From September 11–14, 2025, the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center will transform into a hub of music, bourbon, and culinary magic as Bourbon & Beyond returns to Louisville. Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP), the festival is part of the city’s largest-ever stretch of live entertainment, with Bourbon & Beyond followed by Louder Than Life (Sept. 18–21).
This year brings a newly expanded festival footprint, free amusement rides, and enhanced guest experiences that promise to make 2025 one for the record books.
The Bourbon & Beyond site expansion means more room to move, relax, and enjoy everything the festival has to offer. And for the first time, festival passes include free access to Kentucky Kingdom rides, including the iconic Giant Wheel Ferris wheel with extended hours for festival-goers.
Parking, Shuttles & Camping
Parking
- General Parking: $40/day, available in multiple Expo Center lots.
- Accessible Parking: Lot B (via Gate 1), first-come, first-served.
- Rideshare Zone: Lot G, above Northern Cardinals Entry/Exit.
- Hotel Shuttles: Running from The Galt House, Louisville Marriott Downtown, Comfort Suites Louisville Airport, and Best Western Premier.
- TARC Bus Service: Daily service to the Expo Center from downtown, with return rides starting at 9 PM.
Camping
- Early arrivals: Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 9 AM.
- General campers: Thursday, Sept. 11 at 12 PM.
- New location: Cardinal RV Campgrounds have moved to Lot W.
View full parking & camping details here.
Raise a Glass: The World Bourbon Toast
The World’s Biggest Bourbon Toast takes place on Sunday, Sept. 14 (4:40–4:55 PM EST) at the OAK Stage. Angel’s Envy Master Distiller Owen Martin will lead fans, bourbon makers, and celebrity guests in raising a glass of Angel’s Envy Triple Oak Bourbon. The event will also stream live via the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Music Meets Bourbon: Derek Trucks Joins the Celebration
A new multi-year collaboration between Grammy-winning guitarist Derek Trucks and Danny Wimmer launches at Bourbon & Beyond 2025. Their first release, Ass Pocket Whiskey No. 4: The Search, is a 10-year-old bourbon making its debut at the festival, with exclusive tastings and panel discussions.
Pre-orders are available now at AssPocketWhiskey.com.
The Fork & Flask Stage Curated by Kroger
The culinary heart of the festival is back, with live demos, tastings, and panels that spotlight both international stars and Kentucky’s finest.
Culinary & Bourbon Stars
- Hosts: Chef Chris Santos (Chopped) & Chef Edward Lee (The Mind of a Chef).
- Guests: Claudette Zepeda, Esther Choi, Anthony Lamas, Lawrence Weeks, Amanda Freitag, and bourbon expert Chris Blandford.
- Brands featured: Old Forester, Buffalo Trace, Angel’s Envy, Old Rip Van Winkle, Woodford Reserve.
Program Highlights
- The Firkin Podcast live with Redferrin.
- Family Cookin’ with Terry Bradshaw & Chef Noah Hester.
- New School of American Whiskey panel.
- Buzzed About Bourbon social media & branding talk.
- Actress Elizabeth Banks joins for Unscripted & Uncorked.
- Comedian Jim Gaffigan returns for bourbon-fueled comedy.
Full Fork & Flask lineup here.
Bourbon & Beyond Pre- and Post-Parties
Louisville keeps the energy flowing with events before, during, and after the festival:
- Sept. 10 – Showbarn Sessions Kickoff at Ashbourne Farms with Redferrin.
- Sept. 10 – Kickoff Dinner at James B. Beam Distilling Co.
- Sept. 12–13 – Official Afterparty at Crowne Plaza (10 PM–2 AM, 21+).
- Sept. 13 – Bourbon & Beyond 5K with Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg (8 AM).
- Sept. 13 – Mayor’s Bourbon Brunch & Bluegrass in Nulu (free, 11 AM–3 PM).
Final Festival Tips
- Wristbands are shipping now—register yours before arriving.
- Box Offices available at both main entrances for pickup with ID and order number.
- Explore city-wide offers through For Our Love of Kentucky, a partnership with Louisville Tourism and Live in Lou.
This article appears in Sep 1-30, 2025.