Waterfront Park, which closes at 11 p.m. LMPD’s Rapid Response unit was called in to help safely disperse the group.

“They were technically trespassing in the park after hours,” Sgt. Matt Sanders, a spokesperson for LMPD, said. “We just explained that to everybody and, generally speaking, everyone was very cooperative and left on their own.”

No arrests were made, and officers shut down traffic in the area to help clear the scene.

“I wanted to ensure everyone there is safe. I want to ensure the officers are safe,” LMPD Fifth Division Commander Mason Brown said. “We had to shut down traffic — it was a large group, a lot of cars — and I wanted to get them out in a safe manner.”

Chase Browning, who owns a business near the venue, said these types of pop-up gatherings have been moving around the city — most recently on Bardstown Road in the Highlands.

“It’s displacement,” Browning said. “The partying is going to continue, it just depends on where it’s being organized.”

Under city regulations, any event with more than 50 attendees must have a permit and show proof of proper security, including safeguards to prevent underage drinking.

LMPD said Stella's has not been cited at this point, but the investigation is ongoing.

WDRB News reached out to Stella's for comment but has not received a response.

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