Planning to attend the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
This guide covers everything you need to know, based on my experience, to make the most of your visit.
What is the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is an annual four-day event held every September in Bardstown, Kentucky, which is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. It celebrates the history, craft, and culture of America’s spirit during National Bourbon Heritage Month, drawing thousands of enthusiasts for tastings, panels, and purchasing bourbon.
With so much going on, you’re probably looking for some ideas on how to make the most of the festival. As an experienced Kentucky Bourbon Festival attendee, I’m here to help you make the most of your visit.
Ticketing Options
Bourbon Fest has many types of tickets available and they sell out quickly. Let’s look at what different ticket types entitle you to.
The vast majority of tickets sold are the Weekend Bourbon Taster (also referred to as general admission) tickets. There is also the Sunday-only version, which is called the 1‑Day Sunday Sampler. These tickets get you entry and unlimited re-entry to the festival, a KBF Wee Glencairn tasting glass, unlimited sampling from the 60+ distilleries, and the ability to purchase premium tickets. Also included is access to the Bourbon Capital Bites area, Marketplace Vendors, and the Bourbon:30 Show viewing area.
There are a variety of VIP ticket packages available (VIP Decanter Club, VIP Flask Force, VIP Enthusiast and VIP Oris President’s Club). They all include everything that the general admission tickets include. In addition, VIP attendees have access to the VIP Lodge, which has unlimited small bites, a bar with premium pours and unlimited cocktails, and access to air-conditioned bathrooms. Also included with all VIP packages is a ticket to Thursday evening’s Bourbon in the Air. VIPs also get early access to the event.
The Oris President’s Club is an ultra-exclusive, year-round membership tier for the festival. Priced at $6,995 and limited to just 30 people worldwide, it offers top-tier luxury perks, specialized events, and premium festival access.
Locker Rentals at Kentucky Bourbon Festival
All attendees have access to lockers, which are located in the main event area. They are at the near end of the Bourbon Breezeway, which is located in the church parking lot area to the left of the VIP Gate as you are walking into the festival. Lockers are available for all ticket holders for a charge. In addition, a number of complimentary lockers are available for VIP ticket holders.
Lockers are useful for holding the items and bottles you purchase while you enjoy the festival.
The issue: There are many more attendees than lockers, so if getting one is important to you, you should plan ahead.
Secure storage and mobile charging lockers are available to rent through Entertainment Lockers. Rentals range from $20 to $55 depending on single-day or multi-day options, while limited VIP lockers are complimentary on a first-come, first-served basis.
Locker features and specifications
- Dimensions: 11” wide, 13 ½” high, and 18” deep.
- Mobile charging: All rentals include exclusive access to mobile charging packs for unlimited device charging during your rental period.
- Overnight storage: Multiple-day rentals allow you to safely leave items inside your locker overnight at the venue.
- Access: You have unlimited access to your locker during festival hours.
Locker rental options and access
- General admission: Available for single-day use or full multi-day event lengths via pre-purchase or on-site if supplies last. Combination and location numbers are sent via email and text 12 hours before the event.
- VIP/President’s Club: Limited complimentary options are placed within designated VIP areas on a first-come, first-served basis.
Oris President’s Club ticket holders will get a locker in the Brindiamo Penthouse.
Key Kentucky Bourbon Festival Details
Here are things you need to know about the Kentucky Bourbon Festival:
- Festival hours: Friday to Saturday 12–6 PM, Sunday 12–4 PM; VIP entry begins at 11 AM daily.
- Wristbands: They ship approximately two weeks before the event. Don’t put them on early or remove them between days. If you haven’t received yours, check out these FAQ. Follow the instructions provided to activate your wristband, or you won’t be able to use it. You must scan your wristband every time you enter and exit the festival. If you forget to scan it when you leave, you will not be able to enter the festival again, and you will have to go to Will Call to have it reset.
- Will-call: Available 10 AM daily Friday through Sunday and Thursday beginning at 4 PM.
- Identification: Bring a valid ID like a driver’s license or passport.
- Bags: You may bring a 12” by 12” by 6” or smaller clear bag. You are also allowed to bring an empty canvas bag to carry the bourbon you purchase.
- Water bottle: You should also bring an empty water bottle (less than one liter), which can be filled at the festival. Drinking water is critical to stay hydrated. It can be hot in Bardstown in September, and alcohol can dehydrate you.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable practical shoes appropriate for an outdoor festival on grass.
- Banned items: Don’t bring backpacks, outside food or drink, coolers, or cameras. There is a large array of prohibited items listed here.
- Food: Eat before, during, and after the festival (there are many options available). You need to absorb all that bourbon.
- Lanyards: Lanyards are sold at the festival merchandise area.
- Tasting glass: All attendees get one mini Glencairn tasting glass for the entire festival. Ensure you bring your glass with you every day.
Knowing these things will allow you to enjoy the festival and avoid missteps and inconveniences.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Special Events and Presentations
In addition to bourbon tastings, there are many educational and entertaining activities at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Here are some favorites:
- Bourbon:30 Stage: The stage is located near the main festival entrance. It offers free 30-minute interviews and panel discussions. They typically begin on the half hour Friday and Saturday, and on the hour on Sunday. The full schedule is on a sign by the stage.
- Master Distillers’ Auction: The Master Distillers’ Auction is a charity event held during the festival to benefit the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and Spalding Hall in Bardstown, Kentucky. It features rare, one-of-a-kind bottles, custom single barrels, and premium bourbons signed or donated by well-known master distillers.
- Premium Events: Premium events include panel sessions, presentations, and a dinner that are available at an additional charge. Most of the events take place on the Kentucky Bourbon Festival grounds in the Great Tent. The Icons Dinner happens off-site within walking distance of the festival grounds. Tickets for all premium events can be purchased through your tixr account or via the link in your original confirmation email. Be aware that many of these events sell out quickly.
Purchasing Bourbon
Most distilleries have bottles for sale, including their regular selections and single barrels or other limited releases. Distilleries usually do not communicate what they will be selling at the festival ahead of time. Competition for the bottles is fierce, so you will want to visit your favorite distillers early.
Also, keep in mind that VIP ticket holders get into the festival an hour before General Admission ticket holders, making competition for rare bottles even more challenging.
To make things even more interesting, some distilleries don’t sell their allocated bottles until later in the day, or they may sell them intermittently throughout the day. It has varied year by year, and distillery by distillery, so stay alert and ask at each booth when and if bottles will be sold.
Distillers’ Row Series
The map on the Kentucky Bourbon Festival home page has an asterisk by the name of each distillery that will be selling special KBF single barrel bourbons, known as the KBF Distillers’ Row Series. You can taste any of them before you buy them. However, some of these bottles are often in high demand, and the early bird often catches the worm.
Expert Advice For Getting Bottles That You Want
Here are my top tips for getting the special bourbons you desire.
Tip 1: Have a plan
Before attending, consider which bottles you want, and then prioritize them. You may not be able to get them all, so make sure you head to the line for the bottle you want most as soon as you get through the gate. Then plan out where to go next.
Tip 2: Watch the line
Lines for special bottles can be extremely long. If you aren’t near the front of the line, think twice about staying in it. Is it worth missing significant time at the festival just to get a bottle? Not likely. Move on and enjoy some great tastings and events.
Tip 3: Upgrade
If you really want allocated bottles and don’t want to spend the entire festival standing in line, upgrade to a more exclusive ticket level, which could get you in the gate up to an hour earlier than general admission. For many festival goers, this is an upgrade definitely worth paying for.
Food At The Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea. And dining with bourbon is a fine one.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the festival.
At the festival, there are many places to purchase excellent food.
- More than a dozen of the region’s top food trucks make the Bourbon Capital Bites Area home during the festival. It is near the VIP and Main gates to the festival. You are free to exit and re-enter the festival grounds as often as you like, as long as you have your wristband to get back in.
- If you are a VIP ticket holder, there should be ample complimentary food in the VIP tent.
- The Oris President’s Club ticket holders have food available in the Brindiamo Penthouse.
Marketplace Vendors
The Marketplace Vendors area will have around 40 vendors selling bourbon-related arts, crafts, and other merchandise. It is located just outside of the main festival grounds, opposite the main Kentucky Bourbon Festival entrance on West Flaget Avenue. You can get there by exiting the main festival grounds through any of the gates and walking through the food truck area.
Transportation In and Around Bardstown During the Bourbon Festival
Bardstown has very limited taxi, Uber, and Lyft service, so getting around takes some planning.
If your hotel is within walking distance of the festival grounds, then walking is likely your best option. If not, you will either need a designated driver, take advantage of your hotel’s shuttle service, or hire one of the local transportation services, which you will need to arrange in advance.
Public shuttles are offered by operators like Mint Julep Experiences from the Omni Louisville Hotel with scheduled departures running Thursday through Saturday during the festival
There is limited parking in Bardstown, mostly on city streets, and some of those around the Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be blocked or have limited access.
There are usually a few pay lots available, such as the St. Joseph Catholic School parking lot, which can be accessed via West Stephen Foster Avenue, and possibly the Bardstown High School parking lot, although not on Friday since school will be in session. Parking is usually available in a field off of Broadway.
Festival Related Events
Check out some of the events happening around Kentucky Bourbon Fest:
- After-parties: Many events take place after the festival ends on Friday and Saturday. The best-known are Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Friday night party and Heaven Hill’s Saturday night party. Both of these events require that you purchase admission in advance through each distillery’s website.
- Cheers to Bardstown: This happening takes place on Saturday afternoon and evening at the Dixie P. Hibbs Farmers Market Pavilion in Bardstown. This free community celebration hosted by Bardstown Main Street requires no tickets and honors local makers, businesses, and visitors.
- Tasting: Evergreen Liquors is offering many tastings and other events at their location on 3rd Street during and after festival hours. Check their website for the schedule and details.
- Other local events: Many other local establishments will also have special events during Kentucky Bourbon Festival time. The Events Section of Visit Bardstown’s website should have a comprehensive listing.
BE AWARE: In Bardstown’s Bourbon Capital District – which includes most of central downtown – people are allowed to carry alcoholic beverages from one place to another, provided they are in a Bourbon Capital District plastic cup. So, if you want to walk from place to place, be sure to ask for your drink to be in one of these cups. However, this does not include the Kentucky Bourbon Festival grounds where no outside liquor is allowed.
Lodging
Lodging in and around Bardstown is limited and fills up quickly. Louisville has considerably more hotels, but you will need to arrange transportation because it is about an hour away.
Dining Options Outside the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Bardstown has many restaurants, some within walking distance of the festival grounds and others a short drive away. There is a comprehensive list on the Visit Bardstown website.
Maximizing a Visit to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival: The Final Word
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is the premier event for whiskey lovers. Leverage the tips in this guide to make the most of it. And I look forward to seeing you at this year’s event!