The Big_Table

Enough good food and enough good people can change the world.

Magical things happen when we share a meal. We talk. We connect. We build community. And that’s what we intend to do at Louisville’s largest potluck.

Come Hungry

Bring your family’s favorite dish! Maybe it’s Nana’s super-secret recipe for chicken pot pie. Maybe it’s stuffed grape leaves. Maybe you’re looking for an excuse to try the new pasta salad you found in that cajun cookbook you just purchased. Share your culinary delights with new friends!

Pull Up a Chair

Once seated with other guests (remember…a stranger at the Big Table is just a friend you haven’t met, yet), table hosts will help your party share stories and answer fun prompts to get to know one another better.

Leave Full

You never know. You may find that your neighbor has more in common with you than you thought.

How to join in:

PARTICIPANTS

Bring a dish and experience the magic that happens when we connect with our neighbors.

If you play an instrument, bring it! After dinner we’ll have a global music jam! Pick-up music venues will be arranged along The Big Table event area to continue the fun as we clean up.

TABLE HOSTS

Now’s the time to live your dream of being the host with the most!

As a Table Host, you will welcome participants to your table and guide the conversation that occurs with easy prompts provided by the Big Table Team. Don’t be intimidated! We have designed fun and simple processes for helping strangers connect and tell stories. You will be sent Table Host facilitation instructions after you register.

DONORS

In order for tickets to remain free, we must fundraise to pay the cost of a table for 2000 people. From chairs and tables to the truck they’re delivered in to the forklift it takes to set them up, it requires community support to prepare a place at the table for everyone. In fact, it costs about $30,000 a year to set The Big Table. That’s $15 a plate. Can you help us offset this cost by chipping in to “donate” a plate? Or maybe even a table of plates (that’s 6 plates)?

Donate $100 or more and get your name posted on a table for all the table guests to see. Show them how much good food and good company mean to you!

FAQs

Who should come?

Everyone! We hope to engage the broad spectrum of the Louisville community.

What should I bring?

– A dish to share with at least 8 people. Use a recipe with a family connection or something you just really like!

– Bring drinks, but not alcohol or glass bottles.

– We will not be supplying power or ice, so please use coolers or insulating dishes to keep your food safe.

– Serving utensils – We will provide plates, napkins and utensils but not serving utensils.

– Bring blankets and/or a chair – We are providing seating for 2,000 people. In case of an extra large turnout, consider bringing a blanket along. If you are unable to sit on a blanket, please bring a chair.

Please note: We will be marking vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-containing dishes, but we cannot promise those with allergies will not come into contact with these things. These dishes are made in home kitchens and no responsibility will be taken by the cook or the organizing committee. Please use your best judgement.

What should I leave at home?

Alcohol or glass bottles

Unleashed dogs – Please use your best judgement on whether or not this activity would be fun for your four-legged family members. If you think yes, please keep your dog leashed during the event.

Parking info

Free parking is available at Iroquois Amphitheater, and also at DeSales High School. ADA parking is available and attendants will be on hand to direct traffic.

Food safety tips

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has provided the following food safety tips. Please consider these as you choose your dish, and transport it.