It’s that time of the year again. The time when the Bourbon Capital of the World salutes its favorite export. The 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, scheduled for September 13-15, is a three-day celebration of all things bourbon.
It’s that time of the year again. The time when the Bourbon Capital of the World salutes its favorite export. The 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, scheduled for September 13-15, is a three-day celebration of all things bourbon.
From tastings and tours to Miami Vice and Clue-themed parties, this year’s festival promises to be a great time for all.
If you’re in town for the festival (or even if you’re in town for something else), get in the celebratory mood with Thursday night’s (September 12) “Bourbon Hideaway of Federal Hill” bash at My Old Kentucky Home.
Although not an official festival event, it’s a fun way to kick start your visit.
Roll back the calendar to the year 1924, and join fellow flappers and top-hatted toffs as you roam the starlit grounds of the state park in search of clues that will lead you to secret spots offering a peek into our history (but watch out for bank robbers and corrupt coppers along the way).
If you’re not the adventurous (or curious) type, just roam the grounds and soak up the atmosphere.
The $65 price includes a flute of champagne plus two drink tickets, along with a spread of heavy appetizers and music that will make you want to Charleston or Lindy Hop the night away.
If you opt for a VIP ticket ($100), you will get all of the above, plus an opportunity to sample four allocated rare bourbons.
“For one night here at the Federal Hill Hideaway, every corner will hold a secret and every sip will spin a tale,” says Jeremy Riggs, park manager.
Now, if you’re thinking what could possibly top an event like the Federal Hill Hideaway, the answer is Friday night fun at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
Fast forward from the 1920s to the 1980s for the festival’s annual (and wildly popular) after-party. If you were in full-on flapper and 20’s mode the night before, this is the time to deck out in linen suits, tropical shirts and sockless shoes for Bardstown Vice, an homage to the television series that spawned a fashion and music revolution.
It may not be Miami and detectives Crockett and Tubbs may not be there, but everyone else will – sampling the finest whiskies from both Bardstown Bourbon Company and Owensboro’s Green River Distilling Co.
Executive chef Stu Plush will be there with a curated menu of light bites and elevated cocktails, as will disc jockey 100 Proof with his playlist of smooth jazz and assorted sounds.
FYI: This event is usually a sellout, and as of press time, it is again sold out this year.
Just so you’ll know that we’re not all play and no work, this year’s festival will have workshops and panel discussions for those who are studious about their bourbon, as well as opportunities for attendees to meet Master Distillers, industry leaders and spirits writers.
Some 60 distilleries will be at this year’s festival pouring samples of the most sought- after brands, and more than 40 vendors will have booths in the Bourbon Marketplace. Food trucks, a Bourbon Bar and Cocktail Lounge and Cigar Lounge will add to the ambiance and provide even more places to stop in and sample your favorite spirit.
But if the Kentucky Bourbon Festival starts with a party, you know it has to end with one – and what a party.
The finale on Saturday night, September 14th will be the 4th annual Cheers to Bardstown. Open free to the public, this event invites locals and visitors to experience downtown coming alive in a way it only does in September.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until midnight, downtown will be a giant street party. Ten food trucks and 18 vendors will be set up; bartenders will be dispensing four specialty cocktails along with bourbon and beer, and cigar lovers will have their own lounge. Starting at 2:30 p.m., five live bands will add sounds to the scene.
“We are very excited to be hosting our 4th annual Cheers to Bardstown event,” says Randi Mouser, Executive Director of the Bardstown Main Street Program.
“Cheers is our way of celebrating our bourbon makers, locals, visitors and businesses and as a thank you to our community.”
For more information about the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, go to VisitBardstown.com.