This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. Last year was a little bit different where events were held virtually, but now we’re back in person and everyone is ready to celebrate! And more importantly, we’re ready to drink some amazing bourbons. You’ll find more than 50 vendors, educational events, live music, and a variety of food trucks.
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival runs from September 17th to the 19th from 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 3pm Sunday. There are premium VIP events available to add on to the cost for general admission. Tickets are selling fast! So make sure to plan ahead and get booked for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Where else can you peruse an open air market full of vendors with a bourbon buzz on?
Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast is within minutes from downtown Bardstown and the location of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. It’s only about a 20 minute walk from our front stoop for those who want to imbibe our local spirit and avoid driving. Our Bardstown Inn is really the best place for any bourbon enthusiast, each of our 10 guest rooms are named after some of our favorite whiskey cocktails.
A World of Whiskey at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
You’ll find some of Bardstown’s biggest names at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. From Barton 1792 Distillery and Blanton’s to Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam, you’re going to taste some classic and impeccable bourbons. Grab a cocktail in the open air beer garden and enjoy the live music from local talent. The vendors offer unique wares for sale and you’ll love the selection of carnival food and more.
While the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is a great event to get to know the purveyors in the area, there’s also so much to explore on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This is an excellent way to fully experience Bardstown and beyond. The selections for tours and tasting is second to none in this neck of the woods.
Hit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Near Bardstown
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers so many options for touring and tasting at these amazing local distilleries. Thankfully, there are a ton of resources for finding the best route and itinerary along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. For example, if you choose to stick nearby, the Bardstown tour looks a little something like this:
- Heaven Hill Distillery: Known as the largest family-owned spirits producer, this distillery creates such lines as Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Evan Williams. The award-winning visitor’s center at Heaven Hill offers tours, educational information, and of course, tastings.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company: This local distillery and restaurant gives guests an array of options for bourbon-focused activities. Check out the cocktail classes, exclusive vintage whiskey tasting, or distillery tours. Grab dinner at the Kitchen & Bar for elevated Southern fare.
- Lux Row Distillers: This grouping of distilleries is great destination along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to taste an array of whiskey from five different brands in one space. You’ll find the likes of Rebel Yell, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath.
- Maker’s Mark: While this distillery is one of the sponsors for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a visit out to its home court facility is always in order. Take a tour, taste, and dip your own red wax bottle in the gift shop. They’ve been perfecting the art of distilling since 1953 and it shows.
Allow us to help you with reservations or recommendations for touring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We’re always happy to assist our guests! Additionally, we offer special packages with bourbon tours to pair with your stay.
The Best Lodging at our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast
As we mentioned above, we offer some amazing packages to add-on to your stay for bourbon tours in the area. These packages include a self-guided option with advice and routes or fully-guided tours with bourbon experts and transportation. When you’re booking your room with us, make sure to ask about these amazing add-ons that truly enhance your stay.
If you’re planning a romantic getaway to Bardstown, be sure to check out our Manhattan Honeymoon Hideaway. This is our largest and most private guest room, located in our charming Manor house. In this suite you’ll find everything you need for a restful vacation with your partner, including spa amenities, Jacuzzi tub, cozy featherbed topped King with luscious linens.
Start planning your romantic retreat and book your room today!
Bardstown Tourism, Main Street and the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce invite the public to join us downtown in the Bourbon Capital of the World for “Cheers to Bardstown”, a free event in celebration of our rich culture from Thursday, September 16th to Saturday, September 18th.
Cheers to Bardstown will feature live music, craft vendors, local food, beer, tastings, cocktails, shopping and more — no tickets required. Bardstown Tourism will have Bardstown Ambassadors on hand to direct you to all of the exciting experiences available. In addition to these offerings, the Bourbon Capital Community Alliance (BCCA) organization will provide information on expanded distillery experiences during these dates. Click the link for our music lineup, with information on food trucks, cocktails, tastings and more coming soon!
Many of our local stores and restaurants are extending their hours, menus and offerings for this special Cheers to Bardstown weekend. Come sip, shop and dine with us to try out all the new flavors Bardstown has to offer.
Bourbon Comes From Bardstown, and our distilleries are pulling out all the stops for city locals and visitors during the Cheers to Bardstown weekend celebration. We invite Kentucky Bourbon Festival ticket holders to come enjoy a selection of expanded experiences from our finest distilleries here in Bardstown.
The festivities continue all across our beloved city, with more special events to enjoy than just downtown. Don’t miss out on the fun!
