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eVENT INFORMATION

What is the address of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?

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

What are the dates and hours of operation of the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival?

The 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be held September 13-15, 2024

  • Friday, September 13 (12 pm to 6 pm ET)
  • Saturday, September 14 (12 pm to 6 pm ET)
  • Sunday, September 15 (12 pm to 4 pm ET)
  • Gates open at 12 pm ET each day for General Admission. VIP ticket holders may enter the festival each day at 11 am ET through the VIP Gate.

You must purchase an admission ticket to enter the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Grounds. *Tickets are required for entry. To purchase admission tickets, click here.

When will tickets go on-sale?

Tickets will be on sale April 17, 2024 until they are sold out.

Where is the Will Call office located? What are the Will Call office hours?

Will Call will be open at  10:00 am ET on September 13-15. Limited Will Call staff will be available at 5:00 pm ET on Thursday, September 12.

Will Call is located near the main entrance at the corner of N. Fifth Street and Xavier Drive.

Is there a map of the venue?

Yes, there will be a map available to view. Please check back for more information.

Do I need to bring my ID to enter?

YES.  This is a 21+ event.  All ticketholders MUST have a valid ID with them for age verification.

Where can I find the schedule of events?

Click here to view the full event schedule by day.

You must have an admission ticket to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival to enter the grounds and access the events.

Note, the annual World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay bourbon barrel rolling competition presented by Independent Stave, Bourbon Capital Bites food truck area, and vintage bourbon auction in the Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum are open to the public.

Can I bring my kids? Is this a family friendly event?

No, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is an adult-only event. All ticket-holders MUST be 21+ years of age and have a valid ID to purchase Kentucky Bourbon Festival wristbands and attend events.  No one under 21 years of age is permitted into the festival grounds.

What if it's raining?

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is an outdoor, rain-or-shine, event. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

However, in the event of severe weather, we will keep our fans notified via email and our social media channels.

What is the bag policy?

To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, The Kentucky Bourbon Festival has the following bag policy: We will allow clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (4.5”x 6.5”).  Small purse and/or fanny pack may be permitted after search.  

ALL BAGS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH UPON ENTRY.  Guests have the right to refuse a bag search and the venue has the right to refuse entry. If you have any items that are not allowed into the venue, please return them to your vehicle.

What items are prohibited?
  • – Outside alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs or substances
  • – Animals or pets (service animals as defined by ADA standards are permitted)
  • – Any item that could obstruct a guest’s enjoyment
  • – Any item that is deemed dangerous or perceived to be dangerous, unsafe, or offensive by KYBF management
  • Balls, Frisbees or other airborne projectiles
  • – Banners or signs with non-KYBF sponsor logos or messages
  • – Fireworks, candles, flares or balloons
  • – Guns, knives or other items that can be considered weapons
  • – Hard or Soft Coolers, Baskets, or Duffel Bags
  • – Laser pointers
  • – Lawn chairs
  • – Mace and pepper spray
  • – Outside food or drinks
  • – Professional Cameras and Camera Equipment, Tripods, and Video or Audio Recording Equipment not authorized by KYBF management
  • – Skateboards, Strollers and/or car seats
  •  

Violation of prohibited items may result in ejection without refund.

Will there be food available?

Yes! There will be food available for purchase. Enjoy over a dozen of the region’s top food trucks in our Bourbon Capital Bites Area, presented by Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Co.

Will there be water available?

Yes! You may bring an empty re-usable water bottle to fill up on the grounds during the festival! There will also be water and soft drinks available for purchase in the Bourbon Capital Bites Area.

Where is the Bourbon:30 Show located?

The Bourbon:30 Show, presented by Great Western Malting will be hosted on the Main Stage inside the event grounds. This entertaining and educational show is FREE for all ticket-holders and is anticipated to begin on the half-hour Friday and Saturday and on the hour Sunday with the last one concluding approximately one hour before gates close each day.  Click here to view the full schedule by day.

tickets & wristbands

Are tickets required for entry into the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?

YES.  A physical wristband will be mailed to the address associated with the ticket purchase at least two weeks prior to the event and are required for entry onto the event grounds along with a valid 21+ ID.  These wristbands will have built-in RFID technology and will be pre-programmed to allow for a simple scan to enter the grounds and specialty events associated with your ticket purchase(s).

What is the admission price and what is included?

Please view admission ticket prices by clicking here. 

General Admission tickets offer 3-day festival access, sampling from 60 distilleries offering 200 whiskies, a ‘Wee’ Glencairn KYBF-branded nosing and tasting glass, viewings of the entertaining and educational Bourbon:30 talk show with the stars of the bourbon world, opportunities to meet master distillers and purchase unique bottles directly from the distillery booths, plus access to our Bourbon Capital Bites area, Bourbon Marketplace with over 40 vendors, Deployment Cigar Lounge and unlimited re-entry all weekend long… we think you’ll find this admission is far beyond general.

Please click here to view available tickets, details and pricing. Must be 21+ years of age with a valid ID to purchase and attend KYBF events.

When will my tickets be shipped?

Tickets are RFID wristbands. Your wristbands will be shipped to the address you provided at checkout at least 2 weeks before the festival. 

If you need to change your address or need to set your tickets to pickup at will call, please email us at [email protected]

I purchased Premium Events. What do I need for entry to those events?

Your RFID wristband will be registered with any Premium Events that you purchased. You will scan your wristband to access the location of the Premium Event.

READ THIS before putting on your wristband!

Please be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions associated with your wristbands.

DO NOT put your wristband until the day of the festival.  Wristbands must be cut off once they are put on. Cut or damaged wristbands will be considered void.  A fee to replace may apply.

DO NOT remove your wristband between days. Wristbands can sustain showering and rain; however, swimming or submerging the wristband in water is not recommended.

Lost, stolen or misplaced wristbands will be voided.

For additional questions regarding your wristbands, please email [email protected]

I accidentally put my wristbands on too soon. What do I do?

Wristbands must be cut off once they are put on. Cut or damaged wristbands will be considered void.  A fee to replace may apply.

For when the unexpected happens, please visit the Will-Call location for additional assistance. 

It's less than 2 weeks to the festival, but I have not yet received my wristbands for entry. How do I get my wristbands?

Don’t worry!  We know things happen and we are prepared to provide assistance at our box office upon arrival.  Simply provide your Order ID or the email address associated with your order or even just the purchaser first or last name and our team will take it from there.

I purchased wristbands but can no longer attend. Can I get a refund?

All ticket sales are FINAL and NON-REFUNDABLE.  

Customers must acknowledge and agree to the Terms & Conditions prior to completing the purchase including understanding of refund policy, age restrictions, COVID, prohibited items, etc.  Please read carefully prior to accepting the terms of the transaction as ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

However, you can request to transfer your tickets to someone else 21+ years of age.  See below for steps to transfer.

How do I transfer my wristbands to someone else?

In the event that you can no longer attend, you may transfer your wristbands for entry to someone else 21+ years of age.  

When ready to transfer tickets, please email [email protected] or [email protected], as well as the new buyer and provide the name and Order ID associated with the tickets.

You will be responsible for shipping the wristbands to the new buyer, as well as making the financial transaction.

If you can’t get the wristbands to them in time, the original purchaser needs to email [email protected] with the order number(s) and new buyer’s email address to indicate that wristbands for entry have been transferred to someone else.  At that time, the original wristbands mailed will be void and we can issue wristbands for the new buyer to pick up at will-call.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is not affiliated with any secondary market sales and not responsible for these transactions.

I did not specify a name on my wristbands when I purchased them. How do I assign the wristband?

All wristbands must be assigned to a specific individual aged 21+ by August 21, 2024. Please view detailed instructions for name changes below:

1. Log into your Tixr account at tixr.com.

2. Go to Tickets and find the event you wish to update the names on your tickets too.

3. Manage Order

4. Click (Edit) next to the current name on the order  

5. Enter in the new First and Last Name and click Update.

I moved since I purchased admission wristbands or will be traveling just before the festival. How do I update my address?

Please email [email protected] from the email associated with your order along with the buyer’s first and last name, and updated mailing address.  Our team will respond with a confirmation once the update has been completed.  Wristbands will be mailed at least two weeks prior to the festival.  Kindly submit any address changes by August 21, 2024.

If you will be traveling prior to the festival, we can set your tickets to pickup at Will Call. Please email [email protected] to request Will Call pickup.

Will tickets be sold at the gate?

Tickets to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival are very popular and usually sell out a few weeks before the event. Due to this, tickets are not usually sold at the gate. We strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival as early as possible. Please click here to purchase tickets. 

How do I add Premium Events to my Admission Ticket?

Premium Events are available to add-on to your Admission Ticket during your initial purchase. If you did not add Premium Events when you purchased your admission tickets, you can visit this link and select the orange “Premium Events” box. You will be prompted to enter an access code which will be your Order ID number, located on your confirmation email from your admission ticket purchase.

Please note, Premium Event ticket quantities are extremely limited.

*Admission tickets are required in order to purchase Premium Events. View available tickets for admission here.

What is in the VIP Tent?

Decanter Club, Flask Force Gold, Flask Force and Enthusiast wristbands will allow exclusive entry into the VIP tent located on the festival grounds.  The tent will have small-bites, specialty drinks, a private restroom trailer, IV Hydration Station, and bourbon storage lockers for VIP ticketholders to come and go throughout the 3-Day Festival.  

Specialty items included in the VIP ticket packages will be available for pick-up at the VIP Tent.

I didn't get VIP Tickets or the Premium Events I wanted. Will I still have a good time?

Of course! General Admission tickets to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival include all-inclusive bourbon sampling from distillery booths throughout the weekend, the ability to purchase bottles from the distilleries AND exclusive KYBF Single Barrel bottles, along with access to panels with industry experts, live music, marketplace vendors with unique handmade goods, delicious local fare, the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay, opportunity to meet industry legends on the grounds and much more.

Transportation & Parking

I'm the designated driver, where should I park?

Cash lots and/or street parking can be found within walking distance of the festival grounds.  Please do not drive onto private property, block driveways, garages, etc.

North Fifth Street will be closed during the Festival between West Broadway Ave and Raspberry Alley, along with a portion of West Flaget Ave.  Click here to explore a map of Bardstown’s Historic District.

Where should I stay?

The Fairfield Inn of Bardstown and the Downtown Louisville Mariott are the preferred hotels of the KYBF. Additional participating hotels can be found here.

 

A complete listing of local accommodations, please visit Bardstown, Elizabethtown, Lebanon, Springfield and Shepherdsville tourism websites.

What transportation is available?
  • The Kentucky Bourbon Festival will provide a complimentary shuttle between the festival and both the Marriott Downtown Louisville and the Louisville Aloft Downtown. Please see below for a shuttle schedule. There may be paid transportation options available in the local Bardstown area.

Downtown Marriott Pickup Location: 280 W Jefferson St, Louisville, KY

Louisville Aloft Downtown Location: 102 W Main St, Louisville, KY

Departure Schedule:

  • THURSDAY
  • Marriott to Bardstown: 5:00 pm
  • Aloft to Bardstown: 5:00 pm
  • Bardstown to Downtown Louisville: 9:45 pm
  •  
  • FRIDAY
  • Marriott to Bardstown: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
  • Aloft to Bardstown: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
  • Additional shuttle that picks up at both Marriott and Aloft: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
  • Bardstown to Downtown Louisville: 3:00 pm, 5:15 pm and 6:30 pm

SATURDAY

  • Marriott to Bardstown: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
  • Aloft to Bardstown: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
  • Additional shuttle that picks up at both Marriott and Aloft: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
  • Bardstown to Downtown Louisville: 3:00 pm, 5:15 pm and 6:30 pm

SUNDAY

  • Marriott to Bardstown: 10:00 am and 12:00 pm
  • Aloft to Bardstown: 10:00 am, and 12:00 pm
  • Additional shuttle that picks up at both Marriott and Aloft: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
  • Bardstown to Downtown Louisville: 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm

Accomodations

Where should I stay?

The Fairfield Inn of Bardstown and the Downtown Louisville Mariott are the preferred hotels of the KYBF. Additional participating hotels can be found here.

A complete listing of local accommodations, please visit Bardstown, Elizabethtown, Lebanon, Springfield and Shepherdsville tourism websites.

VENDORS & PARTNERSHIPS

I create and sell bourbon-inspired goods. How can I apply to become a vendor?

Applications are currently closed for the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. However, you can sign up for our mailing list to stay informed on deadlines for future events! Click here to sign up for our mailing list.

I operate a food truck. Can I become a food vendor?

Applications are currently closed for the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. However, you can sign up for our mailing list to stay informed on deadlines for future events! Click here to sign up for our mailing list.

Do I need a ticket to shop at the Bourbon Marketplace?

Yes, you must have an admission ticket to access the Bourbon Marketplace. You’ll find unique, hand-crafted bourbon items, gifts and more during your Kentucky Bourbon Festival Experience!

Other FAQ

When and where does the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay take place?

The World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay is an annual event where you can watch distillery warehouse teams race against the clock to roll and position multiple full, 500-pound barrels perfectly into a rick, presented by Independent Stave Company.  

This exciting and family friendly event is FREE to the public, open to ALL AGES and will be held at the Don Harned Little League Field (across from the Bardstown City Pool) behind Spalding Hall- just outside of the Festival event grounds- on Saturday.

**No ticket needed to watch the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay.

When and where will the Master Distillers' Bottle Auction be?

The Master Distillers’ Bottle Auction will begin at 2pm inside the Oscar Getz Museum located on the 2nd floor of Spalding Hall.  Items will be on display in the Chapel for viewing as early as 12pm.  Items include Prohibition-era bottles, bottles signed by Master Distillers, bourbon experiences and five signed bottles of the excruciatingly rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon ranging in age from 10 to 23 years.

**No ticket needed to visit the Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum or to attend the Master Distillers’ Bottle Auction.  Visitors who are arriving only for the Master Distillers’ Auction must walk around the perimeter of the Festival event grounds and enter through the side or back of Spalding Hall.  A ticket is required to enter the event grounds.

Are non-drinking tickets offered?

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival does not offer a non-drinking ticket option. We do have mocktail options available for attendees as well as our Bourbon Capital Bites area with the region’s best food trucks, soft drinks, and water. Ticketholders also have access to our Vendor Marketplace, live entertainment and educational sessions on the Main Stage. There are also a number of excellent restaurants and shops just outside of the festival grounds. You’re welcome to visit the Oscar-Getz Whiskey Museum, which is adjacent to the festival grounds. Every person must have a ticket to enter the Kentucky Bourbon Festival grounds. However, tickets allow unlimited re-entry to the festival for the duration of your pass by scanning your wristband, so feel free to come and go as you please!

 

Is smoking allowed on the festival grounds?

Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

For guests that enjoy cigars, reserve a spot in our NEW Deployment Cigar Suites by clicking here! 

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