Whether you’re a beginner who’s only shot whiskey at college bars or you’re the most expert of bourbon enthusiasts and have spent decades learning about the history of bourbon, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is your chance to drink, learn and drink some more. What started as a Bourbon tasting dinner 33 years ago has evolved into an annual drink-fest where whiskey lovers from around the world gather. The festival, on the grounds of historic Spalding Hall, draws over 50,000 visitors to the Bourbon Capital of the World –– Bardstown is home to 11 local distilleries and a storied Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
A festival pass includes an exclusive tasting glass from which you can sample 200 whiskeys from 60 distilleries (if you dare). You can also attend sets by local bands and the ongoing Bourbon:30 talk show, where bourbon experts tackle the industry’s burning concerns: the release of Maker’s Mark’s oldest bourbon yet; the newest distilleries opening in Kentucky; and “premium pricing” — AKA, why some bottles cost $6,953 and other cost $12.98. (Use your glass to try and taste the difference.)
If you want to do more than sample spirits and just hang out, you can attend ticketed events like a daily “Bourbon Opener” for $95 with guided tastings paired with cheeses and salamis, as well as cocktail-making classes and a blend-your-own whiskey workshop guided by Castle & Key Distillery’s Brett Connors. These add-ons are best suited for the nerds looking to maximize their experience with experts.
And, if you’re a non-drinker, or are truly just there for the vibes, you might not even need a ticket: the family-friendly Bourbon Barrel Relay and the Bourbon Capital Bites food truck area are both right next to the festival grounds and are open to the public. You can watch the races, snack on local grub and visit the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Spalding Hall for your Bourbon knowledge fix.
The Specs
- The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is in its 33rd year.
- The festival features over 50 of Kentucky’s best distilleries and attracts about 50,000 visitors.
- General admission tickets for the full weekend cost $180; single-day tickets, which are only available for Sunday, are selling for $105. GA tickets grant festival access, but separate tickets must be purchased for certain individual events within the festival. VIP packages options range from $595 to $1295 per ticket but are all currently sold out. (Subscribers to the KBF e-newsletter received advance notice of ticket sales.)
- While you’re in the area, be sure to check out our Louisville recs.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KYBF)?
Louisville International Airport is a 40-minute drive from Bardstown. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival will run free shuttles between the Marriot Downtown Louisville and the festival site if you’re looking for transportation.
Where does KYBF take place?
It takes place at Spalding Hall: 114 N. Fifth Street, Bardstown, KY.
When is National Bourbon Heritage Month?
September.
Is the Kentucky Bourbon Festival kid-friendly?
No––you must be 21 or over to gain entry into festival grounds. But spectators of all ages can attend the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay outside the festival grounds.
Who is the festival sponsor?
The Koetter Group is the presenting sponsor.
Are there lockers for rent?
Yes
Can I buy a ticket when I get there?
The tickets tend to sell out, so it is rare to have any available at the gate.
What do I need for entry to the Premium Events?
Those who purchased Premium Events will have a RFID wristband will be registered with the Premium Events that you purchased. You will scan your wristband at the event location.
What is the Distillers’ Row series?
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival’s Distillers’ Row Series is a collection of 20 single barrel bourbons available for purchase at the KBF Bottle Shop throughout the festival weekend.
It’s my first time attending. What should I expect?
This year’s festival includes samples from distilleries, access to exclusive single barrel selections, opportunities to meet Master Distillers, as well as panels, workshops, live entertainment, food trucks, a cigar lounge and 40 vendors in the Bourbon Marketplace.
What is the Glencairn crystal glass?
Glencairn Crystal makes the Pappy & Company Tasting Glass, designed for bourbon tasting at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The Glencairn glass has a smaller bowl than a snifter with a tapered neck to capture aromas. It’s often considered the best glass for drinking bourbon or other whiskey.
Which distilleries will be pouring at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
The 2024 Distillery Partners are Heaven Hill Distillery, Angel’s Envy, Bardstown Bourbon Company, FourRoses Bourbon, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Preservation Distillery + Farm, Whiskey House Kentucky, 1792, Barrell Craft Spirits, Bulleit Fronteir Whiskey, Chicken Cock Whiskey, Green River, Kentucky Owl, Limestone Branch Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, Michter’s American Whiskey, Milam & Greene Whiskey, New Riff, Rabbit Hole, Wild Turkey, Wilderness Trail Distillery, Augusta Distillery, Barrel House Distilling Co., Bespoken, Burton Jame’s Whiskey, Blue Note, Bluegrass Distillers, Buzzard’s Roost, Casey Jones Distillery, Castle & Key Distillery, Dueling Grounds Distillery, E.J. Curley & Co., Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Filmland Spirits, Fresh Bourbon Distillery, Hartfield & Co., Heaven’s Door, Hemingway Whiskey, Jeptha Creed Distillery, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company, Log Still Distillery, Luca Mariano, Lucky Seven Spirits, Neeley Family Distillery, Nulu Straight Bourbon Whiskey, O.H. Ingram River Aged, Old Louisville Whiskey Co., Old Steelhouse Distillery, Penelope, Bourbon, Pursuit Spirits, Registered Distillery One, Red Line Whiskey Co., The Bard Distillery, Three Chord, Woodford Reserve, Town Branch Bourbon and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.