The World’s Largest Bourbon Festival expands to three days in September
The World’s Largest Bourbon Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, makes its anticipated return to Louisville, KY Friday, September 20th through Sunday, September 22nd, expanding to three days full of incredible music, unique culinary events, and unmatched experiences from the region’s best distilleries at the new Highland Festival Grounds At KY Expo Center.
In addition to an unforgettable lineup of bourbon and chefs, music performers include a unique mix of rock, roots, bluegrass and folk acts led by Foo Fighters, Robert Plant And The Sensational Space Shifters, the Zac Brown Band, John Fogerty, Daryl Hall & John Oates, and ZZ Top. Additional acts include Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trey Anastasio Band, Leon Bridges, The Flaming Lips, Alison Krauss, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeroes, +LIVE+, Grace Potter, Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, among many others. In total, more than 45 artists will play on three stages, including the side-by-side Oak and Barrel main stages and a bluegrass stage that will be curated by the genre’s leading authority, The Bluegrass Situation.
Held during Bourbon Heritage Month, Bourbon & Beyond also celebrates the craftsmanship behind award-winning spirits, master distillers and world-class chefs. Bourbon author, Amazon Prime host (Bourbon Up) and expert Fred Minnick has curated one-of-a-kind tastings and seminars celebrating Louisville’s world-renowned distilleries, while culinary curators Edward Lee (The Mind of A Chef) and Anthony Lamas (Seviche) will team up to arrange special food experiences that will be announced soon.
Bourbon & Beyond exclusive VIP packages, General Admission tickets, camping and hotel packages, as well as special event tickets, are on sale now at BourbonandBeyond.com.
As the festival’s centerpiece, the Kroger Big Bourbon Bar presented by Louisville Courier-Journal, will feature more than two dozen hand-selected bourbons from top distilleries, and a unique opportunity to enjoy bourbons and exclusive one-time specialty cocktails from 1792, Angel’s Envy, Barrell Bourbon, Coopers’ Craft, Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Jefferson’s, Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon, Kentucky Peerless, Michter’s, Rebel Yell, Old Forester, Stonehammer, Wild Turkey.
As part of this innovative partnership and Kroger’s commitment to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, 25 cents will be donated directly to Dare to Care Food Bank from every ticket sold. Dare to Care Food Bank works to ensure that no one in our community lacks enough food to live an active, healthy lifestyle, and Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative is their bold plan to end hunger in our communities and eliminate waste in their company by 2025.
New for 2019, The Beyond Bourbon Bar will be the largest non-bourbon bar at Bourbon & Beyond, offering a selection of fine whiskies. Patrons are invited to select their cocktail, choose their whiskey, and enjoy these flavors from outside Kentucky. Participating brands include: 291 Colorado Whiskey, Balcones Distilling, Catoctin Creek, Uncle Nearest and more to be announced.
Fred Minnick’s Mini Bar presented by Bourbon Women Association–hosted by the Bourbon & Beyond bourbon curator–will showcase craft selections from Louisville’s world-renowned distilleries. Acclaimed Louisville whiskey bar The Silver Dollar will operate The Hunter’s Club, where attendees can find vintage bourbons dating as far back as the 1930s, as well as contemporary collectibles.
The list of participating bourbon brands at Bourbon & Beyond includes 1792, Angel’s Envy, Barrell Bourbon, Blade and Bow, Boone County Distilling, Bulleit, Coopers’ Craft, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Four Roses, Jefferson’s, Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon, Jim Beam, Kentucky Peerless, Knob Creek, Larceny, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Old Forester, Rebel Yell, Stonehammer, Wild Turkey, Willett, and Woodford Reserve.
Whiskey and other spirits partners include 291 Colorado Whiskey, Balcones Distilling, Catoctin Creek, Cooper and Thief, High West Distillery, Jack Daniel’s, Robert Mondavi Private Select, Smooth Ambler, Southern Comfort, Uncle Nearest, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Z. Alexander Brown Wine.
In addition to performances from top music artists, and various onsite attractions, attendees at Bourbon & Beyond will enjoy a variety of onsite food and beverage offerings that celebrate menus and flavors inspired by Kentucky. Curated by Southern Hospitality Concessions LLC, DWP’s affiliate concessionaire, selections from the following local and regional restaurants will be available: 502 Café, Boss Hog BBQ, Cellar Door Chocolates, Chicago’s Dog House, Couvillion, Martin’s BBQ, Eli’s BBQ, Gelato Gilberto, Heine Brother’s Coffee, Hull and Highwater, Island Noodles, Joella’s Hot Chicken, Longshot Lobsta, Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, Midway Café, Mikes Kentucky Kitchen, Phat Daddy’s Creole, Pie Baby Wood Fired Pizza, Red Top Dogs, River Road BBQ, Spicy Pie Pizza, Tumbleweed, and much more.
