by Bourbon enthusiasts love getting together to learn about, discuss, and share their enthusiasm for their esteemed elixir. As a result, the number of bourbon festivals seems to grow each year, in Kentucky and around the country.
Here’s a look ahead at some of the top bourbon events that you’ll want to make sure you have in your calendar.
New Orleans Bourbon Festival
March 22-25, 2023
New Orleans, Louisiana
The folks in New Orleans put on what may be the biggest celebration of bourbon outside of the Bluegrass State. Bourbon, jazz, food, and a chance to spend time in New Orleans? Who could ask for anything more. Click on this link for more information on the fifth annual New Orleans Bourbon Festival. Let the good times roll, indeed!
Honorable Mention –
The Kentucky Derby
Saturday, May 7, 2023
Churchill Downs, Louisville
The primary focus of the Kentucky Derby is on thoroughbred horse racing, of course, not bourbon. But any event where nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are served in a two-day span has to at least be mentioned. Most Kentuckians take pride in their general dislike of the sweet Mint Julep, so thanks to all the out-of-towners who make those numbers possible.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon has been the “official bourbon” of America’s most famous thoroughbred horse race for 23 years and its Presenting Sponsor since 2018. It’s a good bet (see what I did there?) that barrels of Woodford and bourbons of all types will be consumed at Churchill Downs the first weekend in May.
Concerts at The Amp
Dant Crossing
Gethsemene, Ketucky
May to October, 2023
If you haven’t already checked out Dant Crossing, you need to. It’s the site of the Log Still Distillery, just south of Bardstown. In addition, the 350-acre site is currently home to a rick house (with room for three more), a 2,000-seat outdoor concert venue called the Amp, a special events venue for weddings and corporate events, five different bed and breakfast buildings, and a 12-acre fishing lake.
Concerts at The Amp this summer include John Michael Montgomery, Martina McBride, Brothers Osborne, Dwight Yoakam, and Lady A.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival
September 15-17, 2023
Bardstown, Kentucky
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is the granddaddy of them all after 31 years in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. Last year’s event featured more than 40 distilleries on hand, plenty of artists and craftsmen selling bourbon-related products, live music, food trucks, educational exhibits, and a host of opportunities to interact with the rock star men and women of our ongoing Bourbon Renaissance.
The year’s event promises to be even bigger and better. Click here for more information on how you can attend.
Bourbon and Beyond
September 14-17, 2023
Kentucky Expo Center
Louisville
It’s billed as the world’s largest bourbon and music festival. Bourbon and Beyond is a four-day outdoor event that includes multiple stages, top names in music, camping (optional), food, bourbon distilleries, and lots of alcohol. A modern-day Woodstock with whiskey, Bourbon and Beyond had more than 140,000 attendees in 2022.
Last year’s acts included Jack White, Alanis Morissette, Kings of Leon, Brandi Carlile, Pearl Jam, Greta Van Fleet, Chris Stapleton and the Doobie Brothers.
Note: this is the same weekend as the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. Life if full of tough choices, but it’s possible to do both if you plan ahead.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival
October 6-7, 2023
Frankfort, Kentucky
The first weekend in October is when the folks in Frankfort come together on the banks of the Kentucky River (the water source for several local bourbons). They celebrate with food, music, and samples from more than 40 distilleries. And you’re invited! Last year the non-profit event raised more than $50,000 for local charities and scholarships.
Click here for more information on Bourbon on the Banks.
Nashville Whiskey Festival 2023
October 7, 2023
Omni Hotel, Nashville
Another option for that same first weekend in October is the Nashville Whiskey Festival. Organizers describe it this way: “Each year, the Nashville Whiskey Festival brings together whiskey novices and connoisseurs for three days of education, live music, great food and whiskey tastings!”
Click here for more information.
I’m sure this list just scratches the surface. If you know about a different bourbon festival or gathering, drop me a note with all the details: brian@thebourbontutor.com. (It seems like the idea of pairing bourbon and bacon for a get-together is gaining some traction around the country. Tell me more!)
We’ll keep you updated throughout the year in the Whiskey Network Magazine and in The Barrel Report Newsletter, so you can keep both your calendar and your Glencairn glass full.
