Everything you need to Know before you go

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival takes place on the historic grounds of Spalding Hall at:
114 N. Fifth Street, Bardstown, KY 40004

September 10-13, 2026

• VIP entry: 11 AM daily
• General Admission entry: 12 PM daily
• Thursday: 6 – 9:30 PM ET (Bourbon in the Air)
• Friday: 12 PM – 6 PM ET
• Saturday: 12 PM – 6 PM ET
• Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM ET

Yes, admission tickets are required for entry.

April 14, 2026 (until sold out). Subscribe to our newsletter and become a Bourbon Insider for early access on April 13.

No. This is a 21+ event. Valid ID required.

The festival is rain or shine. All sales are final.

Allowed items include:

• Refillable water bottles (must be empty at entry)
• Individual folding lawn chairs
• Clear and small bags (see details below)
• Companion animals with proper paperwork (no pets)
• Personal size, handheld umbrellas
• Amateur photo/video cameras

Prohibited items include:

• Any outside alcohol — no bringing in of bottles
• Weapons, fireworks, illegal substances
• Liquids
• Large bags/luggage
• Scooters, skateboards, bicycles
• Laser pointers, spray paint, etc.
• Mace & pepper spray
• Liquids, food or beverages
• Pets
• Wagons/carts
• Tents/canopies
• External glassware — KBF glassware only
• Balls, frisbees, flying objects, drones
• Signs/banners

All bags are subject to search; refusal may result in denied entry.

Allowed:

• Clear bags (max 12” x 6” x 12”)
• Small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”)
• Small purses/fanny packs (subject to search)

Prohibited items include:

• Weapons, fireworks, illegal substances
• Liquids
• Large bags/luggage
• Scooters, skateboards
• Laser pointers, spray paint, etc.

All bags are subject to search; refusal may result in denied entry.

Yes, via food trucks in the Bourbon Capital Bites area.

Yes. Bring an empty reusable bottle or purchase beverages onsite.

On the Main Stage; free to ticket holders.

11 a.m. eastern April 13, 2026, for Bourbon Insiders (newsletter subscribers)

11 a.m. eastern April 14, 2026, for the public

2026 tickets are SOLD OUT, check back for authorized resale information in May!

• RFID wristbands are mailed before the event
• Required for entry with valid ID
• Wristbands are used for scanning into events
• Replacement fees may apply
• Do not put on early
• Cannot be removed once worn
• Lost/damaged = void

• TIXR is our ticketing partner. They have built in fraud / bot protection and securely process transactions.
• You will need a TIXR account to purchase KBF tickets. If you have purchased tickets in recent years, you already have a login.
• You can reset your TIXR password or create a TIXR account before tickets go on sale! Click here.
• For additional support with your TIXR account, head here.

1–2 weeks before the festival. Do NOT put your wristband on until the festival!

Head to our ticket packages page for more info.

Ticket holders can purchase Premium Events beginning April 30. Space is limited in each session. Click here for instructions on how to purchase through your TIXR account. Once purchased, your add-ons are linked to your RFID wristband and scanned for entry.

Visit Will Call with order info.

No. All sales are final.

Yes, to another 21+ person via email coordination.

Yes, via Tixr support email.

Through your Tixr account (must be completed by August 1, 2026).

Usually no; the event often sells out in advance.

• Log in to your Tixr account.
• Click your initials in the top right corner and select Wallet.
• Find your event and click the event card to open your Event Dashboard.
• Scroll down to the Add-Ons section beneath your tickets.
• Click the + icon next to any item you’d like to purchase.
• Adjust quantities if needed.
• Complete checkout to finalize your add-on purchase.

Click here if you need additional assistance or use our Contact Us form to reach out to our ticketing team.

• Small bites and specialty drinks
• Private restrooms
• Hydration station
• Bourbon storage lockers

Yes! Includes tastings, panels, music, vendors, and more.

Nearby cash lots and street parking within walking distance.

We offer a shuttle to and from our hotel partner, the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu. It runs directly from the hotel to the festival and back. Shuttle passes can be purchased for $30 per day through Tixr (like premium event add-ons). These premium motor coaches are provided by Xtreme Transportation to ensure guest comfort. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.

2026 Shuttle Schedule:

Thursday, Sept. 10: Depart Tempo at 4:30 p.m. / Depart KBF at 10 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11: Depart Tempo at 9 or 10 a.m. / Depart KBF at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12: Depart Tempo at 9 or 10 a.m. / Depart KBF at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13: Depart Tempo at 9 or 10 a.m. / Depart KBF at 4:30 p.m.

Click here to visit our accommodations page.

Apply via the Marketplace Vendor Application.

Apply via the Food Vendor Application.

No! Both the Marketplace and Bourbon Capital Bites areas are open to the public.

A public event where teams race to move 500-pound barrels.

Free and open to all ages

Location: To be announced

Time: Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM

Location: Oscar Getz Museum (Spalding Hall)

More details to come.

No ticket required for auction or museum access (but required for festival grounds)

No, but mocktails and other activities are available.

Only in designated areas.